Poland is observing a period of national mourning on 8th and 9th of November following the tragic events in Kraków which took place on Saturday, 7th November 2026.
As the country comes to terms with what happened, messages of solidarity and condolences have been shared across Poland, including in Poznań, where the city has also confirmed arrangements for the upcoming St Martin’s Day celebrations.
Mayor of Poznań Jacek Jaśkowiak has announced that the annual Imieniny Ulicy Święty Marcin will take place as planned on Wednesday, 11th November. Additional security measures are being introduced in consultation with the police and other services responsible for public safety.
As Poznań Magazine, we stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, police officers and everyone affected by the tragedy in Kraków. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and all those facing the aftermath of these events.
National mourning declared for 8th and 9th November
Following the events, Poland has entered a period of national mourning covering Sunday, 8th and Monday, 9th of November.
A number of events and celebrations have been cancelled or postponed during this period.
With St Martin’s Day approaching, questions have naturally arisen about the arrangements for one of Poznań's most recognisable annual celebrations.
Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak has confirmed that St Martin’s Day will take place on 11th November according to the original plans. The announcement followed a meeting with representatives of the services responsible for public safety in the city.
The Mayor acknowledged the preparations already made by local businesses, restaurateurs, confectioners, exhibitors and other participants, while stressing that additional security arrangements would be required.
In a statement published on Facebook, Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak wrote:
“I was in a meeting with the services responsible for safety in our city. In the context of yesterday’s attack in Kraków, we discussed solutions that would allow events such as the upcoming St Martin’s Day celebrations and Christmas markets to take place safely for everyone.
I was, and remain, determined that the St Martin Street Day celebrations should go ahead as planned. However, participants, exhibitors, restaurateurs and confectioners will all have to comply with police recommendations and the security measures required for mass events. I appeal to everyone to follow these requirements. Let us work together to ensure that, as always, this is a joyful and safe event for everyone.
I know that the restrictions introduced last year under the mass event regulations were criticised, but yesterday’s events show that these were the right decisions.”
The Mayor also addressed longer-term security improvements across Poznań. While Plac Adama Mickiewicza and Stary Rynek already have physical barriers in place, he pointed to the need for additional protective measures in locations such as Plac Wolności and Półwiejska Street.
He confirmed that he had instructed the city to secure funding in the municipal budget for these improvements, which will be introduced progressively.
CK ZAMEK confirms additional security arrangements
CK ZAMEK, the cultural institution responsible for organising the St Martin’s Day celebrations, has also confirmed that the event will take place as scheduled.
The organisers explained that the established Name Day Village (Imieninowe Miasteczko) format, which operates as a mass event with fencing, controlled entrance gates and reinforced security, provides an established framework for managing public safety.
CK ZAMEK also confirmed that it remains in regular contact with the City of Poznań, the police and municipal services to introduce further security measures where necessary.
Poznań opens an online condolence book for Kraków
Alongside its public safety announcements, the City of Poznań has opened a virtual condolence book dedicated to the victims of the tragic events in Kraków.
The initiative gives anyone who wishes to express their sympathy an opportunity to leave messages of support for the victims' families and loved ones, as well as honour the memory of those who have died.
The city introduced the initiative with the following message:
“In the face of the painful events that took place in Kraków on 7th November 2026, Poznań wishes to express its solidarity with the residents of that city and everyone affected by this tragedy.
With those wishing to share their condolences, offer words of support to the families and loved ones of the victims, and honour the memory of those who have died in mind, the City of Poznań has made a virtual condolence book available.
Every entry will be an expression of community in the face of suffering. We believe that, in such difficult moments, mutual kindness, presence and solidarity take on particular importance.”
All submissions are reviewed by editors before being published.
You can visit the City of Poznań's digital condolence book and leave your message here.
