Catholic holidays in Poland. State and national holidays in Poland

It's always interesting to know what dates are celebrated in other countries. After all, holidays are associated with the culture and traditions of a particular people. Some of them are also noted in our country. Others are characteristic only of a certain people. Well, it’s worth talking about the holidays of Poland - a country located relatively close to Russia, and whose inhabitants are Slavs, like us.

Officially a non-working day

We also have some Polish holidays. Naturally, New Year tops the list of such celebrations. This is actually an international celebration! In Polish it is called Nowy Rok. A wonderful holiday that is loved by many people around the world. Although for some skeptics this is just a change of the calendar.

By the way, in Poland this holiday is also called St. Sylvester's Day. He was a Roman bishop who died in 335. Then real panic began throughout the Catholic world. People believed that the end of the world was about to come. But the apocalypse did not happen, and from that moment on, December 31 is considered the day when Bishop Sylvester defeated the evil Leviathan, who wanted to devour the whole world, thereby saving the planet.

On the night of January 1, Poland does not sleep. All restaurants and cafes are open, loud, incendiary music is heard on the streets, and the sky is constantly lit up with fireworks. Besides, the end of December is the time of carnivals, dances and shows! Local residents hold round sleigh dances, parties on the street around bonfires, fry sausages over the fire, make sweet brushwood and donuts with jam. In general, they know how to celebrate the New Year here.

Winter celebrations

In general, New Year holidays in Poland begin on the 20th of December. Mass celebrations “start” on the 25th. This is the first day of Catholic Christmas. On December 26, the celebration continues. These days the locals do not work.

It is worth noting that Polish holidays have retained their originality. It is celebrated here on a grand scale. Traditions have not yet become obsolete. Many families still leave one seat free at the table for an unexpected guest. In addition, this is a tribute to those who left the earthly world and could not be with their family on the holiday. Families invite people who have no one to celebrate with. No one should feel lonely at Christmas. And before she starts setting the table, the hostess puts a little hay, which symbolizes the stable - after all, Jesus was born in it. And then - fortune telling. Each of the guests, without looking, pulls out a straw from under the tablecloth. Got a straight one? This means it will be a good year. Broken or crooked? Most likely, you will have to deal with some difficulties.

What’s also interesting: on the 6th (Orthodox Christmas Eve), the Poles celebrate Epiphany. That is, Święto Trzech Króli. Literally translated as “Feast of the Three Kings.” This is one of the oldest Christian celebrations, which is dedicated to the appearance of Jesus Christ and his baptism.

Christmas Eve

It is impossible not to pay attention to him when talking about holidays and weekends in Poland. What does the word "eve" mean to us? We usually use it in relation to the New Year. The day when you need to finish all the things like cutting salads, baking meat, buying gifts and everything else (many people even put up a Christmas tree only on the eve).

But in Poland, Christmas Eve is the main family holiday, which is called Wigilia. On this day, the family decorates the Christmas tree and prepares food. It is very important to complete everything before dusk - before the first star appears in the sky. Then the family moves on to traditional rituals, including the reading of the New Testament and the sharing of a wafer - a thin crispy leaf baked from unleavened dough - among all those present. Then - dinner. There are only Lenten treats on the table. And there are only 12 dishes, which symbolizes the number of apostles. A mandatory treat is kutia. Traditionally served are dumplings with mushrooms, pies with cabbage, fish, pancakes and jelly, salads, poppy seeds, vermicelli, boiled potatoes, dried fruit compote (alcohol is not consumed in Vigilia), champignons and mushroom kvass. After dinner, the family goes to the liturgy.

State celebrations

It’s also worth telling a little about them. On the first of May in Poland, Święto Państwowe is celebrated. That is, Labor Day, which has been celebrated annually since 1950. Here in Russia, it is also celebrated.

A day later comes Święto Narodowe Trzeciego Maja - the national holiday on May 3rd. This celebration is the most Polish. It was established in 1919, and then renewed 71 years later - on the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution

But that's not all the celebrations. When talking about national holidays in Poland, one cannot help but mention November 11th. This day marks Narodowe Święto Niepodległości. That is, National Independence Day. The memorable event of 1918 is celebrated every year. It was then that Poland was recognized as an independent state.

