In May, it's worth veering off the beaten path and visiting Hajnówka, where from May 11 to 16, 2026, the 45th International Hajnówka Days of Orthodox Church Music Festival will take place in the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
If you enjoy trips with a specific purpose, this festival can be an excuse for the whole trip – with Orthodox church music in the background and the tranquility of the forest. The Hajnówka Days of Orthodox Church Music combine concerts in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, meetings with choirs from various countries, and the intimate atmosphere of a Podlasie town.
Where did the Hajnówka Days of Orthodox Church Music come from?
Today's festival grew out of a local initiative. In the early 1980s, the Hajnówka Carol Review was planned. Martial law caused the event to be canceled – instead, in 1982, the 1st Days of Orthodox Church Music were organized. Eight parish choirs and the Orthodox Church Music Ensemble of the Warsaw Chamber Opera participated.
Over time, the parish choir review became an international festival. In 1995, it received the so-called "zero category" from the Ministry of Culture, joining the most important musical events in Poland.
Since 2002, the International Festival "Hajnówka Days of Orthodox Church Music" has been held in the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Hajnówka, taking the form of a competition, lasting all week, and every year attracting amateur and professional choirs from many countries.
What does the 45th International Hajnówka Days of Orthodox Church Music Festival look like?
If you have in mind the image of a "serious classical music festival" – it's worth revising that impression. The Hajnówka Days of Orthodox Church Music are, on one hand, very focused on spirituality, and on the other – surprisingly close to the ordinary listener.
In May 2026, the program will mainly include:
- an opening concert in the Holy Trinity Cathedral,
- several days of competition auditions featuring parish, academic, and professional choirs,
- a gala concert with the announcement of results,
- accompanying concerts in other towns of the region and additional events – exhibitions, meetings, cultural initiatives.
Importantly, the festival is open to all nationalities and faiths. In practice, this means that alongside Orthodox choirs, Catholic, Greek Catholic, and choirs related to other traditions also sing here. Orthodox church music becomes a common language – and you, as a listener, simply sit in the pew and listen.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral – a place with unique acoustics
The central place of the festival is the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Hajnówka – a modernist church that is hard to confuse with any other. Its distinctive shape and interior with icons create a space in which choral voices sound particularly strong.
During the competition auditions, you can enter inside, sit to the side, and stay for one performance or an entire presentation block. It's a good introduction to Orthodox church music, even if you had little contact with it before. You don't need to know the language – the emotions are understandable without translation.
The International Hajnówka Days of Orthodox Church Music Festival and Białowieża Forest – an idea for a multi-day trip
The festival itself is a good reason to drop by Hajnówka at least for one evening. However, it's worth treating it as part of a longer stay – for example, 3-4 days in Białowieża Forest.
What might such a plan look like?
- in the morning – a walk in the forest, a bike trip, or a visit to the Bison Demonstration Reserve,
- in the afternoon – return to the hotel, lunch, a moment of rest,
- in the evening – a festival concert in the Holy Trinity Cathedral or one of the accompanying events.
This rhythm of "forest during the day, music in the evening" well reflects what traveling in Podlasie is about – here, nothing needs to happen in a rush.
Where to stay? Enklawa Białowieska Forest & SPA
If you want to combine the festival with relaxation in the very heart of Białowieża Forest, you can choose accommodation with breakfast at Enklawa Białowieska Forest & SPA. It's a place with an interesting history – it was created in former military barracks, and today it's surrounded by forest on all sides.
The morning at Enklawa starts with a view of the trees, not the parking lot. After breakfast, you can reach the forest trail in a few minutes, and in the afternoon you can return to the spa zone before heading to Hajnówka for the concert in the evening.
On site, there's a restaurant whose cuisine draws inspiration from Italian simplicity but also strongly sticks to the flavors of Podlasie – on the menu, you'll find, among others, pierogi, dishes based on local products, and desserts that guests eagerly return for after a whole day of experiences. It's a good place for a longer dinner after the concert, when the festival choirs still resonate in your mind, and a peaceful evening in the forest lies ahead.
When booking accommodation, it's worth remembering that the closer to the festival date, the harder it is to find free places in Hajnówka and surroundings. If you plan to combine attending the festival with a stay in Białowieża Forest, it's better to plan everything in advance.
Why is it worth it?
Why even plan your vacation around the festival calendar? The Hajnówka Days of Orthodox Church Music combine several things at once:
- you immerse yourself in music that regularly accompanies services in Orthodox churches,
- you see choirs from different countries and traditions in one place,
- you get to know Podlasie from a side that a regular guidebook won't show – through singing, languages, costumes, and the faces of choir members,
- you have an excuse to look deeper into Białowieża Forest and allow yourself a few days of truly peaceful stay.
If you've been thinking for a long time about a trip near Białowieża, you can start with a simple question: what if you planned this trip around the 45th International Hajnówka Days of Orthodox Church Music Festival?
Frequently Asked Questions about Hajnówka Days of Orthodox Church Music
When will the 45th International Hajnówka Days of Orthodox Church Music Festival take place?
The 45th edition of the festival is scheduled for May 11-16, 2026. The main venue for concerts and auditions will be the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Hajnówka.
Is the festival only for believers?
The festival has roots in the Orthodox tradition but is open to everyone – regardless of faith or worldview. You can simply come, sit in a pew, and listen to choirs, treating it as a meeting with culture and music.
Is this a good idea for a trip with children?
Yes, provided the children can sit quietly for a while. During the day, you can take them to the forest, to the Bison Demonstration Reserve, or on a bike trip, and in the evening choose one shorter concert.
Where to find current information about the festival program?
The safest is to check the official festival website. There you will find a detailed program, audition times, information about accompanying concerts, and possible changes.
