St. Dominic’s Fair in Gdansk

The St. Dominic’s Fair (Polish: Jarmark św. Dominika) is one of the largest and oldest trade and cultural events in Europe. Held annually in the historic city of Gdańsk, Poland, it attracts millions of visitors from around the world. With a blend of medieval traditions and modern festivities, the fair is a vibrant celebration of culture, crafts, cuisine, and community.

History of St. Dominic’s Fair

Year/Period	Event / Historical Milestone
1260	Pope Alexander IV grants the Dominicans in Gdańsk the right to hold an annual fair around St. Dominic’s Day (August 8).
13th–15th centuries	The fair becomes one of the largest trade events in the Baltic region, attracting merchants from across Europe.
Middle Ages	Features include trade in spices, fabrics, furs, ceramics, and handmade goods; as well as street performances and religious celebrations.
17th–18th centuries	The fair flourishes culturally and economically, despite regional conflicts and wars.
Napoleonic Era (1807–1815)	The fair is disrupted due to political instability and military campaigns.
Late 19th century	Decline in importance due to industrialization and new trade routes.
Post–World War II	The fair is not held for several decades following wartime destruction in Gdańsk.
1972	Revival of the fair by the city of Gdańsk as a cultural and tourist event.
21st century	The fair grows to attract over 6 million visitors annually, blending tradition with modern entertainment.

When Does Take Place?

Parameter	Details
Dates	every year Late July to mid-August
Duration	Approximately 3 weeks
Frequency	Held annually every summer

Location of St. Dominic’s Fair

St. Dominic’s Fair takes place in the Old Town of Gdańsk, one of Poland’s most beautiful and historic city centers. The event transforms the heart of the city into a vibrant marketplace and cultural space filled with stalls, performances, and exhibitions.

Key Streets and Areas

Area/Street	Description	Main Features
Długi Targ	Main pedestrian street in Old Town	Historic landmarks, souvenir stalls, parades
Targ Węglowy	Large open square near the city gate	Concerts, large gatherings, official opening ceremonies
Ulica Szeroka	Wide, popular shopping street	Food vendors, crafts, antiques
Ulica Mariacka	Charming cobbled street near St. Mary’s Church	Amber jewelry, art, gothic architecture
Ołowianka Island	Island on the Motława River	Outdoor stages, riverfront events, chill zones
Motława Embankment	Waterfront promenade	Scenic walkways, restaurants, street performances

What You Can See and Buy

Category	What to Expect
Handicrafts	Handmade pottery, woodwork, textiles, leather goods, traditional Polish crafts
Antiques	Vintage furniture, old books, coins, clocks, collectibles from various eras
Jewelry	Baltic amber jewelry, silver and gold pieces, handmade artistic designs
Folk Art	Embroidered garments, painted ceramics, carved figurines, regional decorations
Souvenirs	Magnets, postcards, miniatures of Gdańsk landmarks, themed T-shirts
Polish Delicacies	Smoked sausages, oscypek cheese, pierogi, honey, regional breads and sweets

Attractions and Program

Type of Attraction	Description
Concerts	Live music performances of various genres on open-air stages
Theatre Shows	Street theatre, puppet shows, and cultural performances
Parades	Colorful opening and closing parades with costumes, music, and floats
Street Artists	Jugglers, stilt walkers, living statues, magicians performing throughout the city
Family Zones	Areas with games, crafts, inflatables, and shows designed for children and parents
Photo Spots	Themed decorations and installations for fun and memorable photos

Food at St. Dominic’s Fair

Category	What to Expect
Polish Cuisine	Traditional dishes such as pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter’s stew), żurek (sour rye soup), grilled sausages, and placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes)
Food Courts	Modern street food zones with a variety of options — burgers, wraps, pizza, Asian fusion, vegan dishes
Regional Products	Local cheeses (e.g. oscypek), smoked meats, honey, herbal teas, jams, and baked goods
Gastro Zones	Designated areas with shared tables and shaded seating, ideal for tasting and relaxing
Sweets & Treats	Traditional cakes, ice cream, waffles, roasted nuts, and cotton candy

Atmosphere and Uniqueness of the Event

This Fair is not just a market — it’s a vibrant cultural festival that blends history, tradition, and modern celebration. The atmosphere is unlike any typical fair:

Aspect	Description
Cultural Heritage	With roots dating back to 1260, the fair is steeped in medieval tradition and Polish history.
Lively Streets	Gdańsk’s Old Town transforms into a colorful, music-filled space buzzing with life.
Art Meets Trade	It’s where craftsmanship meets creativity — artisans and performers share the spotlight.
Festive Spirit	Every corner offers music, laughter, costumes, and interaction — creating a joyful, welcoming vibe.
Inclusive Experience	Families, tourists, and locals alike come together to explore, taste, and celebrate.
Urban Celebration	The city itself becomes a stage — combining architecture, river views, and vibrant city culture.