In memory

These are not all the Polish holidays that are worthy of attention. April 13, for example, was designated as the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Katyn in 2007. This is a really important date. Every year on the 13th of this month, the people mourn the Polish officers shot by the NKVD in April 1940.

Five years ago, another memorable date was announced - March 1. This is the Day of the “Cursed Soldiers”. Since 2011, every first of March, people remember the young military personnel who were participants in the anti-communist and anti-Soviet armed underground (40-50 years of the last century).

Also, when talking about nationalities and Poland, we cannot forget about the Poznan Remembrance Day of June 1956. It is celebrated on June 28 - the day when the first uprising in the entire history of the republic broke out in the city of Poznan, located on the Warta River. It was brutally suppressed by government troops.

Well, it’s worth returning to more positive celebrations. For example, January 21 is celebrated in the country, and the next day is Grandfather's Day. February 14, as everywhere else, is the holiday of all lovers. And (in 2016) - Catholic Easter. The country also celebrates Youth Day. September 30th to be exact. And half a month later, on October 14, all pupils and students congratulate their teachers on Teacher’s Day. Most often this holiday in Poland in October is sparse, unlike the winter months. There is another celebration celebrated on October 16 - this is the day of John Paul II. The date on which the memory of the great Pope is honored.

But the last month of autumn is full of different events. in Poland they start from the first number. 01.11 is All Saints' Day. In all churches and churches of the country, solemn services are held in honor of the date.

And a day later, on November 2, the Feast of the Dead begins. Or, as it is also called, Memorial Day. How is it different from the November 1st holiday? Because on Memorial Day, they primarily remember deceased relatives and friends.

And on November 30, St. Andrew's Day is celebrated. In the evening, on the eve of the holiday, November 29, people gather for traditional fortune telling.

Easter

This is another significant holiday in Poland. Celebrated on the first Sunday after the spring full moon. In Poland, this celebration is called Wielka Noc, which literally translates as “great night.” On pre-holiday days, fairs are held - with an abundance of Easter pastries, bread and meat products (shreds, pates, saltisons, bacon, rolls, etc.). Before going to the church, the Poles collect a “welkanocna” basket, where they put colored eggs, sausage, shank, yeast granny, “lamb” (butter or sugar) and vinegar.

Also in Poland, the 7th Sunday after Easter is celebrated, which is the first day of Pentecost and the 9th Thursday after it. This is the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.

What else is worth knowing?

As one might already understand, in Poland they love holidays and know how to celebrate them - be they national, state or religious.

Finally, it is worth noting the fact that all significant dates are determined by the law “On Non-Working Days” of January 18, 1951 and the resolutions of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland.

And yet, in 2007, a provision was officially adopted prohibiting trading during thirteen holidays. Of these, 3 are state-owned, and the rest are religious.

The fact is that in Poland, trading on holidays is prohibited at the legislative level and now on Sundays with rare exceptions. Exceptions include gas stations and pharmacies. Also, trading on holidays can be carried out by companies consisting of one person (that is, when in fact the owner himself is behind the counter), or by those stores that have a special form of contract with their employees.

In fact, this means that only very rare shops are open, which are basically someone's small family business. Pharmacies, although they fall under the exception, are also rarely open.

Therefore, you should know about holidays and weekends in advance and plan your time accordingly.

So, the days free from work in Poland are:

1st of January - New Year
6th January - Feast of the Three Kings
April 12 First day of Easter Easter (movable holiday)
April 13 Second day of Easter(movable holiday)
1st of May- Public holiday (as it is called in the law, and its more common name is Workers' Day)
May 3- National holiday May 3 ( Constitution day)
May 31First day of Green Christmastide (Descent of the Holy Spirit. Movable holiday)
June 11 Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (movable holiday)
August 15 - Polish Army Day and Ascension of the Virgin Mary
Nov. 1 - All Saints' Day
11th of November - Independence Day
December 25- first day Christmas
December 26- second day of Christmas

Public holidays in 2020 in Poland:

