From Pisanki eggs to the joyful Śmigus-Dyngus splash, here's why Wielkanoc remains the most cherished holiday for Polish families—and how to celebrate in the Bay Area.
Easter—known as Wielkanoc—is the most anticipated holiday on the Polish calendar. It bundles centuries of religious devotion with folk rituals that mark the arrival of spring. Even thousands of miles away from Poland, the traditions travel with families and make their way into Bay Area kitchens, churches, and community halls.
Lent sets the stage
The Easter season begins with Ash Wednesday and a forty-day period of Lenten reflection. In Poland, the historic custom of giving up meat carried through generations, which is why many Polish households still prepare fish-focused Friday dinners. Today, Bay Area Poles reinterpret the practice by simplifying their menus, donating to charity, or taking on community service projects leading up to Holy Week.
Palm Sunday brings handmade art
The first big celebration is Palm Sunday (Niedziela Palmowa). Since palm leaves are scarce in Poland, villages craft vibrant “palms” from willow branches, dried flowers, and colorful ribbons. Churches across San Francisco and the Peninsula invite families to bring these handcrafted palms to Mass. Local groups have begun hosting palm-making workshops, giving kids a tactile connection to their heritage while supporting parish fundraisers.
Holy Saturday and the blessing of baskets
If you spot wicker baskets spilling over with foods at a Polish church on Holy Saturday, you’re witnessing Święcenie Pokarmów—the blessing of Easter baskets. Each ingredient carries symbolic meaning:
- Eggs represent new life and hope.
- Bread acknowledges basic sustenance and the presence of Christ.
- Kiełbasa stands for generosity and abundant health.
- Horseradish reminds families of bitter moments that make the sweet ones richer.
In the Bay Area, parishes in San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland organize multiple blessings to accommodate busy schedules. Families often follow up with potluck lunches or pierogi pop-ups, turning a solemn ritual into a joyful reunion.
Easter Sunday breakfast of champions
After the long Lenten fast, Easter Sunday breakfast is a feast. The meal typically begins with the sharing of hard-boiled eggs dipped in grated horseradish, accompanied by the heartfelt wish “Wesołego Alleluja!” The table features żurek (sour rye soup), white sausage, cold cuts, eggs stuffed with herring, and mazurek cake drizzled with chocolate. Bringing a favorite dish to a community brunch is an easy way for Bay Area newcomers to start friendships and exchange recipes.
Easter Monday gets playful
The Monday after Easter is Śmigus-Dyngus, sometimes called Wet Monday. Legend has it that splashing water on friends guarantees good fortune. In Poland, lively water fights fill the streets. Here in California, families reimagine the tradition with gentle backyard sprinkler games or hikes near the coast—anything that involves water and laughter works.
Keeping traditions alive in the Bay
Recreating Wielkanoc abroad takes coordination, but the local community is up for it. Here are a few ways to participate:
- Join the Bay Area Polish Facebook group or mailing list for announcements about palm workshops and basket blessings.
- Shop for authentic Polish staples at European delis in San Jose, Redwood City, and the Richmond District.
- Volunteer at church kitchens or cultural centers during Holy Week to help bake babka or decorate the hall.
- Host a Śmigus-Dyngus picnic in a park, inviting Polish and non-Polish friends to learn the story behind the splash.
Polish Easter blends faith, artistry, and hospitality. By sharing these customs with neighbors, we keep the warmth of Wielkanoc glowing from Kraków to San Francisco Bay.
Tagged culture, traditions, holidays