Easter Day in Poland: Traditions, Food, and What to Do During Easter

When Is Easter in Poland?

Easter in Poland does not have a fixed date and changes every year. The holiday is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, which means it usually falls between late March and late April.

For example, Easter in Poland in 2025 is celebrated on April 20, while in 2026 it will fall on April 5.

The main celebrations take place over several days, starting with Palm Sunday and continuing through Holy Week, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. During this time many churches, homes, and city squares across Poland are decorated for the holiday.

Holy Week in Poland

Holy Week in Poland is the most important part of the Easter celebrations. It begins with Palm Sunday and continues through several days filled with religious traditions, family preparations, and special customs.

On Palm Sunday, many people attend church carrying decorated palm branches, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the beginning of the Easter season.

During Holy Saturday, families prepare and bring their Easter baskets (Święconka) to church to be blessed. The baskets usually contain eggs, bread, sausage, and other traditional foods that will later be eaten during the Easter breakfast.

Easter Sunday is the most important day of the holiday, when families gather for a festive breakfast and celebrate together.

The celebrations continue on Easter Monday, also known as Śmigus-Dyngus or Water Monday, when people playfully splash each other with water, a tradition that symbolizes spring, renewal, and good luck.

Polish Easter Traditions

Polish Easter traditions are deeply connected to family, religion, and food. For many people in Poland, Easter is one of the most important moments of the year, when families gather together and celebrate the arrival of spring.

One of the most visible traditions is decorating eggs, known as pisanki. These colorful eggs are often prepared at home and placed in Easter baskets or on the festive table.

Another important custom is the blessing of food on Holy Saturday. Families bring their Easter baskets to church, filled with symbolic products such as eggs, bread, sausage, salt, and horseradish.

Easter Sunday usually begins with a traditional family breakfast, where people share blessed food from the basket.

Traditional Easter Food in Poland

Food plays a very important role in Easter celebrations in Poland. After the long fasting period of Lent, the Easter breakfast is a moment when families gather together and enjoy many traditional dishes.

One of the most popular meals is żurek, a sour rye soup often served with white sausage and eggs. Another classic dish is biała kiełbasa (white sausage), usually served warm with horseradish or mustard.

Eggs are also an essential part of the Easter table, often served with beets and horseradish, which add a strong and traditional flavor.

Sweet desserts are just as important. During Easter many families prepare cakes such as babka and makowiec (poppy seed cake), which are traditional Polish holiday desserts.

Many of these classic dishes can also be found in local restaurants, especially during the Easter season.

What to Do in Krakow During Easter

Visiting Krakow during Easter is a special experience, as the city combines historic traditions with a beautiful spring atmosphere. The Main Market Square and Old Town streets are often decorated with Easter ornaments, flowers, and seasonal markets.

One of the most popular things to see is the Easter market on the Main Market Square, where visitors can find traditional decorations, handmade crafts, and regional food products.

It’s also a great time to explore Krakow on foot. Walking through the Old Town, Kazimierz, or along the Vistula River allows you to enjoy the calmer holiday atmosphere and see the city in a different way.

Many restaurants in the Old Town also offer traditional Easter dishes, making it a perfect opportunity to try seasonal Polish food during your visit.

Visiting Poland During Easter: What Travelers Should Know

If you are visiting Poland during Easter, it’s helpful to know that many businesses operate differently during the holiday.

Most shops, supermarkets, and shopping malls are closed on Easter Sunday, and some may also have limited hours on Easter Monday. Restaurants and cafés in the Old Town and tourist areas usually remain open, but places located further from the city center may be closed.

Public transport generally works normally, although it may run on a holiday schedule.

Some museums in Krakow are closed on Easter Sunday and sometimes on Easter Monday, so it’s always a good idea to check opening hours in advance. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, one of the most visited historical sites near Krakow, is also closed on Easter Sunday.

Because many locals spend the holiday with their families, cities often feel quieter and more relaxed, which can make sightseeing more peaceful for visitors.

Krakow during Easter offers a unique mix of history, tradition, and local culture. From centuries-old customs and beautifully decorated streets to traditional Polish food and family celebrations, the holiday creates a special atmosphere across the city.

For visitors, it’s a great opportunity to experience a more authentic side of Poland. Walking through Krakow’s historic districts, seeing Easter traditions, and enjoying the calmer holiday atmosphere can make your visit even more memorable.