1st of January- New Year, Holy Mother of the Lord
6th January- Feast of the Three Kings
12th of April- First day of Easter
April 13- Second day of Easter
1st of May- State Labor Day (as it is called in the law, and its more common name is Workers’ Day)
May 3- National holiday May 3, Constitution Day of Poland
May 31- First day of Green Christmastide, Descent of the Holy Spirit
June 11- Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ
August 15- Day of the Polish Army and Ascension of the Virgin Mary
Nov. 1- All Saints' Day
11th of November- Independence Day
December 25- first day of Christmas
December 26- second day of Christmas

Sunday trading in Poland

Since 2020, Sunday in Poland means mostly closed shops. And if in 2019 there were relatively many “shopping Sundays,” then in 2020 stores are almost always closed. In 2021, it is planned to make all Sundays non-working in trade. In previous years, it made sense to create a list of non-working Sundays. Now the reverse list makes sense – when stores will be open. There will be only seven such resurrections in the coming year.

When are shops open on Sundays in Poland in 2020:

January

April

June

August

December

The remaining Sundays in 2020 in Poland are Non-trading (free from trade) on these days almost all stores are closed!

This list is worth keeping in mind in light of the above-mentioned non-working days, which are associated with national holidays, because not only food stores are closed, but also, sometimes, shopping centers. Many employees plan “unused vacation” for the long weekend, which makes the situation worse. During the Christmas holidays 2019-2020, the “long weekend” spoiled a lot of nerves for tourists who went to Poland for the New Year holidays.

By the way, if we find ourselves in such a situation and want to make purchases in Poland on Sunday, then we will be able to do this in franchise stores, for example Żabka. But that's not all. In addition, in Poland, on Sundays, Carrefour Express operates, shops that are located at railway stations, and in some cases at bus stations. There are also pharmacies, restaurants, cafes and bars, and traditionally gas stations.

Holidays and events in Poland 2020: the most important festivals and highlights, national holidays and events in Poland. Photos and videos, descriptions, reviews and timings.

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The history of Poland is rich in events, many of which are reflected in numerous holidays. Poles begin to celebrate the New Year on the evening of December 31st, with family or in the company of friends; fireworks and champagne at midnight are traditional here. On January 6, Catholic Epiphany begins, and on the walls of houses the abbreviations “KMV” appear on the first letters of the names of the Magi and the current year.

Poles have great respect for the concept of family and do not forget their relatives. On Grandmother's Day, January 21, grandchildren always visit their grandmothers, give them flowers and gifts, and congratulate their grandfathers the very next day, January 22, Grandfather's Day. At the end of spring, on May 26, all children congratulate the closest and dearest person - after all, this is the date listed on the calendar as Mother’s Day.

Poles have great respect for the concept of family and do not forget their relatives. On Grandmother's Day, January 21, grandchildren always visit their grandmothers, give them flowers and gifts, and congratulate their grandfathers the very next day.

The most tender, most reverent holidays begin at the end of winter. On February 14, all lovers congratulate each other on Valentine's Day, and on March 8, when tulips and daffodils begin to bloom, International Women's Day begins. Somewhat later, the Poles celebrate Easter, and the celebrations last for 2 days. The Sunday table is not complete without Easter, eggs, meat, sausage and horseradish.

On the second day - “Wet Monday” - people pour water on acquaintances and passers-by on the street and in transport, this is a kind of wish for health and good luck. Staying dry is a bad omen.

On April 1, Poles take great pleasure in making fun of each other, celebrating April Fool's Day. However, there are many memorable dates in Poland associated with historical events, some of which are far from joyful. Every year on January 27, Poland honors the memory of the victims of concentration camps (it was on this day in 1945 that Soviet troops liberated the prisoners of Auschwitz), after a general minute of silence, flowers are laid at the memorials. And on May 8, Victory Day is celebrated with military parades, but in Poland it is a working day.

The Constitution Day on May 3 is one of the main national holidays. Prayers are held in the cathedrals, followed by numerous concerts in the evening. On August 15, an equally important event occurs - the Polish Army Feast, a military parade takes place on Warsaw Square, exhibitions, rallies, music and dance performances are organized. This same day is known as the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. On All Saints' Day, November 2, the memory of the dead is honored and the graves are decorated with chrysanthemums.

