Friday 6 December 2013

November in Warsaw

What are the main events and celebrations in Warsaw in November? There are customs related to the past (honouring those who passed away) and the future (marriage fortune magic). And the most important national holiday - The Independence Day.

Continue reading to learn about these and other events.




November in Warsaw


November 1

The first day when Polish officially respect the people who passed away. The only day officially free from work. Actually, in the catholic religion, it's a day of All Saints, but many people visit graves of their close ones praying for their souls. Followers or other religions, or non-believers also go to the cemeteries. 

Cemetery in Rembertów, Warsaw on 1st NovemberCemetry in Rembertów, Warsaw on 1st November 
main Gate of Cemetery in Rembertów, Warsaw on 1st November
You might be surprised seeing no people on the photos, when earlier I mentioned a lot of them coming to the cemeteries on the 1st November. I tried to take photos without bothering people too much. So you won't see people (praying) by the graves.

November 2

All Souls Day is the "correct" day to pay respect to those who passed away. It's another day when people go to visit graves. At least those, who don't work on this day as it's just a regular work day (well, for those who work on Saturdays like it was this year).  

I wrote earlier about cemeteries in Warsaw and customs, if you're interested.  

November 11

This day is the Polish Independence Day. A commemoration of regaining our own state and independence after 123 years of non-existence. Read my post about the Polish Independence Day if you want to know more. 

November 24

On the night between 24 and 25 November, unmarried young men have their magical night. A night for marriage fortune telling called Katarzynki. The name comes from the eve of saint Catherine of Alexandria (Katarzyna Aleksandryjska in Polish). Nowadays it's a rare celebration and men usually do fortunetelling with ladies, few days later.

November 29

On the night between 29 and 30 unmarried girls have their magical night. A night for marriage fortune telling called Andrzejki. The name comes from the eve of saint Andrew the Apostle (Andrzej Apostoł in Polish). Nowadays it's not taken seriously, and ladies and gentlemen do the marriage (love life) fortunetelling together. Sometimes the Andrzejki party is held at home, with friends. Sometimes it's a party in a disco, restaurant etc. Magic and fortunetelling is obligatory! 
Some of the popular fortunetelling:
  • pouring the hot lead into water through a key hole (lanie wosku). Next, you get your shape from the water and look by the wall to see what it represents. It'll tell you your future. 
  • race of shoes. The person whose shoe got to the door/crossed it will get married first.
  • peeling the apple skin and throwing it behind to see the first letter of the future husban's name or surname. (Or wife, if men participate)
  • selecting a symbol (like rosary, wedding ring, salt, etc.) from below the cups to know the future for the coming year.
Below is the lanie wosku custom:

Annual Events

Below are a few of the annual event held in Warsaw in November. 

Russian Film Festival "Sputnik"

Starting from 2007 Warsaw has an over week long festival of Russian films, with many themes and a contest. In 2013 it was held 7-17 November. 

The festival opens in Warsaw, and later goes to other town in Poland, until the March next year. Program is on the official website of Sputnik, in Polish or Russian.

Five Flavours

Five Flavours is a week-long festival of Asian films.  The whole families should find something for them during the festival.

Jazz Jamboree

Jazz Jamboree is on of the oldest (since 1958) and biggest European Jazz festivals. 

History Book Fair

One of several Warsaw's book fairs, but related only to history books. It's held on last weekend of the month, below the Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski) in Warsaw's Old Town in a place called Arkady Kubickiego.


First photo from the left is Royal Castle with Arkady below, second photo is a side view and last photo is a view of Arkady's interior. A fitting place for such a book fair, no? Another nice addition to this book fair are historical reconstructions taking place in the open field which you can see in the first photo. That's fun! 


Did I convince you to come to Poland next year, in November, when the temperature is dropping? There are a lot of things to do in November in Warsaw. Hopefully, next year you can participate in them too.

Or maybe you already came to Poland and participated in the events or celebrated with your Polish friends? Did you like it? 

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