Epiphany

Epiphany has been celebrated in Poland since the adoption of Christianity in 966 AD. It was a public holiday until 1960, when the communist authorities removed it from the list of non-working days. After decades of campaigning by the Catholic Church and civic organisations, the Polish parliament voted in 2011 to restore January 6 as a statutory public holiday, effective from 2011.

The most visible tradition is the Epiphany Parade (Orszak Trzech Króli), held in cities and towns across Poland. Participants dress as the three kings, angels, and biblical characters, walking through the streets singing carols. After the celebration, many Poles mark the letters K+M+B (or C+M+B, standing for 'Christus mansionem benedicat' - May Christ bless this home) with blessed chalk above their front doors, a tradition believed to protect the household throughout the year.

January 6 is also the traditional end of the Christmas season in Poland. Many families take down their Christmas decorations on this day or shortly after. Churches hold special masses, and holy water is blessed. In recent years, the Epiphany parades have grown into some of the largest public gatherings in Polish cities during the winter months.