WARSAW, Poland — On Saturday, Poland observed All Saints’ Day, a deeply cherished Catholic holiday celebrated annually on November 1. The nation paused its daily routines as families gathered to honor their deceased loved ones, transforming cemeteries into vibrant yet solemn spaces of remembrance. Weeks before the event, supermarkets stocked up on candles, while street vendors near cemetery entrances sold chrysanthemums and traditional snacks like ‘obwazanki,’ a type of pretzel. Special bus routes were introduced in cities across the country, directing passengers to major cemeteries. Many urban residents traveled to suburban or rural areas to join their families in visiting ancestral graves. Police deployed special patrols, humorously dubbed ‘Operation Candle,’ to ensure road safety during the holiday. As dusk fell, the graves, illuminated by white and red candles and adorned with colorful flowers, created a poignant scene against the backdrop of autumn leaves, offering warmth and solace on this reflective day.
Catholics honor All Saints’ Day with family gatherings and cemetery visits across Poland