On November 11, Poland celebrates Independence Day, the holiday is accompanied by the raising of flags, a military parade and folk festivities.

On the night of November 29 to 30, Andrzejki celebrates - Andrei's Name Day, on this night they usually do fortune telling - analogies with our Christmas fortune telling.

Children receive New Year's gifts much earlier - on St. Nicholas Day on December 6, and it is he who puts the gifts under the pillow. And on Christmas Eve, December 24, families gather at the festive table and congratulate each other; the main decoration of the house is a decorated spruce. Interestingly, the table is usually Lenten, meat dishes and sweet pies appear on Christmas Day on December 25th. The last day of the year is called St. Sylvester's Day here and is celebrated with masquerades and noisy parties.

Every year, Poland celebrates a lot of holidays, both national and religious, which undoubtedly brighten the lives of citizens and guests of the state.

Naturally, every visitor should know about the most important celebrations, as well as the main weekends and rules for celebrating important dates. Let's look into this issue so that, while in Poland, you can fully enjoy its beautiful celebrations.

Polish holidays - general information

Poland has a number of major public holidays that have fixed dates. This is January 1, which is called here not just the New Year holiday, but Sylvester Day, May 1 (here it has nothing in common with the Workers' Day, traditionally celebrated in the CIS countries and is simply called a public holiday), May 3 is the day celebrated in honor of the Constitution 1791, January 6th - Feast of the Three Kings.

Poles also celebrate the day of independence from Russia, Austria, and Prussia, which falls on November 11. These holidays are the main ones.

However, migrants going here should also know about other holidays in Poland itself, since they may be asked about them during an interview on the Pole’s card. These are included here. Mother's Day - May 26, May 2 - Flag Day, May 8 - Victory Day.

They also celebrate March 8, February 14, June 1, and some other dates that are familiar to different cultures. There is also Teacher's Day, which is celebrated on October 14th. But March 21 is considered the only date when students are allowed to skip school, and they are not punished for this.

These are not days off, but you should still understand them.

The most important Polish holidays can rightfully be considered Christmas, which falls on December 25-26, Easter, Epiphany Day, Corpus Christi (all three dates are determined individually in each year and depend on the day on which Easter will be scheduled), as well as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is celebrated on August 15, All Saints Day (Dziady) - November 1. On these days, masses in local churches are very magnificent; the dates are considered non-working for the entire population.

Almost all celebrations in Poland, be they national or religious, are celebrated strictly according to tradition. At this time, business life even in the largest cities like Krakow and Warsaw comes to a standstill (unless, of course, a public holiday falls on this date).

On the eve of the celebration itself, cities are decorated, special fairs and, of course, sales are held, especially before Christmas. Also, depending on the theme of the holiday, before it you can buy appropriate home decor or souvenirs.

Almost all religious celebrations are held quite magnificently in churches. But this is where the mass part of the festivities, as a rule, stops. Further, Poles celebrate certain days with families, although sometimes thematic festivals are organized in the country, but often not on the day of the holiday itself, but on the eve.

They will definitely be able to introduce you to all the delights of local festivities and provide an unforgettable, very fun holiday in this country.

At most national festivals dedicated to various special events in Poland, foreigners are allowed and even invited to participate. Usually such visitors are invited as guests of the event. You can get to especially noisy festivals and celebrations with tickets.

But traditional Polish fairs and festivities, for example, at Christmas, will not require this. You can also attend religious services completely freely.

Foreigners are also involved here in celebrations and as organizers. Representatives of charitable foundations, as well as persons collaborating with this country in the field of culture, can count on this. Such guests are usually invited in advance and provided with all the necessary conditions for a comfortable stay.

Weekends and non-working days in Poland 2018-2019

In addition to the usual Saturdays and Sundays for CIS residents, which are weekends in Poland, there are also several national non-working days. In addition to January 1, it is also November 1, December 25-26 (Christmas), May 1 and 3, November 11 in 2018, January 6, March 27 and 28 (Easter 2018), as well as May 15 - Epiphany Day, May 25 and August 15.

