Festivities and Traditions of Poland

On the eve of St. Andrew's Day, November 29th, Poles engage in fortune-telling traditions. Wax poured through a keyhole into cold water reveals one's future by the shape it assumes. A night filled with magic and predictions.

Celebrated on the shortest night of the year, June 21st, Wianki is a Slavic festival rooted in pagan rituals. Young women float wreaths with candles on rivers, symbolizing the search for love, accompanied by music and dance.

The day after Easter, known as Śmigus-Dyngus, is a playful holiday where people douse each other with water. Traditionally, boys would splash girls they fancied, signaling romantic interest. A unique blend of Christian and pagan customs.

February 2nd marks the Day of the Presentation of the Lord, known in Poland as Candlemas or 'Matki Boskiej Gromnicznej'. People bring candles to church to be blessed, symbolizing the light of Christ and protection in storms.

Krakow's Rękawka festival celebrates ancient Slavic customs each spring. Participants dress in medieval attire, partaking in archaic games, knightly tournaments, and trading. The festival's highlight is throwing fruits and sweets from Krakus Mound.

Dziady is an ancient Slavic ritual commemorating the dead, particularly seen in eastern Poland. Held multiple times a year, with the most significant one on November 2nd, this day involves visiting family graves and sharing food offerings.

On June 23rd, St. John's Eve, or Noc Kupały, is celebrated. Rooted in pagan times, it's a night of love and enchantment. Couples jump over bonfires for luck and search for the mythical fern flower, which blooms only this night.