Epiphany

Wawrzeńczyce, 2026

For the last couple of years there’s been sort of a revival of Epiphany celebrations in Poland. The day is now a national holiday, which certainly helps. I’ve been photographing the event in these past years, as well as today.

This year, I arrived a bit late and the church was already packed. You couldn’t squeeze a needle inside. So here’s a photo I took last year. One of my favourites from 2025.

It seems like every religious celebration in Poland involves a procession around the church or the neighbourhood. I could make a photo album just with pictures of a crowd of people carrying a cross, a star, or other object on various occasions.

This year the procession was quite short. I assume it was this way because the baby Jesus was really small this time, and it was freezing today. Yes, you’re thinking right, we have a live nativity play for the event. Last year, baby Jesus was a couple years old already, so the procession could take a bit longer.

Modern Saint Joseph does some parenting too.

Adjusting the crib.

Animals arrive for the nativity.

After the ceremony the procession with three kings exits the church and proceeds to greet baby Jesus. Kids are wearing angel and shepherd costumes, and majority of people are wearing paper crowns.

The entire event ends with a family picnic with warm beverages and cakes.

This year, I also tried taking some portraits.

I hope you enjoyed these.

Till the next time!

Jakub