On non-working days, all small and large shops in Poland are closed, trading is considered illegal. Almost all of the holidays presented, except for some Catholic ones, will be repeated in 2018.

Remember this and do not plan any important matters related to visiting various authorities here, as well as shopping, on such dates.

Better give in to the general bustle and fun, and you can receive the most valuable gift from this country - wonderful impressions of local celebrations and the opportunity to have fun with the locals, who are especially friendly on such dates.

Poland has a number of major public holidays that have fixed dates. This is January 1, which is called here not just the New Year holiday, but Sylvester Day, May 1 (here it has nothing in common with the Workers' Day, traditionally celebrated in the CIS countries and is simply called a public holiday), May 3 is the day celebrated in honor of the Constitution 1791, January 6 - the holiday of the Three Kings, the day of independence from Russia, Austria, Prussia, which is celebrated on November 11.

They also celebrate March 8, February 14, June 1, and some other dates that are familiar to different cultures. There is also Teacher's Day, which is celebrated on October 14th. But March 21 is considered the only date when students are allowed to skip school, and they are not punished for this.

Holidays and traditions of Poland

January 1, Nowy Rok (NEW YEAR'S DAY)

Unlike Christmas, New Year is no longer necessarily a family holiday; young people are already having fun in restaurants, hotels, holiday homes, and more recently in the squares and streets of large cities.

The time that starts from the New Year and lasts until Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent) is carnival. This is the time of balls, dancing, sleigh rides and various fun. The last week of the carnival opens with Maundy Thursday (Fat Thursday), on these days donuts and favorki are eaten in every house, as well as all kinds of delicacies cooked in fat.

January 6 Trzech Króli - Three Kings Day

Three Kings Day is a public holiday in Poland. This is one of the main Catholic holidays, celebrated in honor of the arrival of 3 wise men or kings - Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar after the birth of Jesus to greet him and bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Parades are often held in cities with the participation of three symbolic kings on camels.

At the beginning of January, on the doors of some houses they write in chalk C+B+M or K+B+M and the corresponding year, which means the names of the three wise men or the expression “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” - “May Jesus bless this house.”

Lent

Since Ash Wednesday, i.e. The forty-day Great Lent begins with the ritual of sprinkling ashes on the heads of believers. It precedes the most significant holiday of Christians - Easter, i.e. the day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Easter is a holiday that is not tied to any specific day on the calendar. Poles celebrate it on the first Sunday after the first spring full moon in the period from March 22 to April 25. The last Sunday of Lent is called Palm Sunday (Palm Sunday). On Palm Sunday, palm branches are blessed in memory of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. After Palm Sunday comes Great Week. Maundy Thursday is the day of remembrance of the Last Supper and Holy Communion, Good Friday is the day of the crucifixion of Christ and the day of mourning in the church. On this day, believers come to the church to the tomb of Christ. Prayers at the graves last all night, as well as on Holy Saturday.

Wielkanoc and Śmigus Dyngus (Easter and next Monday)

Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring (March/April). Easter celebrations begin on Saturday, when food brought in baskets to churches by believers is blessed with holy water. Sharing blessed eggs with each other on Sunday morning is a national tradition.

Beautifully decorated baskets are prepared in which Easter eggs, sausage, bread and salt are placed. Cooking Easter eggs is an old folk custom. Each region of Poland has its own technique and style of painting eggs. It must be admitted that some of the Easter eggs are real works of folk art. After the food is blessed, it can be eaten.

Easter Sunday for the Church is a great holiday of resurrection. After morning mass, the faithful go home for the so-called Easter breakfast, which begins with the division of a blessed egg. Everyone says wishes to each other and sits down at the laid table, on which there are beautifully decorated plates with all kinds of meat and sausages, as well as salads and, of course, Easter eggs. For dessert they serve Easter Babas, Mazurkas and Syrniki, which are also called Easter.

Easter Monday (Wet Monday) is also a public holiday. On Easter Monday there is a very ancient Easter tradition called "watering Monday" Śmigus Dyngus - the custom of pouring water on each other.

