Poland is the 4th Most Romantic Destination in Europe
Valentine’s Day is an annual celebration of love and romance, celebrated in many countries around the world. In Poland, it is no different, except it is celebrated during the night of 21st of February. During this time, people express their feelings for each other, usually through gifts and present.
In Poland, Valentine’s Day is an important holiday and is celebrated by many people, regardless of age and whether they are single or in a relationship. According to a survey conducted by the Polish Digital Chamber of Commerce in 2019, Poland is the 4th most romantic country in Europe, following France, Italy and Portugal.
The survey shows that 62% of Poles go to romantic destination, such as the Baltic Sea or the Tatra Mountains. 48% prefer restaurants for Valentines Day with 34% of Poles who celebrate the occasion prefer small gifts.
That same survey also revealed that two-thirds of Poles prefer to receive flowers and chocolates whereas only 17% would like a card. Interestingly, only 5% of Poles responded that they don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day.
The survey also revealed that Polish people prefer to give rather than receive. According to the data, 44% of Poles say they enjoy giving gifts, while only 20% are more interested in receiving them.
Romance is alive and kicking in Poland. Poland is known for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful architecture and iconic cities. Nothing says romance like a stroll around Old Town in Kraków or an evening boat cruise along the Vistula.
Romance is also alive and kicking in Poland’s smaller towns and villages. Many of these places can be explored on foot or bicycle. Exploring the countryside, even just for a single day, can be quite romantic. Whether it’s gazing over a fog filled valley or watching the sun set over the horizon, every moment can be enjoyed and cherished.
Most Polish people celebrate the occasion in some way, shape or form and are particularly fond of giving flowers and chocolates. Valentine’s Day is also known to bring couples together, as it’s a chance for them to spend quality time and express their feelings for each other.
Polish Traditions Surrounding Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day in Poland is often referred to as “St. Valentine’s Day” or “Walentynki.” It is typically celebrated with the exchange of cards or flowers, as well as chocolates. Red roses are particularly popular.
Another traditional thing is having photos taken with a loved one and these are often sent out as postcards or shared on social media. Even though some Polish people choose to have romantic dinners out, others like to stay home and cook a romantic meal together.
Poland also has its own unique tradition for Valentine’s Day, called polka. Polka is a type of dance that involves singing, humour and dancing and is believed to bring romantic luck. People gather to dance, sing and laugh and it is considered an important part of the celebration.
Young people often take part in a game called “walentinka.” It is said that by putting bunches of flowers under the pillows of people who are sleeping, love will come their way. This dating tradition gives young people the opportunity to send a subtle message of love to someone.
Valentine’s Day in Poland has a number of different traditions and customs that have been passed down through the ages. These traditions help to make Valentine’s Day an even more special occasion.
Valentine Gifts
When choosing a Gift for your Valentine in Poland, you should opt for something a bit more sentimental than the traditional chocolates and roses. One of the most popular gifts in Poland is jewelry made from amber. Amber is not only symbolic to the country, but it also represents love and loyalty. Other popular gifts include perfumes,sculptures, and antiques.
Polish people are especially fond of giving romantic gifts to their significant other. This could be in the form of a poem, a drawing or even a handmade jewellery. Homemade cards are also popular. Most Polish people stay away from generic items such as candy or flowers, as these gifts are seen as too impersonal.
For those who don’t have a significant other or simply want to make a gesture of love for someone, there are many charities and organizations in Poland that accept donations, and this is a great way to show those around us that we love and care for them.
Another popular tradition is sending “Walentinka”, which are traditional cards that give the recipient a message of love and affection. These cards are usually handmade and decorated with hearts, stars and other symbols of love.
Polish Valentine Celebrations
Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in Poland, and the cities have different events and activities to commemorate the day. Kraków has become one of the most popular destinations for Valentine’s Day celebrations, with a range of romantic hotspots, such as the St. Mary’s Basilica and the Rynek. Many other cities also have romantic activities to share too, such as live music, special dinners, and historical landmarks.
The celebration of Valentine’s Day is not limited to cities. Many towns and villages have their own traditions and festivities. Small towns and villages organize a celebration called “The Magic of Valentine’s Day”, which is a great opportunity to explore the area and get to know the culture and traditions.
Another popular event in Poland is the Walentynkowa Rozmowa, a tradition which started in the 19th century. During this time, people of all ages exchange letters in which they express their feelings for each other. This custom is still popular today.
Valentine’s Day in Poland is a fantastic way to express our appreciation and love for one another. With its vibrant culture and unique traditions, it’s a great opportunity to spend quality time with that special someone. No matter how you choose to celebrate, Valentine’s Day in Poland is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Valentine’s Day and Religion
Valentine’s Day is often associated with the Christian faith. The majority of Poles are Christians and associate Valentine’s Day with the traditional Christian celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.
In Poland, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in a greater cultural and religious context. Churches often highlight the importance of the day and ask couples to reaffirm their commitments to each other. Many churches also celebrate mass on the Sunday closest to Valentine’s Day to commemorate the day and offer special blessings for the churchgoers.
While Polk celebrate the day with presents and special meals, it is often connected to Christian teachings. Churches often emphasize the importance of expressing love and forgiveness, and reflect Christian values in their teachings.
In Poland, there is still traditional Christian symbolism associated with Valentine’s Day. Heart-shaped decorations are popular, and many churches offer Valentine’s Day service. Flowers, chocolates and other sweets are also frequently exchanged as gifts.
Notable religious figures, such as Pope John Paul II, have expressed a deep affinity with Valentine’s Day. He often reflected on the importance of the day and how it can be an opportunity to celebrate love and peace.
It is also important to remember that many Poles celebrate Valentine’s Day to honor their friends or family members. They may not be romantically involved but still want to mark the day by expressing their love and appreciation for their relationships.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day in Poland is an important occasion to express love and appreciation for those around us. As with any other holiday, it has its own traditions and customs, which make the day unique and special.
Poland is the 4th Most Romantic Destination in Europe and its picturesque landscapes and small towns, makes it a great getaway for couples. Valentine’s Day is also deeply felt by the religious community and many churches celebrate mass dedicated to love and peace.
Whether religious or secular, celebration of Valentine’s Day in Poland offers an opportunity to bring people together and express their feelings in a meaningful way. Despite these traditional customs, love and appreciation for one another come from the heart.
