How it all started

The story of our festiwal is truly unique. It began during the COVID – 19 pandemic when long months of lockdown and isolation led many residents to start baking bread at home. In April 2020,
an international Facebook group called „Pozytywne jedzenie / Home-made food international"
was launched. It quickly became a vibrant space where Katowice residents and friends from all over the world shared recipes, support, and a passion for baking.

When public gatherings finally returned, this online community transformed into a real-world celebration. 
The very first edition of the festiwal took place on September 10-11 2021, in Zadole Park. It brought together local residents, bakeries, and culinary schools, alongside representatives
from various international cultures and religious communities – including Christian, Jewish,
and Muslim traditions. Visitors had the rare opportunity to experience and taste traditional breads prepared according to authentic recipes from Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Germany, and beyond.

The evolution of the Festival

What started as a cozy outdoor gathering has grown into one of the most prestigious cultural
and culinary events in the region, officially recognised with the honourable „Marka-Śląskie" (Silesian Brand) award. Held annually in the beautiful green scenery of Zadole Park, the festival bridges international cultures through the universal language of food. Each edition focuses on a unique culinary theme, bringing together representatives from our sister cities – including Cologne,
Saint-Étienne, Kosice, Ostrava, and Opava – alongside world-class culinary experts, writers and artists.

• The Early Editions: Celebrated for fostering community through traditional bread-making
  and local heritage, the festival in Zadol Park features international exchanges, artistic performances, and diverse culinary themes including herbs, fruits, and olive oil.
• The 2025 Edition: Expanded the horizons by exploring the perfect combinations of bread,
   olive oil, and vinegar.
• The 2026 Edition: Shuffled the menu by focusing heavily on the endless world of pasta
  and traditional Silesian dumplings („gumiklyjzas"). This edition featured star guests like Poland's famous food critic Robert Makłowicz, Italian food historian Luca Cesari,
  and the acclaimed poet and essayist Wojciech Bonowicz.

More than just food

Beyond live cooking shows, expert panel discussions, and open-air concerts in the amphitheatre,
the festiwal is deeply rooted in charity and solidarity. Every year, the incredible turnout of visitors goes hand in hand with a massive donation drive. Residents bring hundreds of home-made baked goods and preserves to support local organizations, such as the Katowice chapter of the Order of Malta (Katowicki Oddział Zakonu Kawalerów Maltańskich), proving that bread doesn't just feed us – it truly brings people together.

See You next year!

The ”United by Bread” Partner Cities Festival has truly become a beautiful tradition on the cultural map of Katowice. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our international partners, exhibitors, artists, residents, and visitors for creating such a warm and unforgettable atmosphere