Easter in Poland, known as Wielkanoc, is one of the most important and cherished holidays of the year. Rich in tradition and bursting with flavor, it’s a time when families come together to celebrate renewal, springtime, and deeply rooted customs—many of which revolve around food. At Delicious Poland, we love exploring the cultural heritage that shapes Polish cuisine, and Easter offers the perfect window into these festive, time-honored rituals.
Photo: Wroclaw.pl
Holy Week and the Build-Up to Easter
The Easter season begins with Palm Sunday (Niedziela Palmowa), which commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Across Poland, people attend church services holding handmade palms—vibrant, decorative branches crafted from dried flowers, grasses, and colorful ribbons.
The most solemn day is Good Friday (Wielki Piątek), a time of reflection and fasting. It’s followed by Holy Saturday (Wielka Sobota), when families prepare a Święconka basket filled with symbolic foods that are taken to church to be blessed. These baskets typically include:
Eggs – representing new life
Bread – symbolizing Jesus
Salt – for purification
Sausage – for abundance
Horseradish – representing the bitterness of suffering
Cake (usually a babka) – for the sweetness of life
Photo: Florina.pl
Easter Sunday: A Feast for the Senses
After the somber reflection of Lent, Easter Sunday (Wielkanoc) is all about joy—and a bountiful meal. The morning usually begins with a shared family breakfast, often featuring the foods blessed the day before. No Easter table is complete without:
Żurek – a sour rye soup often served with white sausage and hard-boiled eggs
Biała kiełbasa – traditional white sausage, sometimes baked or simmered in beer and onions
Mazurek – a sweet, flat cake topped with nuts, jams, and chocolate
Babka – a tall, yeasted cake, sometimes glazed or filled with dried fruits
Vegetarian guests are warmly welcomed with plenty of egg-based dishes, vegetable salads, breads, and sweet treats that make the meal enjoyable for everyone.
Photo: polonist.com
Easter Monday: Wet and Wild Fun
The holiday fun doesn’t end on Sunday. Easter Monday, known as Śmigus-Dyngus or Wet Monday, is a playful tradition where people (especially children and teenagers) splash each other with water. While its origins are pagan, today it’s all about laughter and lighthearted pranks.
Whether you're visiting Poland during Easter or simply curious about Polish traditions, this holiday offers a unique and flavorful insight into the heart of Polish culture.
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