The Fifth World Festival of Youth and Students in Warsaw [gallery]

A group of foreign delegates posing for photos; photo: Zbyszko Siemaszko/nac.gov.pl

A group of foreign delegates in a parade on Krakowskie Przedmieście street; photo: Zbyszko Siemaszko/nac.gov.pl

Delegates from foreign countries in Plac Zamkowy (Castle Square). In the middle stands a man in a jacket with commemorative buttons, the symbol of the International Olympic Committee, and the flag of Egypt; photo: Zbyszko Siemaszko/nac.go…

A group of delegates on Krakowskie Przedmieście Street; photo: Zbyszko Siemaszko/nac.gov.pl

A group of foreign delegates walk next to the Palace of Culture and Science on Emilia Plater Street. The Church of All Saints is visible in the background; photo: Zbyszko Siemaszko/nac.gov.pl

A group of foreign delegates in national dress, while playing with pigeons; photo: Zbyszko Siemaszko/nac.gov.pl

Two foreign delegates kiss on Plac Zamkowy (Castle Square). The rebuilt houses in Old Town are visible in the background; photo: Zbyszko Siemaszko/nac.gov.pl

A group of foreign delegates on Plac Zamkowy (Castle Square). In the middle stands a delegate from the Gold Coast, Emma Okyerewa Odoi; photo: Zbyszko Siemaszko/nac.gov.pl

A group of foreign delegates pose for a photo on Plac Zamkowy (Castle Square). In the middle stands a delegate from the Gold Coast, Emma Okyerewa Odoi. The reconstruction of buildings in Old Town are visible in the background; photo: Zbys…

A young man kisses a woman; photo: Zbyszko Siemaszko/nac.gov.pl

Decoration on Marszałkowska Street; photo: Zbyszko Siemaszko/nac.gov.pl

Opis

The 5th World Festival of Youth and Students was held in Warsaw from 31 July to 15 August 1955. The festival was meant to prove the superiority of socialism over capitalism. Youth from around the world gathered in Warsaw – coming from capitalist countries and developing nations. It was an opportunity for them to become acquainted with life behind the Iron Curtain, and for Varsovians it was a chance to meet people from countries not accessible to the citizens of Poland under communism. For the carefully selected delegation from the USSR and countries of people’s democracies, the festival was evidence that it was possible to have fun outside of official rituals. Varsovians and sight-seers from all over Poland were exposed to the brightly coloured clothes and relaxed lifestyles of the visitors. The festival contributed greatly to the events of October 1956. Photographs: Zbyszko Siemaszko. (wikipedia.org, nac.gov.pl)

Hashtag (topic)

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