Catholic holidays are significant markers on the Polish springtime festival calendar,and pagan festivals may be ob for fun. Film festivals and national celebrations also occur during Poland's spring season.
Palm Sunday Observation - March
Poland, a predominantly Catholic country, celebrates religious holidays according to the Catholic calendar. Palm Sunday, which falls a week before Easter Sunday, is observed all over Poland. Polish people cut branches of pussywillow, evergreens, or other plants that will dry naturally and hold their shape when placed by the cross.An ancient pagan tradition in Poland requires the drowning of the "witch" name Marzanna. Marzanna, in this case, is an effigy made especially for the occasion. This annual event is in keeping with the spring rites performed in other Eastern European countries that usher in warm weather and the beginning of the planting season.
While mass is attended by many on Easter Sunday, this holiday is also celebrated with the consumption of Easter foods, gathering of family and friends, and with
pisanki, Polish decorated Easter eggs.
April Fool's Day - April 1
April Fool's Day is celebrated in Poland with jokes, tricks, and costumes. This holiday is largely celebrated by children.Krakow Theater Reminiscences - April
The Krakow Theatrical Reminiscences is a festival of plays that has gained international recognition. This festival features both new and old playwrights and theater productions that address a variety of issues.Krakow Film Festival - May
Krakow's film festival doesn't discriminate against type of film. Animated films, documentaries, short films, and feature-length films are shown at this popular event.Constitution Day - May 3
This national holiday is celebrated with parades and other festivities throughout Poland. It follows another national holiday, Labor Day, which occurs on May 1st.Saint Stanislaw Festival - First Sunday after 8th of May
This religious procession is a site to behold. Religious officials of Poland pay their respects to the country's relics while parading them through the historic part of Krakow. Religious individuals join the procession as it makes its way through the city.