Green Holidays

Green Holidays are a moving holiday. Its date depends on the date of Easter and usually falls in May or early June. In the Catholic Church this is the feast of the Apparition of the Holy Spirit. However, in folk traditions, the symbol of this holiday is lush greenery. Houses are decorated with green branches and Calamus flowers. This custom is observed mainly in villages, but in cities, unfortunately, it is forgotten. Green holidays are also a time for playing outdoors.

Boże Ciało (God's body)

Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, or Corpus Christi.

Corpus Christi is always celebrated on Thursday of the ninth week after Easter (May/June), eleven days after the Green Feasts. Believers, together with the church servants, are preparing four altars in memory of the four evangelists. Altars are erected behind the church, in squares. In most cases, the initiative to prepare the altar is taken by, for example, a group of students, artisans, etc. The main symbol of the Corpus Christi holiday is one colorful procession, which consists of a crowd of believers. Some of the most colorful and vibrant processions take place in the Łowicka Land and Kurpie, where the folk costumes are very beautiful.

On this day, processions are held with girls dressed in white, followed by priests. Large numbers of people still attend these processions.

May 1: Święto Pracy (Labor Day)

May 1st is an official holiday in Poland. May Day weekend in Poland is traditionally called Mayevka.

In Poland, All Workers' Day was first celebrated on May 1 in 1890. It was organized by the Socialist Party of Poland and was directed against the Tsarist regime. Over time, this day became a traditional holiday among the Poles. And when the Communist Party was in power, large processions began to be held in costumes and with posters. All Workers' Day became a national holiday on May 1 in 1950. Festive parades in honor of this day were held on a large scale, both in small towns and in megacities. In the capital of Poland, in the city of Warsaw, every year on this day the leading personalities of the Polish People's Republic came to the podium. Nowadays they no longer hold parades, noisy celebrations or draw posters; people mostly prefer to go out on such a day to relax in nature with their friends.

May 2 is Flag Day and Polonia Day in Poland

Flag Day in Poland first began to be celebrated in 2004.

Polonia Day, as well as the day of Poles who live in other countries, began to be celebrated in 2002. This holiday was introduced by the Sejm in order to highlight the achievement and centuries-long contribution of Polonia and the Poles for independence in Poland.

This day is not a day off.

May 3: Dzień Konstytucji (CONSTITUTION DAY)

Celebrating the anniversary of May 3, 1791, when the Constitution (the first in Europe) was proclaimed.

June 4 Zeslanie Ducha Swietego or Zielone Swiatki.

The Day of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, which in the post-Soviet countries is usually called the Holy Trinity.

National Day of Remembrance of the Warsaw Uprising

The holiday is dedicated to the memory of the victims and participants of the Warsaw Uprising, which began in Warsaw on August 1, 1944.

Not a day off.

August 15: Święto Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Marii Panny i Dzień Wojska Polskiego Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assumption of the Virgin Mary) and Polish Army Day

This is one of the main Polish Catholic holidays and at the same time one of the main state ones.

On the anniversary of the victorious battle of 1920 against the Russian Red Army, in a battle on the outskirts of Warsaw.

On this day, a solemn parade of Polish troops takes place in Ujazdowski Alleys in Warsaw.

Also on August 15, Poles celebrate the Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The main religious celebrations with the participation of a high church dignitary always take place in the city of Czestochowa, in the church on Jasna Guza (Jasna Gora), a place that is considered holy by the Poles and especially respected by the entire people. In this church in the altar there is an icon of the Mother of God, called the Black Madonna, which among the Poles is considered the holiest miraculous icon ever created.

To celebrate the Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pilgrims come to Czestochowa from all over Poland and neighboring countries. This solemn event is attended by dignitaries, as well as a huge number of believers, numbering more than 500 thousand. This is an unprecedented event in its magnitude. The cardinal's sermon, that is, his appeal to the people, is broadcast on television throughout the country. Throughout Poland, celebratory services are held with the participation of local authorities, and flags in papal colors are hung next to the national flag.

November 1: Dzień Wszystkich Świętych (All Saints' Day)

On November 1, most Poles visit cemeteries, the graves of relatives and light candles. In some cities, at large necropolises (cemeteries), streets are blocked and special bus lines are launched. In Warsaw, such lines are traditionally marked with the letter “C”.

