| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Friday | Jan 06,2023 | Epiphany | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Feb 14,2023 | Valentine's Day | Observance |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | Observance |
| Saturday | Apr 08,2023 | Holy Saturday | Observance |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Easter Sunday | National holiday |
| Monday | Apr 10,2023 | Easter Monday | National holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day / May Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | May 02,2023 | Day of the Flag | Observance |
| Wednesday | May 03,2023 | Constitution Day | National holiday |
| Friday | May 26,2023 | Mother's Day | Observance |
| Sunday | May 28,2023 | Whit Sunday | National holiday |
| Thursday | Jun 01,2023 | Children's Day | Observance |
| Thursday | Jun 08,2023 | Corpus Christi | National holiday |
| Friday | Jun 23,2023 | Father's Day | Observance |
| Tuesday | Aug 15,2023 | Assumption of Mary | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Nov 01,2023 | All Saints' Day | National holiday |
| Saturday | Nov 11,2023 | Independence Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | Observance |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Dec 26,2023 | Second Day of Christmas | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Dec 27,2023 | National Day of the Victorious Greater Poland Uprising | Observance |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | Observance |
New Year's Day, known as "Nowy Rok" in Poland, is a widely celebrated holiday that marks the beginning of the new year. Poles gather with family and friends to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with festive parties, fireworks, and countdowns. It's a time for reflection, resolutions, and sharing good wishes for the future.
Epiphany, locally called "Trzech Króli" or Three Kings' Day, is observed on January 6th. This holiday commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus. It is a religious holiday with church services and processions. In some regions, children dress up as the Wise Men and go from house to house, singing carols and collecting donations for charity. It's a day when Polish families come together to celebrate their faith and share a special meal.
Valentine's Day, known as "Walentynki" in Poland, is a day to celebrate love and affection between couples. It's similar to the Western celebration, with the exchange of cards, flowers, and romantic gestures. Young people often use this day to express their feelings for their crushes, and it's a time when love is in the air throughout Poland.
Good Friday, or "Wielki Piątek," is a solemn Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of reflection and prayer, with church services focusing on Christ's suffering and sacrifice. Many Poles observe fasting and abstain from meat on this day. It's a time to contemplate the spiritual significance of Easter and the importance of redemption.
Holy Saturday, or "Wielka Sobota," falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is a day of preparation for Easter, marked by religious traditions and rituals. One of the most significant customs is blessing food baskets containing Easter eggs, bread, and other symbolic items. Poles believe that the food blessed on Holy Saturday is imbued with special meaning and brings blessings to their homes.
Easter Sunday, known as "Wielkanoc," is one of the most important holidays in Poland. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Poles attend Easter Mass, share a festive meal, and exchange beautifully decorated Easter eggs. The holiday also includes fun traditions like water fights and playful pranks. It's a time for joy, renewal, and the triumph of life over death.
Easter Monday, called "Śmigus-Dyngus" or "Wet Monday," is a unique Polish tradition where people playfully splash water on each other. This lighthearted custom symbolizes cleansing, renewal, and the arrival of spring. It's a day of laughter and camaraderie as Poles chase away the remnants of winter with buckets, water balloons, and good-natured splashing.
Labor Day, known as "Święto Pracy" in Poland, is celebrated on May 1st and is a tribute to workers and labor unions. It's a day of parades, demonstrations, and public gatherings to advocate for workers' rights and social justice. Maypoles are erected, and people dance around them, a tradition rooted in pagan customs. It's a time to recognize the contributions of the workforce to the country's development.
The Day of the Flag, or "Dzień Flagi," is observed on May 2nd and celebrates the national flag of Poland. It's a day to honor the country's symbol of independence and unity. Poles proudly display flags and participate in patriotic events, including flag-raising ceremonies and parades. The holiday reflects the nation's enduring spirit and commitment to its heritage.
