On 16 December 2025, the International Relations Office organized a special Christmas edition of the Intercultural Café entitled “Christmas at the Edge of the World.” This year’s event brought together intercultural integration, music, Christmas traditions, and an exceptionally creative artistic performance prepared by students from various countries.

The evening began with a warm welcome to the participants by Prof. Mariusz Głąbowski,  Vice-Rector for International Relations, and Ms. Magdalena Zawirska-Wolniewicz, Head of the International Relations Office, who addressed the gathered guests with heartfelt Christmas wishes.

The central highlight of the event was the music-and-theatre performance “Christmas at the Edge of the World.” The story followed passengers from different corners of the world whose Christmas plans were disrupted by delayed flights. The main theme of the performance explored the meaning and significance of Christmas in various cultures. The program featured many moving and energetic renditions of well-known musical pieces, offering the audience a wealth of emotions.

An integral part of the evening also included workshops on making pierogi and decorating gingerbread cookies, which attracted great interest and encouraged integration within the international community.

A unique symbol of the event was a Christmas tree created from suitcases and decorated with the flags of different countries—a sign of unity, cultural diversity, and community beyond borders. A jointly created chain of friendship, along with subsequent artistic performances, further emphasized the idea of international solidarity.

A particularly moving moment of the evening was the appearance of a Ukrainian carol choir, followed by a performance by bandura players who performed Polish Christmas carols. A symbolic highlight was the bringing in of the Light of Bethlehem, which, as emphasized, symbolizes peace, hope, and unity.

It was an extraordinary evening—filled with music, emotion, joy, and the true spirit of Christmas.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved in organizing the event and to the students whose creativity and talent ensured that this year’s Intercultural Christmas Café will remain in our memory for a long time to come.