To really know a country, you need to understand its culture. That’s why holidays are so important in everyday life and can affect how business works in different countries. Poland is like this too. Most Polish holidays come from Christian traditions. In fact, the Polish word for holidays, „święta,” actually means „holy days.”
Here are some details:
New Year’s Day
Although most celebrations begin on the evening of December 31st, New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st according to the Gregorian calendar, is officially recognized as a national holiday. Many will have stayed up all night, so expect shopping centers and most stores to remain closed.
While large public New Year’s festivities are a relatively new addition to Polish culture, they have gained popularity, especially in larger cities and in Poland’s winter capital, Zakopane. Visitors can enjoy open-air concerts, champagne toasts, and fireworks into the early hours, with some local authorities coordinating public celebrations alongside private events.
The Epiphany
Also known as „Three Kings’ Day,” this holiday is marked by Poles writing the year and the initials of the three wise men (e.g., 2023 K+M+B, after Kacper, Melchior, and Baltazar) in chalk above their doors. Though the holiday is deeply rooted in religious tradition, with people visiting churches to have their chalk blessed, more cities now also host processions where the three kings ride through town to a central location featuring a stable with the Holy Family, sometimes accompanied by camels. Thousands of people, often wearing symbolic crowns, follow in the procession, which concludes with carol singing.
Easter
Easter, like Christmas, is one of the most significant holidays in Poland, especially for Polish Christians. When placing orders or scheduling meetings, be mindful of this. Traditionally, Polish families prepare special dishes for Easter. Fasting is common on Good Friday, with herring being a popular dish that is served in various ways. On Easter Saturday, a basket of food intended for the Sunday breakfast is taken to church for a blessing, with hand-painted eggs known as „pisanki” being a central element. Following Easter Sunday, Śmigus Dyngus, or Wet Monday, is a public holiday where people sprinkle each other with water in line with Slavic traditions symbolizing baptism. In rural areas, this can sometimes turn into a full-on water fight!
Labour Day
This holiday, established to honor the workers’ struggles in late 19th-century Chicago, has a relatively short history in Poland, officially recognized since the 1950s when it was declared a state holiday by the Polish Communist Government. It remains a holiday today and is a significant political occasion for some parties, with small rallies celebrating the working class in larger cities. Since it falls close to Constitution Day on May 3rd, many Poles also take May 2nd off, creating a long holiday weekend.
Constitution Day
May 3rd is a crucial date for modern Poland, commemorating the proclamation of the Polish Constitution—the second oldest in the world and the oldest in Europe—passed in 1791, just before Poland’s final partition. Together with November 11th, it forms the foundation of Poland’s national identity. Expect parades, marches, and political and social events on this day. Many Poles take vacations during this period, often referred to as „majówka,” which spans from May 1st to May 3rd, marking the first signs of spring after a long, gray winter.
Pentecost
Pentecost, a significant Christian holiday commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, falls on a Sunday, which is already a day off for most businesses. As a result, it has little economic impact, and regular business hours apply on the days surrounding it.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi takes place 11 days after Pentecost, always on a Thursday. Although restaurants and cafes usually stay open, supermarkets and larger stores are closed. Visitors may be surprised by large religious processions in the streets. Since the holiday falls on a Thursday, many Poles take Friday off to enjoy a long weekend, which can lead to increased traffic and congestion, both due to the processions and short trips.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary / Armed Forces Day
This joint religious and national holiday celebrates two important events: the Assumption of Mary and Armed Forces Day, commemorating the Polish army’s victory over the Soviet forces in 1920, known as the „Miracle on the Vistula.” The day features nationwide celebrations, including military parades, while many Polish Catholics make pilgrimages to Częstochowa, home to the revered image of Our Lady of Częstochowa. Shopping centers, supermarkets, and most businesses are closed on this day.
All Saints’ Day
Unlike Halloween, which is becoming more popular among younger generations in larger cities, All Saints’ Day is a solemn occasion where nearly all Poles visit the graves of their deceased loved ones. Shops are closed, and cafes and restaurants operate on altered schedules. Heavy traffic is common, especially near cemeteries and on major roads. It’s advisable to postpone any work-related calls or inquiries until the following day, given the reflective nature of the holiday.
Independence Day
Poland regained independence on November 11th, 1918 after 123 years of foreign occupation and partition. This day, celebrating the rebirth of the Polish state is deeply cherished by Poles, who highly value their freedom and sovereignty. Governmental ceremonies and patriotic marches are held, particularly in larger cities, causing significant road congestion and limited public services. Most businesses are closed, so meetings should be rescheduled. While festivities are patriotic, everyone is welcome to join in celebrating Poland’s independence.
Christmas Day
Christmas is one of the most important holidays in Poland, both culturally and economically. Almost all businesses close for Christmas, and large family gatherings are typical, with people often traveling to their hometowns days before the holiday. Scheduling meetings around this time is not recommended. Public transport operates on a limited schedule, and while some businesses are open on Christmas Eve, their hours are typically shorter. Visitors can expect to see festive decorations, hear carols, and enjoy traditional Polish Christmas cuisine.
The Second Day of Christmas
The Second Day of Christmas, celebrated on December 26th, is integral to Poland’s Christmas festivities. Though it used to be more outwardly festive and less family-focused, it is now typically spent with relatives. Similar to December 25th, very few businesses are open on this day.
The usual start time for a public holiday in port companies is 11 p.m. on the day preceding the holiday and ends at 11 p.m. on the day of the holiday. However, you should also note that the working day often ends at 3 p.m. on December 24th and January 31st.
For more detailed information, please contact the agent.
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