Poles are seen as a nation of fun lovers who really enjoy festivities. They are accustomed to traditions, especially those with religious origins. Links with tradition are felt the strongest during the greatest religious feasts, such as Christmas, Easter, Corpus Christi processions and All Saints' Day. Pilgrimages to holy sites are very popular; these include the Monastery in Częstochowa for Catholics; the tomb of Rabbi Elimelech in Lezajsk for Jews, the Grabarka Sanctuary for Orthodox Christians.

 

The two main national holidays are the anniversary of the restoration of independence in 1918, celebrated on 11 November, and the anniversary of the passing of Poland's first Constitution on 3 May 1791. These are official holidays with ceremonies, marches, concerts and other festivities.

Other holidays, quite different in character, include Women's Day (8 March; today much less popular than under Communism), Mother's Day (26 May), Granny's Day (21 January) and Children's Day (1 June), all less public and celebrated first and foremost at home.

 

A well-established Polish tradition is the celebration of St. Andrew's Day – the last festive day before Advent, with fortune-telling to check what the new year will bring. The best-known method is by pouring hot wax into cold water and "reading" its shapes.

 

 

If you are planning a visit to Poland, check these useful links:

- hotels: www.hotel-in-poland.eu, www.polish-hotel.eu
- database of all kinds of objects, from agrotourism to hotels and inns: www.relax.pl
- where to go, what to see…: www.polish-holiday.eu

- some beautiful places in Poland: Sianow (www.sianow.eu), Bielkowo (www.bielkowo.eu)
- tips for travelers: Tips (www.travel-tips.eu), Stories (www.travel-stories.eu), Guide Books (www.guide-books.eu)

 

Other interesting websites: