A celebration of taste and tradition at Lake Ogórkowe

Over the weekend, the heart of Kalisz Pomorski beat to the rhythm of tradition, music, and cucumber passion. For the 20th annual Lake Cucumber Fair, the city transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural, culinary, and family events. This year's edition, unique in its anniversary year, attracted a record number of participants – both residents and visitors from across Poland.

The roots of this unique event date back to the second half of the 20th century, when the local fruit and vegetable processing plant used to pickle cucumbers in enormous oak barrels, which were then deposited at the bottom of Lake Młyńskie – now known, not without reason, as Lake Ogórkowe. This tradition, successfully revived in 2008, was added to the national list of traditional products. Today, pickled cucumbers "on the lake" are not only a local delicacy but also a symbol of community.

The focal point of this year's celebration was the barrel sinking and recovery ceremony – a ritual conducted by the local Volunteer Fire Department, whose members took on the role of cucumber chamberlains. Under the watchful eye of the elders, the younger members sank freshly prepared barrels filled with cucumbers, garlic, spices, and – in keeping with the theme of the festival – aromatic dill. Last year's pickled products, recovered from the water, were subjected to culinary tests and tastings.

"I never thought cucumbers could have their own holiday – and on such a grand scale! The atmosphere is amazing, and the cucumbers are truly unique," enthused Aneta from Wrocław, who was visiting with her family for the first time.

The event also featured a musical performance, with performances by Compromis, Oskar Cyms, Piękna i Młodzi, Varius Manx with Kasia Stankiewicz, and Małgorzata Ostrowska, among others. DJ Maki kept the crowd pumped up late into the night on both Friday and Saturday. Attractions included a flavor zone, culinary workshops, crafts, pickle competitions, and family entertainment. The symbolic "Kaliska Beczka" march, featuring miniature barrels, provided a fun yet moving element to the communal celebration.

"We were here four years ago and decided to come back. We've never encountered such warmth and positive energy anywhere else – it's like a celebration of taste and people all in one," says Marek from Toruń.

(dg)