The Beginning of November in Poland – Holidays Filled with Reflection and Tradition

November 1st is All Saints’ Day, and November 2nd is All Souls’ Day. These days are deeply rooted in Polish culture and tradition.
During these days, nearly all cemeteries in Poland fill with thousands of visitors. Graves are decorated with flowers and lit candles, symbolizing memory and prayers for the deceased. After dark, cemeteries are illuminated by thousands of lights, creating a unique, peaceful, and reflective atmosphere.
It is a time for family gatherings — many people travel across Poland to visit the graves of their loved ones. For foreigners living in Poland, it is a good opportunity to learn about an important part of Polish culture and spirituality, as well as to understand how significant the memory of ancestors is to Poles.

Public Holidays
November 1st is a statutory public holiday — government offices, schools, and most shops are closed. On this day, shopping malls and supermarkets are not open; only small owner-operated shops, pharmacies, or gas stations may be open.
November 2nd is not a public holiday, but many people still visit cemeteries on this day.

Public transport and Traffic in Kielce
In the city of Kielce, public transportation during this period is specially adapted: changes are made to bus schedules — special lines are introduced to the largest cemeteries, and traffic around the necropolises is reorganized to facilitate access to cemeteries and avoid parking problems. It is worth following current announcements on kielce.eu or ztm.kielce.pl.
During these days, it is worth visiting a cemetery — even symbolically — to light a candle and see how important remembrance of the deceased is to Poles. It is not only a religious holiday but also a beautiful tradition full of respect and contemplation.