The winter edition of the Warsaw Fantasy Fair (11/12–12/12) is behind us, the third one this year. As usual, it was a magical time, the atmosphere was amazing, and not only shopping was waiting for the participants.
I have been going to the Fantasy Fair for years, I got to know the event both from the organizational side and the participant. Each edition is unique and my reception of the event depends on so many factors that I am not able to choose my favorite one.
This time it was gray and cold outside the window, and sometimes there was snow. This year there was also a queue to enter, especially on Saturday at the beginning of the event, but it was moving much more efficiently than in the previous edition. Fortunately, some cosplayers weren’t prepared to wait long in the cold. Due to sanitary reasons, the cloakroom was unavailable to the participants. Inside, the temperature made it difficult to stay in the outerwear, and you had to be careful not to trip over jackets left on the floor.
The atmosphere was festive, there was a Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity stand at the entrance and a Christmas tree on the top floor, where participants could hang their own decorations. They could be made on the tables next to the origami method. On Saturday, the Fair celebrated its sixth birthday, there was a cake and a really cute dragon gift for the Dragon, the organizer of “all this fuss” (as he himself said).
Records were broken at this edition of the Fair. There were the most participants and exhibitors at the event so far. At 115 stands, things related to fantasy were waiting for fans in a sometimes non-obvious way. It’s hard to start listing, everything was mixed up and the enormity of the products seemed overwhelming at times. On the other hand, everyone could find something for themselves. Pins and other manga and anime gadgets were very popular. Independent artists whose art could be bought in various forms had their stands. Handcrafted jewelry encouraged, from steampunk goggles and watches to blacksmith bracelets and pendants to bone accessories that no modern witch would despise.
You could also buy items such as natural cosmetics, candles inspired by fictional characters (candles from KathLily are absolute masterpieces, especially the one called Slytherin), incense, logs covered with real leather or cute stuffed animals.
During this edition, meetings with fourteen Fantastic Guests were held. The authors promoted their books, you could hear about the process of creating computer games, and then about the amazing bond with nature. There were as many as four premieres during the Fair. Paweł Kopjer presented Sploty Destiny , the Silesian Fantasy Club an anthology entitled The Art of Losers , Mimi Noxa the second part of his dilogy – Bartender covered in feathers , and Michał Wójcik the first volume of the Sand Servant series titled On .
East Asian pop culture was dominant, but there were things inspired by Slavic, Germanic, Nordic and even South Asian cultures. On the other hand, the offer of consumable products was rather monothematic and very limited. I admit, the Fantasy Fair is the only occasion when I drink the famous Bubble Tea. There was a line to the stand with the popular drink throughout the event. Also on the first floor you could buy Asian sweets, drinks and Chinese soups. Fortunately, Bracka is in the center of Warsaw – during the Fair you can go out and eat something (you don’t have to look far).
Taking a break from shopping, you could sit at a table and play a board game or rest in the Relaxation Zone. When I got there, it felt like the pandemic never happened. Suddenly all the masks are gone. It can be said that breaking the rules of procedure is one of the permanent elements of the event. What would the Fantasy Fair be without heartfelt conversations on the evacuation stairs, group photos at the exit or an attempt to organize an illegal Belgian girl on the third floor?
The Warsaw Fantasy Fair is a great event to gather friends and plunge into the world of fantasy for a while. The main purpose of the event is to sell products displayed at the stands, but the atmosphere is amazing and the people who create it share their joyful energy. I was a bit overwhelmed by this edition due to the sheer volume of people and products. However, with my friends, I had a lot of fun. I will definitely come back to the next Fair, which is to be held in March next year.
