Krakow’s Easter celebrations are some of Poland’s best known. TheKrakow Easter Market in Main Market Square is a great place for visitors to pick up traditional souvenirs like decorated Polish Easter eggs and colorful Easter palms, which the devout will take with them to church on Palm Sunday.
Easter Holiday Traditions in Krakow
There are several Polish Easter traditions that visitors to Krakow should be aware of. On Easter Saturday, baskets of food are blessed at church. On Easter Sunday, families attend church and have a meal together. Easter Monday is an official holiday in Poland, and therefore, public institutions and shops will likely be closed. Easter Monday is also a time for dousing people with water, a practice known as Smingus Dyngus.
Easter Monday and Tuesday in Krakow
The Emaus Fair, held at the Convent of St. Norbert’s, is a favorite family outing for Easter Monday. While the stalls at the fair may sell only trinkets and sweets, the fair is a great opportunity for visitors to experience the Easter Monday tradition of Smingus Dyngus. However, don’t expect to be spared from getting a bucket of water dumped on you just because you’re a visitor, so hope the sun is shining and the weather is warm to facilitate clothes drying quickly in the spring air.
On Tuesday, another traditional fair opens – Rekawka, which takes place near the prehistoric Mound of Krak and St. Benedict’s Church. Eggs are rolled down the ancient mound, which was the site of a traditional church fair that honored the dead. Medieval reenactments take place at this fair, and associated souvenirs can be purchased, too!
