Katowice, Poland 2024
Number of people celebrating Christmas
90%
The number of dishes on the Christmas table
12
The Christmas tree theme is used
90%
Christmas in Poland is celebrated very solemnly and is associated with many traditions that have been cultivated for generations. Here are some key elements of Polish Christmas traditions and attractions that can be found in cities...
Diversity of Regional Traditions - In different parts of the country, you can come across unique traditions. For example, in mountain towns such as Zakopane, highlander traditions are cultivated and holidays are celebrated with characteristic folklore.
Christmas Markets - Christmas markets are held in larger cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw and Gdansk. The stalls sell handicrafts, Christmas decorations, regional food and mulled wine. They are also a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Midnight Mass - At midnight on December 24-25, many Poles attend a mass called Midnight Mass, celebrated in churches throughout the country. It is a time of joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Christmas billboards on tenement houses during the holiday season can be an interesting solution for temporarily hiding damaged building facades, while adding a festive atmosphere to the urban landscape. On the one hand, such decorations can attract the attention of residents and tourists, creating a more aesthetic and attractive environment. On the other hand, it is important to remember about the right balance between commercialization of public space and preservation of its historical character. Such billboards can also play a practical role, protecting the external walls of buildings from further atmospheric damage during the most difficult winter period. However, it will be crucial that they are placed safely and in accordance with local regulations and do not completely cover architectural details that are important for the character of the tenement house.
Carol singing - Singing carols is an integral part of Polish holidays. Many homes and public events organize carol concerts. In some regions, such as Podhale, you can meet groups of carol singers who visit homes, singing and giving wishes.
In Poland, the tradition associated with Saint Nicholas has a long history and is particularly popular in the pre-holiday period. Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6. On this day, children often receive small gifts, sweets or fruit, which Saint Nicholas leaves in shoes, socks or specially prepared socks hung by the fireplace. This tradition refers to the figure of Saint Nicholas of Myra, a bishop known for his charity.
Snowman making is also a popular winter activity in Poland, especially among children. It is a form of outdoor play that involves building a snowman from snow. The process usually begins with making three snowballs of different sizes, which are then stacked on top of each other to form the body and head of the snowman. Carrots are often used to decorate the snowman, stones or coals for eyes and buttons, and twigs for hands. Sometimes a hat, scarf, and broom are added, which give the snowman a more human appearance. Making a snowman is not only a form of play, but also a way to develop imagination and teamwork.
Winter in Poland during Christmas can be varied – it can be frosty and snowy, but there are also milder days with temperatures around 0°C. It is worth dressing in layers, putting on a warm coat, sweater, hat, scarf and gloves to adapt to the changing conditions.
The "Skarbek" Shopping Center in Katowice has a rich history and is one of the city's characteristic landmarks. It was opened in 1975 as a department store, and its name comes from the mythical "Skarek" - the guardian spirit of mines. The building is distinguished by its modernist architecture and for many years served as one of the main shopping points in the center of Katowice.
Nativity Scenes - In many Polish cities, especially in Krakow, nativity scene competitions are popular. Krakow nativity scenes are a unique tradition, listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Public transport includes a well-developed network of trains, buses, metros and ferries that connect cities and regions throughout the country. Travel cards such as Rejsekort enable easy travel across different modes of transport, allowing passengers to use one card to pay for travel throughout Denmark.
Physical activity is very popular, Danes are keen to engage in various forms of sports, such as cycling, running and swimming. With a developed infrastructure, including numerous cycle paths and sports facilities, residents are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle and be active outdoors.
Christmas decorations in Polish cities are usually rich and diverse, which creates a magical atmosphere during the holiday season. Here are some decorative elements that can be found in different Polish cities:
1. **Christmas Trees**: In the center of every larger city there is a large Christmas tree, often beautifully decorated with lights, baubles and ornaments.
2. **Illuminations**: Streets, squares and buildings are often illuminated with thousands of lights that take on various shapes, from classic Christmas motifs to more unusual and modern arrangements.
3. **Christmas Fairs**: Many cities organize Christmas fairs, where wooden stalls decorated with garlands are set up. You can buy handicrafts, Christmas treats and drink mulled wine there.
4. **Nativity Scenes**: In some places you can see traditional nativity scenes, both in the classic and moving versions, depicting scenes related to the birth of Jesus.
5. **Street decorations**: Lanterns and trees along the streets are often decorated with lights and ornaments in the shape of stars, hearts or bells.
6. **Light structures**: Large light installations in the shape of reindeer, sleighs or angels are becoming increasingly popular, decorating parks and squares.
7. **Shop windows**: Shops and shopping malls compete in creating spectacular decorations in their windows, attracting the attention of passers-by.
Each city has its own unique traditions and styles of decorating public spaces for this magical time of year, which makes visiting Polish cities during Christmas a unique experience.
Coca-Cola was created in 1886 by pharmacist John Stith Pemberton as a drink made from coca leaves and kola nuts. In the 1930s, Coca-Cola launched a holiday campaign featuring Santa Claus dressed in a red suit, which in turn cemented his image in popular culture. The color red was already associated with the Coca-Cola brand, but the Santa ad campaigns helped solidify that association and give it a global appeal. As a result, the current image of Santa Claus as an older, rosy-cheeked, smiling man in a red and white suit became widely known and associated with the holiday season.
The poinsettia, also known as the poinsettia, is native to Mexico and has become a popular symbol of Christmas thanks to its bright red leaves that resemble Christmas decorations. In Poland, its popularity grew in the 20th century when it became widely available during the holiday season, symbolizing the joy and warmth of family gatherings. The red color of the poinsettia is associated with love, energy, and holiday tradition, making it a perfect fit for the Christmas colors in Polish homes.
