In Poland, these official days off are not just an opportunity to take a break from work, but also a time to immerse yourself in local culture and tradition. As the vacation time approaches, it’s always worth checking when these holidays fall, as it can impact the planning of trips, family gatherings, or even just relaxation at home. But that’s not all! Each of these holidays has its own stories and traditions, which are fascinating for everyone, not just those who are working. So we have prepared a comprehensive guide to the official holidays in Poland for you to better understand their significance and draw joy from them, whether you’re planning a trip or staying at home.
According to the regulations outlined in the Law on Public Holidays, Poland observes 13 days off, known as holidays. Official Holidays in Poland: Detailed Overview
January 2024: Bank holiday Poland
1st January – New Year: The beginning of the new year is a time for reflection and setting goals for the future. It’s not just an occasion for celebration, but also a moment for formulating New Year’s resolutions and planning future achievements. Traditionally in Poland, we welcome the New Year with shared meals, festivities, and mutual well-wishes.
6th January – Epiphany: Celebrations associated with the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem. This holiday holds deep religious significance, symbolizing the moment when the Three Kings, according to Christian tradition, reached the stable to pay homage to the newborn Jesus. In Poland, it’s also a day for traditional rituals, including singing carols and visiting various places by carolers’ groups.
April 2024: Bank holiday Poland
1st April – Second Day of Easter: Continuation of the Easter holiday celebrations. After the intense period of Holy Week and Easter, the Second Day of Easter offers the opportunity to continue joyful celebrations with family and friends. It’s a time to enjoy festive meals, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on the religious messages of this time.
May 2024: Bank holiday Poland
1st May (Wednesday) – Labor Day: A day dedicated to celebrating the labor movement. It’s a day to honor the contributions of workers to all aspects of social life. Traditionally in Poland, it’s celebrated through demonstrations, parades, and various cultural events. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on workers’ rights and their protection.
3rd May (Friday) – Constitution Day: Commemoration of the adoption of the first European national constitution. This is one of the most important national holidays in Poland, celebrated in honor of the adoption of the 3rd May Constitution in 1791. It’s a day of national pride and patriotism, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the values of democracy and civil liberties.
May 30th (Thursday) – Corpus Christi: A Catholic holiday dedicated to the Eucharist. Corpus Christi is celebrated forty days after Easter and commemorates the truth of Christ’s presence in the sacrament of the Eucharist. For believers, it is a day of solemn processions, during which the faithful parade through the streets, adorning them with flowers and floral carpets.
August 2024: Bank holiday Poland
August 15th (Thursday) – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a deeply respected day in the Catholic Church, commemorating the assumption of Mary into Heaven. For Polish believers, it is a day of religious observance and national pride, marked by church services and patriotic ceremonies. Additionally, it falls on Polish Armed Forces Day, honoring the courage and sacrifice of soldiers throughout history. It is a time for reflection on both spiritual and national aspects, combining faith, patriotism, and community spirit.
November 2024: Bank holiday Poland
November 1st (Friday) – All Saints’ Day: A day of remembrance for the deceased. Traditionally, Poles visit the graves of their loved ones, laying flowers and lighting candles. It’s a time to honor the memory of those who have passed away and come together in prayer and reflection.
November 11th (Monday) – Independence Day: Celebrations associated with Poland’s regaining of independence. It is a national holiday commemorating the day in 1918 when Poland regained independence after 123 years of partitions. It’s a time of national pride, patriotism, and reflection on history and the values that shape the national identity of Poles.
December 2024: Bank holiday Poland
December 25th (Wednesday) – Christmas: Celebrations associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s one of the most important days in the Christian calendar, celebrated with joy and shared meals among family and friends. Traditionally in Poland, Christmas Eve is a time of special customs and Christmas Eve dishes.
December 26th (Thursday) – Second Day of Christmas: Continuation of Christmas celebrations. It’s a day for continuing the festive festivities, often spent with family or friends. Poles often use this day for relaxation and rest after the intense celebrations of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Family gatherings or walks are also common, to enjoy the atmosphere of holiday joy and peace. For many people, the Second Day of Christmas is a time for reflection on the values of family traditions and spending time together.
What happens when a holiday falls on a day that is already a non-working day?
The regulations regarding this issue, which were in force until the end of 2010, were clear. According to the Labor Code from November 30, 2006, to December 31, 2010, any holiday falling on a day other than Sunday resulted in a reduction of working hours by 8 hours. If such a holiday fell on a day that was already a non-working day for the employee (e.g., Saturday for those who work from Monday to Friday), the employer was required to grant an additional day off until the end of the current settlement period in which such an event occurred, for example, until the end of the month for a monthly settlement period.
In Poland, official non-working days are not only an opportunity to rest from work but also a time to plan future activities. As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to check when these holidays fall exactly, as it can affect the organization of trips, family gatherings, or simply relaxation at home. What else is important? Setting up an automatic email response at work – don’t forget about it and enjoy your vacation!