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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Poland Series at PolishPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Polish holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 24. Crazy Slide. In Polish, it’s called Szczeciński Zjazd na Byle Czym. |
| In this lesson, we will move to the north of Poland, specifically to Szczecin, where an event has been taking place since 2010 in Gubałówka called the Crazy Slide, or sometimes called “Slide on Whatever.” Can you imagine what might happen during this event? Stay with me and you’ll learn about the wild side of Poles. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question- |
| One of the winter sports in Poland promoted during the Crazy Slide event is a walrus dip. The people who take part in it are called walruses. Can you guess what sport it is? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| Gubałówka, in Szczecin in north-western Poland, is a sports and recreation complex that's especially popular in the winter thanks to its promotion of winter sports, or sporty zimowe, including skiing, skating and sledding. One of the events on the complex's calendar is an event called Crazy Slide. It was organized for the first time in January 2010 and since then, its popularity has continued to grow. |
| The literal translation of the Polish phrase for this festival, Zjazd na Byle Czym, is “Slide on Whatever.” It is a sporting or recreational event, involving the individual construction of a vehicle that people use to slide down a specially designed slope, or zbocze. Prizes are awarded in several categories, such as 1-person, 2-person, and multi-person vehicles, as well as eco-friendly vehicle, movie vehicle or sophisticated slide. Special prizes are also awarded for the oldest and youngest participants. In addition to the competition, there are plenty of other attractions, such as frying sausages over huge bonfires, concerts, fireworks and the swimming of the walruses. There are also designated areas for skiing, skating, and sledding. |
| In order to win a given category, participants must demonstrate creativity, or in Polish - kreatywność, through the design of their vehicle, as well as in the costumes worn by the riders. You can expect a lot of laughter, because Poles can get very creative. Previous editions of the event have seen sleds such as Iron Man, a singer with a piano, a Roman legion in chariots, nurses on syringes, tanks, movable road works, and even a toilet! |
| Another contest is called the Crazy Photo, in Polish Crazy Fotka. To take part, participants must snap a picture of the event and send it to the organizers. The award is given to the craziest picture. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| One of the winter sports in Poland promoted during the Crazy Slide event is a walrus dip. The people who take part in it are called walruses. Can you guess what sport it is? |
| The walrus dip is the term used for when people go for a swim in the lake, ice hole or in the sea during winter. In Poland, there are many walrus clubs, which bring together lovers of this sport that has a very positive effect on health. |
| So listeners, how did you like this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| What kind of vehicle would you use if you were participating in the Crazy Slide? |
| Leave us a comment telling us at PolishPod101.com! |
| See you next time! |
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