Constitution Day, or "Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja," commemorates the Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791, one of the first modern constitutions in Europe. It's a day of national pride and celebration of democratic values. Poles attend patriotic parades, concerts, and educational events. This holiday symbolizes Poland's historic struggle for freedom and its commitment to democratic principles.
Mother's Day, called "Dzień Matki" in Poland, is a heartfelt occasion to honor and express gratitude to mothers. Families celebrate by giving gifts, cards, and spending quality time together. It's a day to acknowledge the selfless love and sacrifices of mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures. A day filled with appreciation and affection.
Whit Sunday, known as "Zielone Świątki" or Pentecost, is a Christian holiday that marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It's a time for church services, processions, and the color green, symbolizing new life and growth. Families often gather for festive meals, and in some regions, there are unique customs like decorating birch branches. A day of spiritual reflection and renewal.
Children's Day, or "Dzień Dziecka," celebrated on June 1st, is a special day dedicated to children and their well-being. Families and schools organize fun activities, outings, and gifts for children. It's a time to cherish and support the youngest members of society, emphasizing the importance of their happiness and development. A day filled with laughter and joy.
Corpus Christi, or "Boże Ciało," is a Catholic holiday that honors the presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. It's celebrated with processions, often featuring beautifully decorated altars, in streets across Poland. This holiday highlights the importance of faith and the spiritual connection between the church and the community. A day of reverence and devotion.
Father's Day, called "Dzień Ojca" in Poland, is a day to show appreciation and love for fathers and father figures. Similar to Mother's Day, families celebrate with gifts, cards, and spending quality time together. It's an occasion to recognize the important role fathers play in their children's lives and express gratitude for their support and care. A day to honor paternal bonds.
Assumption of Mary, known as "Wniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny," is a religious holiday celebrated on August 15th. It commemorates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken bodily into heaven. Poles attend church services, and in some regions, there are processions and floral decorations. It's a day of faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary.
All Saints' Day, or "Wszystkich Świętych," is a solemn holiday to remember and honor all saints and departed loved ones. Poles visit cemeteries to light candles and place flowers on graves. It's a day of reflection on the cycle of life and death, emphasizing the enduring connection between the living and the deceased. A time to cherish memories and show respect.
Independence Day, celebrated on November 11th, commemorates Poland's regaining of independence in 1918 after years of foreign partition. Poles take part in patriotic parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events. It's a day to express national pride, unity, and the country's enduring spirit in the face of adversity. A celebration of freedom and sovereignty.
Christmas Eve, known as "Wigilia," is the most cherished Christmas tradition in Poland. Families come together for a festive dinner that includes 12 meatless dishes, symbolizing the 12 apostles. The evening is filled with customs, including the breaking of the Christmas wafer, sharing wishes, and awaiting the arrival of the Star of Bethlehem. A time of warmth, love, and faith.
Christmas Day, or "Boże Narodzenie," celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It's a day of religious significance, with church services and nativity scenes. Families exchange gifts and enjoy a special Christmas meal. The holiday brings a sense of togetherness, peace, and reflection on the miracle of Christ's birth. A time of joy and gratitude.
The Second Day of Christmas, or "Drugi Dzień Świąt," is a continuation of Christmas celebrations. Families gather for more festive meals and spend quality time together. It's an extension of the Christmas spirit, allowing for more relaxation and enjoyment with loved ones. A day to savor the holiday atmosphere and create lasting memories.
The National Day of the Victorious Greater Poland Uprising, celebrated on December 27th, commemorates the successful Polish uprising against German forces in 1918. It symbolizes the region's struggle for independence and unity with the rest of Poland. On this day, events and ceremonies are held to honor the heroes and remember the historical significance of the uprising.
New Year's Eve, known as "Sylwester," is a lively and festive night to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. Poles gather for parties, concerts, and fireworks displays. The celebration continues into the early hours of January 1st, with dancing and merriment. It's a time for joy, reflection, and anticipation of the possibilities the new year brings.
