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 2025, it falls on a Sunday, and some businesses may choose to follow Sunday opening hours.
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.
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.
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.