Remembering with Light and Tradition
Every year on November 1, Poland pauses for one of its most significant holidays — All Saints’ Day. It’s a time when millions of people visit cemeteries, light candles, and bring flowers to honor their loved ones who have passed away. In cities like Poznań, this day not only carries deep emotional meaning but also affects how the city moves from traffic changes near cemeteries to free public transport offered for the occasion.
The Meaning of All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday dedicated to all saints, both known and unknown. The tradition dates back to the 4th century, but it became a universal feast in 835 AD when Pope Gregory IV extended it to the entire Catholic Church. The day celebrates the lives of saints and reminds believers of the hope of eternal life. In Poland, however, the meaning of All Saints’ Day has broadened. It’s not only about the saints but also about remembering loved ones who have passed away.
Poles treat this day with great respect. It’s a national public holiday, which means schools, offices, and most businesses close. The atmosphere is calm, reflective, and family-oriented. Visiting cemeteries is a ritual that brings together generations, emphasizing memory, gratitude, and continuity
Click here’s a video about the All Saint’s Day
How Poles Celebrate All Saints’ Day
On All Saints’ Day, Polish cemeteries transform into glowing seas of candlelight. Families clean and decorate graves, placing chrysanthemums, wreaths, and glass lanterns called znicze. The flickering lights symbolize remembrance and hope. These traditions are followed across the country from the smallest villages to major cities like Poznań, Kraków, and Warsaw.
The day is usually spent visiting the resting places of family members, attending masses, and quietly reflecting. It’s common to see people walking together in silence, sharing memories or simply standing by a grave in thought. In the evening, cemeteries glow beautifully, creating one of the most distinctive sights in Polish culture.
The following day, November 2, is All Souls’ Day, known in Polish as Zaduszki, which focuses specifically on praying for the souls of the dead. Together, the two days form an important spiritual moment in Poland’s calendar.
All Saints’ Day in Poznań: Organization and Safety
Because All Saints’ Day attracts thousands of visitors to local cemeteries, Poznań like many other Polish cities, prepares special traffic and transport arrangements to ensure safety and convenience. This year, the city is introducing extensive changes in road organization from October 25 to November 2, especially near major cemeteries such as Junikowo, Miłostowo, Morasko, and Górczyn.
From October 25, speed limits of 30 km/h will apply around key cemeteries on streets such as Cmentarna, Grunwaldzka, Warszawska, and Arciszewskiego. On October 31 and November 1, there will be restrictions for heavy vehicles and temporary one-way traffic systems on roads like Cmentarna, Owcza, and Złotowska to improve the flow of cars and pedestrians.
For example, near the Junikowo Cemetery, ul. Chryzantemowa will be one-way from ul. Malwowa to ul. Owcza, and on November 1, ul. Złotowska will also become one-way. Additional parking spots will be provided on the left lanes of ul. Grunwaldzka and ul. Wieruszowska. Parking directly at cemeteries such as Górczyński will be limited mainly to people with disabilities, with short “kiss & ride” stops available for others.
The city’s goal during All Saints’ Day is not only to manage traffic efficiently but also to ensure safety for pedestrians, as many visitors move between cemeteries and public transport stops.
Free Public Transport for All Saints’ Day in Poznań
One of the most significant changes this year is that Poznań will offer free public transport on November 1. This is the first time the city has implemented such a solution for All Saints’ Day, following similar examples from Łódź and Bielsko-Biała. The Poznań Transport Authority (ZTM) announced that all tram and bus lines will operate with increased frequency and extended routes to facilitate access to cemeteries.
Temporary stops will also be created for instance, at ul. Gnieźnieńska 55 near the Nivea parking lot making it easier for passengers to reach Miłostowo Cemetery. Officials encourage residents to leave their cars at home and use trams or buses instead. This decision not only improves safety but also helps reduce congestion and emissions.
Additionally, the city will have more police officers, municipal guards, and MPK (public transport) inspectors on duty to monitor traffic and assist residents. Signs and directions will be visible throughout the main routes, helping visitors navigate changes introduced for All Saints’ Day.
