Poland, in Central Europe, has always been a country that both unifies and divides eastern and western Europe. Today the country is thriving, no longer hampered by foreign occupations, its culture and traditions are once again freely expressed, making Poland a fascinating place for travellers. Easter is a very heartfelt celebration for the Polish Christian population and the day of the Resurrection is known as Wielkanoc.

Easter traditions

It all starts on Palm Sunday or Niedziela Palmowa, as it is locally known, where people make beautiful decorations out of willow branches, flowers, feathers. 

Święconka 

Święconka is the blessing of the wicker basket, which takes place on Holy Saturday in the morning at church. The basket, known as the koszyk wiklinowy, is decorated and filled with traditional food covered with an embroidered handkerchief. If you are wondering what foods are inside, you are spoiled for choice as there are white sausages, salt, pepper, bread, horseradish, sugar lamb, biscuits and some hand-decorated eggs.

Pisanki

The decorated eggs are called Pisanki and hot wax is applied to the eggs with a stick, then they are painted bright colours obtained from natural products, such as red onion. On Sunday, upon returning from the Church, all the blessed foods in the basket will be eaten at a table decorated with petals and flower buds called Rzeżucha. The hard-boiled eggs are cut in half and shared among the guests.

Zając wielkanocny

The Easter bunny, or Zając wielkanocny, also has to make an appearance for the kids. This non-Christian Easter rabbit brings sweet treats to the children, and chocolate eggs are hidden in the garden!

Smigus Dyngus

On Easter Monday, known as Smigus Dyngus, in Poland people throw copious amounts of water at each other at home, in the garden and in the streets. This tradition originates from a ritual blessing with water.

Ferries to Poland

On the Netferry booking site, you will find information about all of the ferry connections to and from Poland. To find out about timetables, ports, onboard accommodation and ferry companies, simply access the Netferry website and get all of the information you need to get to Poland by ferry. You can browse and safely and securely buy your ticket here. 

Netferry: find your ferry!