Read a bit about November holidays and important days in November celebrated annually in Poland.
All Saints’ Day
In Poland, All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 1, is one of the most important and solemn holidays. It’s a time for honoring the memory of deceased loved ones and all saints. On this day, families gather to visit cemeteries across the country, bringing candles, flowers (especially chrysanthemums), and wreaths to place on the graves of family members, friends, and national heroes.
As night falls, cemeteries across Poland are illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a beautiful and moving sight. The atmosphere is both reflective and peaceful, with many people spending time in quiet prayer and remembrance. This tradition often extends to All Souls’ Day on November 2, which is dedicated to praying for all departed souls. For many Poles, these days are a time for family gatherings, where people honor those who have passed away and reflect on the cycle of life.
All Saints’ Day in Poland goes beyond personal remembrance; it’s a national tradition deeply rooted in the country’s Catholic heritage and reflects a collective respect for family and the past.
Independence day in Poland
In Poland, Independence Day, celebrated on November 11, is a national holiday that commemorates the country’s return to independence in 1918, after 123 years of partition by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. The day is marked with patriotic events, parades, and speeches honoring those who fought for Poland’s freedom. In major cities, people attend ceremonies, lay flowers at national monuments, and fly the Polish flag. Warsaw hosts the largest celebration, which includes a military parade, and there are many local events as well, with people dressing in red and white to represent the national colors.
A culinary tradition associated with Polish Independence Day, especially in the region of Wielkopolska (Greater Poland), is the custom of eating roasted goose. This tradition dates back centuries and is partly due to the timing—November 11 is also the Feast of Saint Martin, which in Poland is celebrated as Saint Martin’s Day. Roasted goose has become a symbol of this holiday, especially in western Poland, where families and friends gather to enjoy the dish together. The bird is usually roasted and served with potatoes, red cabbage, or other seasonal sides. While goose is not as common as other meats in Poland today, the tradition is seeing a revival, with more and more Poles enjoying goose on Independence Day as a way to reconnect with Polish heritage.
Saint Andrew’s day
In Poland, Saint Andrew’s Day, or Andrzejki, is celebrated on the night of November 29, traditionally as a time for fortune-telling and magical rituals, especially for unmarried women curious about their romantic future. Rooted in folk traditions, Andrzejki has become a festive occasion across Poland, often marked by parties and gatherings where people enjoy playful fortune-telling activities.
One of the most popular traditions involves pouring hot wax through a keyhole into water, then interpreting the shape of the wax once it cools and hardens; the resulting shape is said to reveal hints about future events or romantic prospects. Another custom involves peeling an apple in a single strip and tossing the peel over one’s shoulder—the shape it forms on the ground is believed to resemble the first letter of a future partner’s name.
While traditionally observed as a women’s event, Andrzejki has evolved into a lighthearted occasion open to everyone, often celebrated with friends at home or at themed events in schools, cafes, and community centers. It’s a time for fun, socializing, and enjoying folklore that brings a bit of mystery and excitement to late autumn in Poland.
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