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All Saints' Day and All Souls Day in Krakow

Sat 1 Nov 2008 - Sun 2 Nov 2008

On November 1st and the 2nd, natives of Poland come together to celebrate All Saints' Day and All Souls Day, with notable celebrations in Krakow.

It is an event not to be missed by foreigners visiting the country. While the day can be seen as quite morbid, it also has a magical and evocative side.

As night falls in Krakow, thousands of candles will be lit in colourful glass jars at Rakowicki Cemetery and fresh flowers are laid. Priests intone psalms while wafting incense throughout the grounds of the historic burial site with its impressive Gothic gateway.

The traditional event is an intrinsically Catholic celebration, although its roots lie in eastern Polish paganism. As has often happened, the hierarchy of the Catholic church sought to absorb the tradition.

The holy days have additional significance in Poland where people not only celebrate their birthdays, but also their name days.

Rakowicki Cemetery is walking distance from the city's Market Square and can also be reached by tram.

Other annual celebrations include Krakow's own Emaus festivity in Easter which commemorates the meeting of the two disciples with the resurrected Christ.

Traditionally, toy and craft stalls line the streets, allowing visitors to pick up a few gifts for friends and family back home.

Celebrate in Krakow.

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