City Life
Dzień Kobiet: Women's Day in Poland, from carnations to tulips
Dzień Kobiet on 8 March fills Poland with tulips and office flowers. The communist-era origins, why carnations are out, the 110-zł bouquet, and the etiquette.
polish traditions: articles for expats in Poland
City Life
Kolędnicy misyjni: Poland's mission carolers of the Christmas season
After Christmas, costumed children with a golden star knock on Polish doors: the kolednicy misyjni. Who the mission carolers are and what C+M+B means.
City Life
Walentynki: Valentine's Day in Poland and the city of lovers
Valentine's Day in Poland is only 34 years old - and florists' biggest day. How Walentynki arrived, the saint's relic in Chełmno, and how Poles celebrate.
City Life
Gromniczna: Poland's Candlemas and the thunder-candle of 2 February
On 2 February Poles carry decorated candles to church for blessing - the gromnica, protector against storms. Candlemas traditions and old beliefs.
City Life
Polish Name Days (Imieniny): What They Are and How to Join In
In Poland your name has its own holiday. What imieniny are, who hosts, what to say and what to bring - a practical etiquette guide for expats.
City Life
Buying a Christmas Tree in Poland: Prices, Traditions and Disposal
How much a real Christmas tree costs in Poland in 2026, where to buy one, when Poles put the tree up - and how to dispose of it legally in January.
City Life
Advent 2026 in Poland: Roraty, Wreaths and How Expats Can Join
Advent 2026 in Poland starts on Sunday 29 November. Roraty dawn masses, Advent wreaths, lanterns and shopping Sundays - a practical guide for expats.
City Life
WOŚP 35th Finale on 31 January 2027: How Expats Can Join
Poland's biggest charity day, the 35th WOŚP Finale, plays on Sunday 31 January 2027 for newborn health. How to volunteer, donate and take part as a foreigner.
City Life
Zaduszki: All Souls' Day in Poland on 2 November, Explained
Is 2 November a day off in Poland? No. But Zaduszki (All Souls' Day) still fills cemeteries with candles, wypominki prayers and quiet visits. What to expect.
City Life
Halloween in Poland: How It's Celebrated, Pumpkin Farms and Dziady
Halloween is an ordinary workday in Poland, but pumpkin farms, costume parties and exhibitions are real: what to do in late October before All Saints' Day.
City Life
Epiphany in Poland: Three Kings Day, Orszak Parades and K+M+B Chalk
6 January is a public holiday in Poland: what closes, the Orszak Three Kings street parades, and what the K+M+B chalk above doors means.
City Life
Krakow Szopka: The Christmas Crib Tradition and 2026 Contest
What a Krakow szopka is, the free 3 December 2026 contest on the Main Square, and where to see the cribs until 28 February 2027.
City Life
Andrzejki in Poland: St Andrew's Eve Traditions and Party Guide
Wax poured through a keyhole, shoe races and shadow reading: how Poland's 29 November fortune-telling night works and how expats can join in.
City Life
New Year's Eve in Poland: Traditions, Fireworks and What to Expect
Sylwester rules: no nationwide two-day fireworks ban exists, but local bans do - and noise, fire and explosives misdemeanour rules apply on 31 December too.