A few days before the holiday, Poles go to the cemetery and clean up the graves and decorate them with flowers. On All Saints' Day, there are a lot of people in cemeteries who came to light a candle at the graves of their loved ones, as well as the graves of soldiers and famous people, which symbolizes the memory of those who have left us for another world.

The day before, November 1, Catholic countries celebrate All Saints' Day, followed in the church calendar by All Souls' Day, the official day of remembrance of the dead. In Poland, on these two days it is customary to go to the cemetery and visit the graves of relatives. This day is also called “zadushki” - from “dzień zaduszny”, that is, “day of prayers for the souls of the dead.” Polish Zaduški correspond to days of remembrance of the dead in different parts of the world, but in Poland the traditions of this day are observed more thoroughly and consistently than in most Western countries.

November 11: Dzień Niepodległości (INDEPENDENCE DAY)

On this day, Poland regained its independence in 1918 after 123 years of division between Austria, Prussia and Russia. As is the case with Polish Army Day, the Polish President, as well as members of the government and opposition, take part in a ceremonial parade on Józef Piłsudski Square in Warsaw, next to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This place once housed the Saxon Palace.

Poland gained its independence on the same day that the First World War ended, and also when the Polish state was restored again, since in the seventeenth century it was divided between the Russian Empire, Prussia, and also Austria. In 1569, instead of a Polish state, there was a unification of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the so-called Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. But by the eighteenth century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was divided between Austria, Prussia and Russia. They tried to separate her three times. The last attempt at partition was in 1795. At this time, Poland ceased to be absolutely independent.

On November 11, 1918, Poland's most famous leader, Jozef Pilsudski, assumed military power. So, this date became known as the independence of Poland

November 30 - Andrzejki

Andrzejki is a holiday that is celebrated on the name day of Andrzej (Andrey) on November 30th. On this day it is customary to tell fortunes. Young girls love this holiday because... There are many methods of fortune telling that allow you to find out when and who they will marry.

St. Nicholas Day

Mikolajki is what the Poles call this holiday. It is celebrated on December 6th. All children, without exception, love him, because... it is on this day that St. Nicholas comes (analogous to our Father Frost and Santa Claus). And of course he brings gifts.

December 24: Wigilia EVE'S CHRISTMAS

25, 26 December: Boże Narodzenie CHRISTMAS (first and second days of Christmas)

This is the most important of Polish holidays. On Christmas Eve, families begin to celebrate by sharing holy cloths (oplatek, something like a wafer), exchanging good wishes. Traditionally, people do not eat meat on this day. At midnight, many families attend Pasterka, a mass in the temple.

Holidays and weekends in Poland 2017

Weekends and holidays in Poland in 2018:

• 1st of January- New Year
• 6th January- Feast of the Three Kings or Epiphany
• April 1- First day of Easter
• April 2- Second day of Easter - Easter Monday
• 1st of May- Public holiday - Workers' Day
• May 3- National holiday May 3 - Constitution Day
• May 20- First day of Green Christmastide, Descent of the Holy Spirit
• May 31- Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ or Corpus Christi Day
• August 15- Day of the Polish Army and the Ascension of the Virgin Mary (Day of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
• Nov. 1- All Saints' Day
• 11th of November- Poland Independence Day
• December 25- first day of Christmas
• December 26- second day of Christmas

Please note that, as a rule, all large Polish stores are closed on these days.

Weekends and holidays in Poland in 2019:

