The Zeitgeist of Urban Festivals in Poland on the Example of Lublin: The Evolution of Festival Concepts and Practices

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of contemporary urban festivals in Poland, with a particular focus on Lublin as a case study. The aim of the study is to present the evolution of festival concepts and their impact on cultural participation. The author employs the concept of zeitgeist as an interpretative framework to capture the distinctive transformations in festival practices. The paper analyzes four major outdoor festivals in Lublin: Night of Culture, East of Culture – Different Sounds, Carnaval Sztukmistrzów, and Re:tradition. The study is based on secondary sources, including research reports, strategic documents, cultural institution data, and press materials. The analysis demonstrates that contemporary festivals serve not only as entertainment but also as a means of shaping urban space, integrating local communities, and influencing the cultural identity of cities. A key factor in their development is the grassroots activity of the cultural sector, which is a defining characteristic of Lublin. The article also highlights the role of festivals in redefining cultural participation in the context of social and technological changes. The findings suggest that urban festivals are a crucial tool in cultural policy and a key component of modern city promotion strategies.