“Polska Costa” is a project that responds to the real needs of the Polish community living in southern Spain – the need for visibility, integration, and pride in one’s heritage. However, our efforts are not directed solely at the Polish diaspora. We want Polish culture to be present in public spaces, accessible and engaging also for Spaniards and the international community of Costa Blanca.
What’s the goal of the project?
First – to increase the visibility of Poland in the local cultural landscape.
Second – to strengthen the identity and integration of Polish communities abroad.
Third – to create lasting tools for cultural promotion that will continue to work even after the project ends.
That’s why we chose local, multilingual, and inclusive actions. Events that engage, not just inform.
We organized an interactive “Discover Poland” booth during the International Festival of Culture in Jávea – with activities for both children and adults, including crafts, quizzes, music, and tastings of Polish cuisine. We also distributed bilingual informational materials about Poland, its history, and modern-day culture. Our goal was to present a diverse and contemporary image of Poland – one rooted in tradition, yet open to the world.
In Santa Pola, we held an exhibition of Polish artists whose works reflected the experience of living in Spain. We showcased Polish sensitivity and curiosity about the world – in a space not typically associated with Polish culture. For many, it was their first direct encounter with art from Poland.
In autumn, we organized a family picnic to celebrate Polish Independence Day. It wasn’t an official ceremony, but a community celebration – with music, quizzes, activities for children, and local food. We wanted everyone – regardless of origin – to feel part of the community.
Complementing our offline efforts is the newspaper Polska Costa, which we publish in three languages: Polish, Spanish, and English. It covers everyday life, migration, local initiatives, and culture. We reach thousands of readers across the coast – in both print and online formats.
The results?
– Hundreds of people engaged in project activities
– Increased visibility of Poland in the region
– Stronger bonds within the local Polish community
– Promotional materials that will serve beyond the project’s timeline
– A network of partnerships with local institutions – from museums to neighborhood associations
“Polska Costa” is a project that works here and now – but also leaves a lasting mark. In relationships, in knowledge, in the sense of belonging.
