After the New Year, the celebrations don’t end – because that’s when carnival begins! In Poland, it is a time of gatherings, fun, and smaller or bigger pleasures, each celebrated in its own way: from home parties and balls to short trips. Carnival encourages celebration without rush and can also be an excuse to take a break from everyday life even during winter. Discover the most popular traditions and ideas for celebrating carnival.
When does carnival take place in Poland?
Carnival in Poland takes place between January 6th (Epiphany) and Ash Wednesday, the day marking the beginning of Lent. Since the date of Easter is movable, the end date of carnival changes every year – sometimes it lasts longer, sometimes shorter.
Contrary to appearances, carnival in Poland has a long tradition dating back to the 17th century. It was celebrated by both the court and the countryside, and in some regions you can still hear about zapusty masks – groups of carolers in costumes who went from house to house, making noise and symbolically announcing the end of winter.
The centuries-old history of carnival in Poland is also reflected in terms such as “zapusty” or “mięsopust”. These are old names for carnival, referring to the fact that right after it the fasting period began – before that, tables were filled with fatty, abundant, and hearty dishes, as well as sweets and snacks.
Currently, most activities take place at the very end of carnival. First we celebrate Fat Thursday, then ostatki – the last days of festivities before Ash Wednesday. Ostatki are especially associated with parties, balls, and meetings because they are the last chance for carnival celebrations.
How is carnival celebrated in Poland? Traditions and customs
Carnival in Poland can be celebrated in many ways – from lively parties to quieter ways of spending time with loved ones. Although customs differ depending on the region and personal preferences, carnival is most often associated with several recurring elements:
- carnival balls and parties,
- carnival trips,
- folk traditions,
- culinary customs.
Each of these celebration methods has its place in Polish tradition and continues to appear in various forms – both in larger cities and smaller towns.
Carnival balls and parties
One of the most recognizable ways of celebrating carnival in Poland are balls and carnival parties. They may take the form of large, organized events – masked balls, dances, or themed parties – but just as often take place in an intimate setting as gatherings with friends or family.
In many places, carnival encourages dressing up, music, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites people to have fun together. It is precisely then that we eagerly reach for masks, costumes, and themes that give events a unique carnival character.
A special moment is ostatki, the last days of carnival before Ash Wednesday. This is when the calendar fills with dance events and balls, and many people take advantage of the occasion for social meetings and saying goodbye to carnival freedom.
Carnival trips
Increasingly, carnival in Poland is also associated with short trips. Instead of noisy parties, many people choose a change of scenery and a few days of rest away from everyday routine. A popular destination is the mountains – especially Podhale, where carnival combines winter activities, regional cuisine, and events organized in tourist towns.
Equally popular alternatives are trips to the seaside. Off-season, Baltic coast towns offer a completely different atmosphere – more quiet, space, and opportunities for peaceful walks by the sea. It’s a good time to plan a hotel stay and take advantage of seaside stay packages.
A carnival trip to the Baltic encourages slowing down and discovering the region from a less obvious perspective. If you wonder what to do in winter by the sea, besides walking you can enjoy wellness offers, restaurants, or local attractions available without the summer crowds. For many, this is also a good opportunity to book a hotel by the sea at an attractive price and combine carnival with winter rest.
Folk traditions
Although today carnival is mainly associated with fun and trips, in many regions of Poland folk traditions linked to this period are still alive. Most often they have a symbolic character and refer to old beliefs and the rhythm of nature.
Such customs include zapusty masks, that is, costumed processions that used to appear in villages at the end of carnival. Participants wore colorful costumes and masks, visited houses, made noise, and thus symbolically said goodbye to winter. Alongside them, various processions and rituals related to fertility and abundance functioned, aimed at ensuring prosperity for the coming year.
Today, these traditions mainly appear as part of local events and folklore, reminding of carnival’s former significance in Polish culture.
Culinary traditions
Carnival in Poland has long been a time of abundance at the table, which is still most visible in culinary customs. The most recognizable moment remains Fat Thursday, when traditional doughnuts and angel wings are enjoyed, treated as a symbol of saying goodbye to fasting restrictions.
The period called mięsopust was spent in feasts with meat dishes, hearty meals, and snacks that prepared people for the upcoming fasting time. Food was an important part of gatherings – not just an addition but a reason for celebrating together.
Carnival meetings were often accompanied by traditional drinks such as homemade liqueurs, mulled wine, or punch. These created a background for conversations and longer feasting, emphasizing the social character of the period.
Frequently asked questions about celebrating carnival in Poland
Carnival in Poland has many faces and is celebrated in various ways. Below you will find answers to questions most often asked when planning carnival time.
Is carnival celebrated in Poland?
Yes, carnival has been celebrated in Poland for centuries and remains an important element of the cultural calendar. Although modern forms of celebration are less formal than before, balls, parties, social meetings, and traditions related to ostatki and Fat Thursday are still present.
When does carnival start in Poland?
Carnival in Poland starts on January 6th, Epiphany Day, and ends on Ash Wednesday. Its length changes every year because it depends on the date of Easter. The most intense celebration period usually falls on the last days before Lent begins.
What are carnival customs in Poland?
The most common carnival customs include balls, dance parties, and gatherings with loved ones. In many homes, culinary traditions are also an important element, especially those related to Fat Thursday. In some regions, folk rituals such as costumed processions or local events related to old zapusty are still nurtured.
How can you spend carnival interestingly?
You can spend carnival in many ways – from home meetings and parties to short trips that allow you to change surroundings and take a break from everyday duties. Out-of-season trips, for example in winter by the sea, are becoming more popular, where carnival time encourages rest. This scenario fits well with the offer of places like Hotel Lambert, where you can combine carnival with relaxation, walks, and regeneration.
Carnival in Poland has many facets – from balls and social gatherings through regional traditions to short trips that change your daily perspective. Winter carnival by the sea is a proposal for those seeking peace, space, and rest. If you want to look at this tradition from a different perspective, plan a carnival trip to the sea and use that time for a calm reset.
