All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day in Krakow 2024

All Saints' Day (Dzień Wszystkich Świętych) and All Souls' Day (Dzień Zaduszny or Dzień Wszystkich Zmarłych) are observed on November 1st and 2nd in Kraków and across Poland. Kraków's residents gather in graveyards to pray and honor their loved ones who have passed away. As night falls, the cemeteries are transformed into a serene and evocative scene, glowing with the warm light of countless candles. This ritual creates a calm and reflective atmosphere, offering a poignant tribute to those who have departed.

Traditional Celebrations

According to tradition, Catholic families across Poland make pilgrimages to the graves of their loved ones, tending to them with great care. They adorn the graves with wreaths, flowers, and candles, which remain lit throughout the holiday. An intriguing aspect for visitors is the local belief that during this time, souls leave the afterlife to visit their families. The candles are meant to guide these souls back to the world of the living. Souls that are forgotten and do not see the light are thought to bring bad luck. As a result, people in Kraków typically ensure that as many candles as possible are lit to honor and guide the visiting spirits.

Locations

Kraków's Rakowicki and Salwator cemeteries, as well as the New Podgórze Cemetery, are among the main locations for observing All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Still, every cemetery in the city offers its own unique and moving display. The best time to visit is at dusk when the cemeteries are bathed in the warm light of thousands of candles. On November 1st, crowds are at their peak just after sundown and continue until around 8 p.m. For a quieter experience, consider visiting on November 2nd or later in the week. Kraków's municipal cemeteries are open on November 1st from 6 am until the last visitor, on November 2nd from 7 am to 10 pm, and on November 3rd from 7 am to 8 pm.

Food Traditions

Another tradition is called the Turkish honey or Miodek turecki. This sweet is traditionally sold in Krakow at the gates of the cemeteries on All Saints’ Day. Turkish honey is a honeycomb and dough, which may be covered with caramel, cocoa, or crushed nuts. In many cultures of the world, honey is considered a food of the gods or a substance derived from the underworld. You have a chance to try such a delicacy in Krakow!

History

This tradition, like many customs absorbed into Catholicism, has pagan origins. It was established as a holy day of obligation in 998 to replace the ancient Slavic festival of Dziady (literally, "Forefathers"). During Dziady, the living would prepare a lavish feast to welcome the souls of deceased ancestors, who were believed to have returned from the afterlife to visit their families on this day. Seats were reserved for the ancestors, and fires were often lit along the path to guide them to the home. Neglecting a soul during Dziady was thought to bring bad luck.