Easter is a significant holiday in the Catholic Church, celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In 2025, Easter Sunday falls on April 20, followed by Easter Monday on April 21. This year, the holiday is accompanied by a range of traditions and customs deeply rooted in Polish culture.
One of the most cherished traditions is the "Święconka," where families take baskets filled with eggs, bread, sausage, and other foods to church on Holy Saturday for blessing. This symbolic gesture represents abundance and new life. Additionally, the art of decorating Easter eggs, known as "pisanki," engages families in a creative activity that symbolizes hope and resurrection.
As the holiday approaches, many families are also preparing for the extended school break. In 2025, students will have time off starting Thursday, April 17, and returning to school on Tuesday, April 22. This break offers an excellent opportunity for families to spend quality time together and enjoy the spring weather.
While Easter is a time for celebration, it also requires careful planning, especially regarding shopping. In Łódź, for instance, many stores will be operating under specific hours leading up to the holiday. On Holy Saturday, stores will be open, but trading is prohibited after 2:00 PM. This means that shoppers need to plan accordingly to avoid last-minute rushes.
On Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, most shops in Łódź will remain closed, including major chains like Lidl, Biedronka, Carrefour, Netto, Dino, Auchan, Selgros, Spar, Aldi, Kaufland, E.Leclerc, and Stokrotka. However, small local shops, such as Żabka stores and gas stations, may still be open, provided the owner is present behind the counter.
The day after Easter, known as Easter Monday, is also a public holiday in Poland. This year, it falls on April 21, and due to the trade ban on public holidays, most large-format stores will be closed. This includes supermarkets and discount chains like Auchan, Carrefour, and Biedronka.
However, some neighborhood stores may remain open, particularly those where the owner is present to serve customers. Franchise stores like Żabka or Carrefour Express could also be available, depending on the owner's decision. Additionally, gas stations with convenience stores will be open, allowing for the purchase of essential items such as sugar, salt, or drinks.
Notably, large-format stores located within train stations, such as Biedronka at Warszawa Centralna or Poznań Główny, may operate on Easter Monday, providing some convenience for travelers and those needing last-minute supplies.
As families gather to celebrate Easter, many also take part in traditional games, such as egg hunts and water fights on Easter Monday, known as "Śmigus-Dyngus." These activities add a festive touch to the holiday, especially for children.
While planning for Easter, it’s crucial to be aware of the shopping hours. On Holy Saturday, April 19, stores will be open, but usually only until 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM. This makes it essential for shoppers to complete their holiday preparations early.
In summary, Easter 2025 promises to be a time of joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. With school holidays beginning on April 17 and lasting until April 22, families can look forward to spending quality time together. However, shoppers should be mindful of store hours and closures during this holiday period to ensure they have everything they need for the celebrations.