• 1st of January(Tuesday) - New Year (Nowy Rok)
• 6th January(Sunday) - Three Kings (Święto Trzech Króli) - Epiphany (Objawienie Pańskie)
• April 21(Sunday) - Resurrection of the Lord (Wielkanoc)
• April 22(Monday) - Easter Monday (Poniedziałek Wielkanocny)
• 1st of May(Wednesday) - Labor Day (Święto Pracy)
• May 3(Friday) - Polish Constitution Day (Święto Konstytucji)
• the 9th of June(Sunday) - Descent of the Holy Spirit (Trinity) - Zesłanie Ducha Świętego (Zielone Świątki)
• June 20(Thursday) - Most Holy Body and Blood of the Lord (Boże Ciało)
• August 15(Thursday) - Day of the Polish Army, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Święto Wojska Polskiego, Wniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny)
• Nov. 1(Friday) - All Saints Day (Wszystkich Świętych)
• 11th of November(Monday) - Independence Day of Poland (Święto Niepodległości)
• December 25(Wednesday) - Christmas (first day) - Boże Narodzenie (pierwszy dzień)
• December 26(Thursday) - Christmas (second day) - Boże Narodzenie (drugi dzień)

We remind you that on Sundays almost all stores may be closed. The Polish store opening calendar for 2019 can be found here:

Long weekend dates (Długie weekendy) in Poland in 2019

In 2019 in Poland there will be eight long weekends (Długie weekendy). Of these, six are dedicated to major Christian holidays and two more to official public holidays in Poland.

1. December 29 - January 1(4 days off) - New Year, Holy Mother of God (Nowy Rok, Świętej Bożej Rodzicielki)
2. April 20 - 22(3 days off) - Easter, Easter Monday (Wielkanoc, Poniedziałek Wielkanocny)
3. May 15(5 days off) - Labor Day (Święto Pracy) and Constitution Day of Poland (Święto Konstytucji)
4. June 20 - 23(4 days off) - Holy Body and Blood of the Lord (Boże Ciało)
5. August 15 - 18(4 days off) - Day of the Polish Army, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Święto Wojska Polskiego, Wniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny)
6. the 13th of November(3 days off) - All Saints Day (Wszystkich Świętych)
7. November 9 - 11(3 days off) - Independence Day of Poland (Święto Niepodległości)
8. December 25 - 29(5 days off) - Nativity of Christ (Boże Narodzenie)

Weekends and holidays in Poland in 2020:

• 1st of January, Wednesday - New Year/Nowy Rok
• 6th January, Monday - Epiphany or Three Kings / Objawienie Pańskie (Święto Trzech Króli Trzech Króli)
• 12th of April, Sunday - Easter (first day of Easter) / Wielkanoc (Pierwszy dzień Wielkiej Nocy)
• April 13, Monday - Easter Monday (second day of Easter) / Poniedziałek Wielkanocny (Drugi dzień Wielkiej Nocy)
• 1st of May, Friday - Public holiday - the official name of the holiday (Labor Day - the unofficial name)/Święto Państwowe
• May 3, Sunday - National Day of the Third of May - the official name of the holiday (Constitution Day - the unofficial name) / Święto Narodowe Trzeciego Maja
• May 31, Sunday - Pentecost or Day of the Descent of the Holy Spirit / Pierwszy dzień Zielonych Świątek
• June 11, Thursday - Corpus Christi Day / Dzień Bożego Ciała
• August 15, Saturday - Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Polish Army Day (official holiday) / Wniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny; Święto Wojska Polskiego)
• Nov. 1, Sunday - All Saints' Day / Wszystkich Świętych
• 11th of November, Wednesday - National Independence Day - the official name of the holiday (Independence Day of Poland - the unofficial name) / Narodowe Święto Niepodległości
• December 25, Friday - Christmas (first day) / Boże Narodzenie (pierwszy dzień)
• December 26, Saturday - Christmas (second day) / Boże Narodzenie (drugi dzień)

Long weekend dates (Długie weekendy) in Poland in 2020

In 2020, it is possible to secure 6 so-called long weekends. To do this, in one case you will need to take one additional day of vacation, and in the other - two.

• January 4-6, Saturday to Monday. This is due to the fact that Monday, January 6 is a holiday.
• April 11 - 13 from Saturday to Monday - Easter
• May 1 - 3 from Friday to Sunday - Labor Day (Święto Pracy) and Constitution Day of Poland (Święto Konstytucji)
• June 11 - 14 (you need to take additional leave on the 12th - Friday) - Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ
• November 11 - 15 (you need to take a vacation on Thursday and Friday, 12-13th) - Independence Day of Poland.
• December 25-27 from Friday to Sunday - Christmas