On the evening of 1 November 2026, millions of Poles visit cemeteries to light candles and lay flowers on the graves of family members and historical figures. The tradition - called Wszystkich Świętych - is one of the most visually striking events in the Polish calendar, and Krakow’s Rakowicki Cemetery has become a destination in its own right on this date for travellers as well as locals.
What Happens on All Saints Day
All Saints Day (Dzień Wszystkich Świętych) is a public holiday across Poland. Banks, government offices, and most shops are closed, though restaurants, cafes, and tourist services generally remain open. The Catholic church holds masses throughout the day, and from mid-afternoon until well past midnight, cemeteries across the country fill with families carrying lanterns, candles in glass holders, and bunches of chrysanthemums - the traditional flower of the occasion.
The visual effect after dark is remarkable. Hundreds of thousands of candles spread across a large cemetery create a golden landscape that is unlike anything else in the Polish calendar. Photography is common but the atmosphere remains reverent - this is a genuine observance, not a performance.
Krakow: The Best City to Experience It
Rakowicki Cemetery in Krakow, opened in 1803, is the most visited on All Saints Day. The cemetery holds the graves of Polish artists, academics, and independence-era figures alongside ordinary families, and the sheer density of candlelight on its pathways makes it one of the most atmospheric places in Poland on this night. Tram services run until late to handle the crowds, and the area around the cemetery entrance fills with flower and candle vendors from early afternoon.
The Salwator Cemetery in Krakow’s Zwierzyniec district is smaller and quieter, favoured by visitors who want the atmosphere without the Rakowicki crowds.
Warsaw: Powązki Cemetery
In Warsaw, Cmentarz Powązkowski (Powązki Cemetery) is the equivalent gathering point. The 19th-century cemetery holds the graves of Polish writers, politicians, and military figures and fills with candles from around 16:00. The tram and bus network adjusts schedules on 1 November to accommodate the volume of visitors.
Practical Notes for Travellers
- Transport: Trams to Rakowicki run from Krakow’s old town (lines 1, 14, and 15); expect queues. In Warsaw, bus line 181 runs directly to Powązki.
- Timing: The cemetery atmosphere peaks between 18:00 and 22:00 once darkness falls. Arriving before 17:00 avoids the thickest crowds.
- What to bring: Candlelight is subdued - bring a small torch if you want to read inscriptions. Dress warmly; November evenings in both cities are typically 4–10°C.
- Public holiday: Shops close but the city otherwise functions normally. Restaurants and cafes near cemeteries in both cities stay open late.
For more on what November brings to Poland and how to plan a visit around the public holiday calendar, see our guide to things to do in Poland.
Gdansk and Other Cities
All Saints Day is observed across Poland, not only in Krakow and Warsaw. Wroclaw’s Osobowicki Cemetery and Gdansk’s Srebrzysko Cemetery both attract significant crowds. For travellers already in Poland in late October or early November, timing a visit to any Polish city to coincide with the 1 November evening is straightforward and rewarding.