Gdynia Maritime University GMU

The “Delfinalia” annual student carnival took place in Gdynia this weekend, 24 to 26 May 2024, for the first time since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The “Delfinalia is Gdynia’s version of what’s known in other areas of Poland as “Juwenalia” - a student festival held each year in May before the summer exam session, similar to other celebrations in student communities around the world.

Taking part in the opening of the event, also known as the South Molo Festival, on Friday 24 May, were HM The Rector of Gdynia Maritime University, and the Mayor of Gdynia, Aleksandra Kosiorek. The event was attended by some 13,000 people. Among them were Gdynia Maritime University students, local residents, and tourists. The organisation of the event was overseen by the student community at GMU.

The stage of this year’s festival was on Gdynia’s south pier near the beach in Gdynia’s city centre. Attractions included performances by Polish hip-hop artists, including Paluch, Smolasty, Szpaku, and Chivas, and the opportunity to buy a ticket to get on board the University’s research vessel Horyzont II moored in the quay. Once on board, visitors were treated to refreshments.

In addition to the entertainment and cultural attractions, there were also competitions, volleyball tournaments on the beach, and board games.

Official University merchandise was also on sale during the event at a GMU stall set up by next to the entrance to the Faculty of Navigation.