The Szczecin legend returns. Junaki celebrate the 80th anniversary of Polish Szczecin

On the first weekend of July, the streets of Szczecin will once again be filled with the sound of engines, which years ago were the pride of Polish engineering. All thanks to a unique event – ​​the International Festival of Motorcycle Enthusiasts Junak, which will take place on July 4-6 and will be one of the highlights of the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Szczecin's return to Poland.

The festival is organised by the Historic Vehicles Club – Szczecin, in cooperation with the Museum of Technology and Communication, and the entire event is held under the honorary patronage of the Mayor of Szczecin as part of the official anniversary events.

Junak is more than just a motorcycle. It is a symbol of dreams of a modern Poland, technological advancement and independence. It is also an important part of Szczecin's identity - the city was the cradle of Junak production, and its factory on al. Wojska Polskiego has been building not only machines, but also a legend for years.

The festival will begin on Friday afternoon, July 4, when participants – owners and enthusiasts of Junaks from all over Poland and abroad – will arrive at the event base at the Arkonia stadium. There will be a first meeting, a bonfire, dinner and an evening open-air cinema with archival photos from the history of the SFM factory. It will be an opportunity to talk to former engineers and riders who have been creating the motorcycle heritage of Szczecin for years.

The real celebration will start on Saturday morning. At 10 a.m., a spectacular parade of Junaks will set off from the Arkonia stadium – several dozen restored models, with a characteristic sound and shiny bodies, will ride through the streets of the city. Motorcyclists will visit, among others, the former headquarters of the factory on al. Wojska Polskiego, take a souvenir photo with the president of the city at the so-called Spinach Palace, and then stop at Wały Chrobrego, from where they will set off on the “Szczecin Brands Trail”. It is at this stage that residents will have the best opportunity to see Junaks up close – the motorcycles will stop, among others, at the Rybarex restaurant (where there will be no shortage of Szczecin paprikarz), under the Gocławska tower (with a tasting of pasties) and at the go-kart track on al. Wojska Polskiego, where a fitness test will take place. The whole day will be a combination of automotive passion and local flavors - with a retro atmosphere, conversations, photographs and many opportunities to meet people who carry Junak in their hearts. In the evening, participants will return to the Arkonia stadium, where commemorative diplomas and awards will be presented - including to the owner of the most original Junak, the most interesting conversion or the motorcycle that covered the longest route to reach Szczecin. The culmination of the day will be a screening of the cult film "Motodrama", another bonfire, and a unique night ride around Szczecin ending with a group photo at the "Szczecin" sign in Łasztownia.

Junak members will come to the courtyard of the Museum of Technology and Communication on Niemierzyńska Street twice. On Saturday, July 5, between 4 and 6 p.m. (high five with Junak), and also on Sunday, July 6. Between 4 and 6 p.m. – there will be an opportunity to view each specimen in peace, talk to the owners and tour the museum.

(dg)