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As part of Our Cultures, Our Stories, the Andrzejki Family Cultural Workshop will bring together women, children, and families in a culturally rich and creative setting. This workshop reimagines the Polish tradition of Andrzejki, historically observed on the night before St. Andrew’s Day, as a space for shared creativity, storytelling, and communal ritual.Location: Oakenshaw Community Centre, Redditch B98 7YB
Tradition & Background: Andrzejki in Polish Culture
The tradition of Andrzejki (celebrated on the eve of St. Andrew, 29–30 November) is rooted in old Slavic and folk customs, combining elements of prophecy, ritual, and social festivity. Originally, the evening was especially associated with fortune-telling and divination, particularly among young women seeking insight into their future, especially their future spouse. One of the most enduring customs is wax pouring through a keyhole into cold water. The cooled wax forms shapes whose shadows are interpreted for insight into the future.
Another traditional game is the shoe race: participants place their shoes one behind another across a room, and the shoe whose owner reaches the threshold first is said to “win” in fortune. Other divination methods historically included tossing apple peels to see if they formed letters, placing name slips under pillows, and interpreting dreams. Over time, Andrzejki has evolved into a playful, social occasion for people of all genders, though many of its fortune-telling rituals persist in lighter, more symbolic forms.
Children’s Workshop
Create decorative salt dough keys inspired by Andrzejki traditions.
Take part in fortune-telling games:
• Wax Pouring (lanie wosku): Melt wax, pour it through a keyhole into cold water, then observe the shapes and shadows for playful readings of the future.
• Shoe Line Game (wyścig butów): Line shoes from one wall toward the door, traditionally, the shoe that crosses first is linked to future chance and new beginnings.
These games are presented as imaginative and creative activities rather than serious prophecy, intended to spark story, laughter, and shared connection.
Women’s Workshop
Work with salt dough to sculpt and decorate ornaments or small pieces.
Share conversation, personal narratives, cultural memories, and reflections in a supportive environment.
Children and families are welcome to join mixed creative moments or observe as desired.
Throughout the event, we will weave in storytelling, shared cultural traditions, and the atmosphere of Andrzejki’s ritual past. Light refreshments will be provided, and all materials will be supplied. No prior artistic experience is needed. Young children require support or supervision.
Artist Facilitator: Maggie Stick
Maggie Stick is a visual artist, facilitator, and zine-maker whose work emphasizes storytelling, identity, and community-led creativity. Over more than a decade working in community settings, she has built practice around welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can reflect and create without judgment.
Her earlier collaboration with Centrala and Reimagine Redditch in a zine-making session invited local women to explore personal narratives and cultural heritage; the outcomes included honest conversation, laughter, and deeper connection. In this Andrzejki workshop, Maggie returns to guide participants through ritual, creativity, and collective expression, drawing on her commitment to art as empowerment.
This workshop continues the collaboration between Centrala and Reimagine Redditch, centred on including migrant voices, strengthening cultural ties, and creating spaces where stories can be shared, honoured, and transformed.
Funded by Arts Council England
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Oakenshaw Community Center, Redditch, United Kingdom
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