Wrap-up of the Witcher’s Day for the 35th anniversary in Poland
The Netflix tv series produced by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich without any doubt has won many people's hearts around the world. In the past popularized by the books and then video games, the Witcher is again one of the main topics that people talk about this year. On 17th of December the second season of the series premiered on Netflix. Yet, it was the day before - the 16th of December that got the attention of Polish people in their country the most as it was officially announced as Witcher's Day in Poland.
35th anniversary of the white wolf
The day of the Witcher proudly got its name due to the fact that on 16th of December, 1986 Andrzej Sapkowski for the first time submitted his first work about Geralt of Rivia for the contest. Even though it didn't win buit just gained a distinction, a few years later the other publishing house got interested in the story and decided to give it a chance. Today, as fans from all over the world, we may enjoy and admire his work by celebrating the 35th anniversary of that day. What is more, Andrzej Sapkowski was born and raised in Łódź, Poland. The city council together with Netflix and Nowa Fantastyka magazine in which the story appeared for the first time, decided to organize and name 16th as Witcher's Day.
How good do you know the Witcher?
In November, three organizators announced the national online competition which was about to choose 1000 winners who got invited for the prerelease of the season 2 (16th of December at 7.30 pm). Through the website until 10th of December, competitors had to answer correctly to seven out of ten questions about the Witcher season one and then in 200 words explain why he/she is the one to get the invitation. Except for the main prize, on Witcher's Day, there were smaller awards like hoodies or stickers or the unique anniversary edition of the magazine Fantastyka.
Smaller awards in Wither's Day competition
The unique edition of Fantastyka magazine
City Łódź becomes the Continent
Andrzej Sapkowski was born Łódź so it was not surprising that Netflix chose with the partners exactly this city to host Wither's Day. From 16th of December until 19th everyone could enjoy the city ride by the specially decorated witcher's tram. Next, in the main street of Łódź - Piotrkowska street, a witcher mural was revealed which is currently the biggest one in Poland. It covers three buildings and measures more than 70 metres high. It was made by eight different people under Jakub Rebelka watch. Last, but not least some passovers probably heard while going through the street a familiar melody in extraordinary bugle call in the street of Piotrkowska as to known Prząśniczka was added a short theme of Toss the coin to your Witcher that day.
Can I have Geralt, please?
In restaurants, cafes and for companies Witcher's Day turned out to be a perfect occasion to promote themselves and get the attention of the people. Since the beginning of December, clients of Bar a boo in cities like Warsaw or Poznan could enjoy their late, cozy evening with the glass of Yennefer, Geralt or Ciri. In another cafe, in Łódź, this time witchers from all over the way could stop by and order a Martin, Blizzard, Oriole or Cat in a form of witcher's elixirs. What is more, this year Oshee company which is a popular isotonic brand in Poland, launched a new campaign together with CD Project and run a series with the Witcher.
Oshee partnership with CD Project
Yennefer drink
Not only Wticher's Day got popular in the city itself but it went spectacular in one of the Polish complexes of electrical and electronic schools in Radomsko. They decided to celebrate it in their own way. As they were describing in the interview with the local newspaper, students were preparing for this day for almost 1,5 month. All the classes had special names from the witcher's world, during the breaks there were specially prepared statements announced to others and school rings were replaced by the melody from the series. Moreover, the students themselves came dressed up - some of them brough witcher medallions, some of them even Gwint's playcards.
Students from Radomsko complex school during Witcher's Day
One for Geralt, one for Ciri
Together with the approaching Christmas season, Netflix's marketing team came with an idea to create an Advent calendar which helped to await the Witcher premiere. It also was to promote Witcher's Day as it was sent mainly to Polish famous influencers and youtubers, e.g on their Instagram account pictures with calendar apploaded: matura to bzdura, karol paciorek, jdabrowsky. What is more, few of them (gfdarwin) went to Łódź themself and were walking through streets disguised by the witcher’s clothes.
GF Darwin with Witcher's Advent calendar
It seems like with the growing popularity of Andrzej Sapkowski saga the Witcher, Poland is expanding marketing of the series more and more. Compared to season one, this year with organized competition, Witcher's Day and city Łódź activities, the effort was way bigger. What is more, fans enjoyed it and thanks to Geralt of Rivia, it looks like Poland has gained a worldwide known superhero which everyone is proud of.
C.
