All Saints Day in the city of Bydgoszcz. A long standing Catholic tradition involves visiting the graves of departed relatives however, in contrast to the lively celebrations of All Saints Day in Latin American countries, this is still considered by most Poles to be a time of reflection and prayer. Bydgoszcz, Poland. 01/11/2009.
All Saints Day in Poland is celebrated by almost everybody- regardless of their faith or lack of it. A long statnding Catholic tradition involves visiting the graves on that normally chilly and overcast November day, following a Mass in a nearby church. This year Poland unusually experienced warm and sunny weather, but the mood of this holiday remained as sombre as always. In contrast to the lively celebrations of All Saints Day in Latin American countries this is still considered by most Poles to be a time of reflection and prayer. Many graves positively groan under the weight of the candles and wreaths, a poignant and lovely sight, particularly at night, when many cemeteries blaze like beacons of rememberance. Church authorities are concerned with the growing popularity Halloween enjoys among the young, but knowing the Polish love of ritual and tradition dispels any fears for the future observance of these celebrations.
