Nearly two million people are expected to take part in one of Europe’s largest Catholic public celebrations as Poland marks the Solemnity of the Epiphany with the annual Three Kings Procession (Orszak Trzech Króli). The event will take place across 941 cities and towns nationwide, drawing families, parishes, and communities into the streets in a vibrant expression of faith.
Participants traditionally dress as biblical figures, wear paper crowns, sing Christmas carols, and follow representations of the Three Magi to Nativity scenes set up in public squares. In Warsaw, the main procession will be broadcast live by EWTN Poland, with English coverage offered for the first time, beginning at 11 a.m. local time.
According to organizers, the scale of the event continues to grow. Last year, an estimated two million people joined the processions across 905 locations in Poland and abroad. This year’s celebrations expand to 941 communities, an increase of 36 locations. To support the event, organizers prepared 600,000 paper crowns, 150,000 songbooks, and 200,000 stickers. In the capital alone, about 50,000 people participated in 2025.
What began as a small school initiative has become a national tradition. The first Three Kings street procession was held in Warsaw in 2009 as an extension of a Nativity play by local students. Following Epiphany’s recognition as a public holiday in Poland in 2011, the event steadily grew into a nationwide celebration.
This year’s theme, “Rejoice in Hope,” reflects the Church’s jubilee message, “Pilgrims of Hope,” which concludes on Epiphany. The slogan is drawn from a well-known 17th-century Polish Christmas carol, “Mędrcy świata, monarchowie” (“Wise Men of the World, Monarchs”). Organizers say the focus is on encouraging trust in God, perseverance in daily life, and hope rooted in faith.
Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki and First Lady Marta Nawrocki also sent a message to participants, highlighting the procession’s call to peace and reconciliation. They encouraged citizens to draw inspiration from the Magi, who journeyed through hardship in pursuit of peace, solidarity, and understanding.
Blending traditional Polish Nativity plays and caroling with elements inspired by Epiphany celebrations in countries such as Spain and Mexico, the Three Kings Procession has become a powerful public witness of faith. In Warsaw, the procession begins at the Copernicus Monument and proceeds along Krakowskie Przedmieście to Castle Square, where participants gather to sing carols in the heart of the city.
Credit: Catholic News Agency
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