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Easter Sunday 2024 in Poland

Easter Sunday (Wielkanoc) is a festive Christian holiday in Poland that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also a national public holiday.

Is Easter Sunday a Public Holiday?

Easter Sunday is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

In 2024, it falls on a Sunday, and some businesses may choose to follow Sunday opening hours.

A smorgasbord of Polish dishes, including sausages, boiled eggs and horseradish, that are served during Easter.

©iStockphoto.com/TeresaKasprzycka

What Do People Do?

Many people paint Easter eggs (pisanki), which are then taken to be blessed at churches that hold special services on Easter Day. Homes come alive with family breakfasts to celebrate Easter Sunday in Poland. The table is usually laid out with Easter eggs, spring flowers, an “Easter lamb” made of cake or sugar, and meals such as sausages, boiled eggs, horseradish soup, and bacon. Emaus is a local tradition in Krakow, where people set up stalls with trinkets, toys and sweets. The following day, Easter Monday, is also a public holiday in Poland.

Public Life

Easter Sunday is an official public holiday in Poland, so schools, banks, government offices and most private businesses are closed. There is a trade prohibition on public holidays in Poland. People intending to travel via public transport during public holidays must check with the public transit authorities on any changes to time schedules.

Background

Many Christians celebrate Easter Sunday as the day of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. However, a number of Easter activities can be traced back to Pagan traditions and celebrations. For example, the name Easter is believed to come from Eostara, the goddess of rebirth. The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. In 325 CE the Council of Nicaea decided that the Easter date would be the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the March equinox. It is celebrated in many other countries worldwide.

Symbols

Easter eggs symbolize rebirth and life’s victory over death, while bread symbolizes Jesus Christ’s body. Smoked meat is believed to give good health, wealth, and fertility, while salt wards off evil. Cheese represents friendship, and horseradish symbolizes strength and fitness.

About Easter Sunday in Other Countries

Read more about Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday Observances

YearWeekdayDateNameHoliday Type
2019SunApr 21Easter SundayNational holiday
2020SunApr 12Easter SundayNational holiday
2021SunApr 4Easter SundayNational holiday
2022SunApr 17Easter SundayNational holiday
2023SunApr 9Easter SundayNational holiday
2024SunMar 31Easter SundayNational holiday
2025SunApr 20Easter SundayNational holiday
2026SunApr 5Easter SundayNational holiday
2027SunMar 28Easter SundayNational holiday
2028SunApr 16Easter SundayNational holiday
2029SunApr 1Easter SundayNational holiday

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.