On 16 December, the Małopolska Christmas Aviation Gala took place in Kraków — an event of special significance for the regional aviation community. The Gala, organised by the Polish Aviation Museum in cooperation with the Kraków Aviation Seniors Club and under the patronage of the Marshal of the Małopolska Voivodeship Łukasz Smółka, became a unique gathering highlighting national pride in aviation achievements and concern for preserving the heritage of Polish wings.
The Małopolska Christmas Aviation Gala continues the longstanding tradition of annual aviator gatherings at the Polish Aviation Museum. After a five-year hiatus caused by external factors, the event returned in a particularly ceremonial format.
The Gala brought together pilots, designers, engineers, historians, educators and enthusiasts — people united not only by a love of aviation but also by concern for preserving the rich heritage of Polish wings. Participants emphasised that it was an opportunity for a meeting of generations and for strengthening bonds within a community that has been cultivating the traditions of Polish aviation for years.
Honorary patronage over the Gala was assumed by Łukasz Smółka — Marshal of the Małopolska Voivodeship, and the event, in its rank and character, became the Małopolska equivalent of the Warsaw Cumulus awards, presented annually at the beginning of each year.
The ceremony opened with the presentation of the Kraków Aviation Seniors Club standard and the playing of the Aviators’ March, which lent the event a solemn and symbolic character.
The official welcome was given by Tomasz Kosecki — Director of the Polish Aviation Museum, and Leszek Mańkowski — President of the Kraków Aviation Seniors Club, who emphasised the need for integration of aviation communities from across Małopolska and reminded that caring for aviation heritage is a duty and privilege of successive generations.
The next part presented a historical outline of aviation integration gatherings organised at the Museum in previous years, as well as the goals behind the event’s reactivation: preserving the memory of Polish aviators and designers, and appreciating individuals particularly distinguished in Polish aviation.
The organisations, associations and other entities participating in the first edition of the Małopolska Christmas Aviation Gala were also presented, showcasing the richness and diversity of the regional aviation community.
Special thanks for helping “reactivate” the Gala were directed to: Patrycja Tocka — Councillor of the Małopolska Voivodeship Assembly, and Anna Bałdyga — Councillor of the City of Kraków.
The most important part of the Gala was the presentation of decorations and distinctions, an expression of recognition for individuals and institutions particularly distinguished in Polish aviation.
Among the awards presented were Daedalus Honorary Awards, received by:
The “Gloria Aviatoribus” Medal was awarded to:
Medals of the Aviation Seniors Council of the Polish Aero Club were awarded to:
Additional distinctions were also presented by representatives of aviation organisations and institutions, including the 8th Kraków Air Transport Base.
The ceremony was crowned by a concert of the Galician Strauss Orchestra “Obligato”, which created a unique, festive setting for the event. Afterwards, participants were invited to a reception conducive to conversations, reminiscences and socialising.
The Małopolska Christmas Aviation Gala took place in a special year for the Polish Aviation Museum — the year of the opening of the new permanent exhibition “With the Wind and Against the Wind — Civil Aviation”, which additionally underscored the Museum’s role as a meeting place for history, the present day, and the people shaping the history of Polish wings.
The event confirmed that the Polish Aviation Museum remains a natural centre integrating the regional aviation community and a space where cultivating tradition combines with building the future.
The Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków thanks everyone who co-created and participated in this exceptional event.
Photographs by Zbigniew Łata
