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Epiphany procession fills Warsaw streets, attended by Polish president

06.01.2026 16:00
Thousands joined the annual Epiphany procession through central Warsaw on Monday, with President Karol Nawrocki and his wife taking part as church leaders urged public witness of faith.
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The march featured carolers, shepherds, and angels, with the Three Kings riding in decorated vehicles. Near the Presidential Palace, Nawrocki and first lady Marta Nawrocka joined the procession.
The march featured carolers, shepherds, and angels, with the Three Kings riding in decorated vehicles. Near the Presidential Palace, Nawrocki and first lady Marta Nawrocka joined the procession.Photo: PAP/Piotr Nowak

The colorful Three Kings procession moved along the Royal Route under the theme “Rejoice in Hope,” drawn from a 17th-century Polish Christmas carol. It began with the Angelus prayer near the Copernicus monument, where Archbishop Adrian Galbas blessed participants.

The march featured carolers, shepherds, and angels, with the Three Kings riding in decorated vehicles. Near the Presidential Palace, Nawrocki and first lady Marta Nawrocka joined the procession.

Speaking to reporters, the president said the event reflected Poland’s deep attachment to Christian traditions and values that have shaped the nation for more than a millennium, calling the procession a grassroots, community-driven initiative.

At Castle Square, the Kings symbolically paid homage at a Nativity scene, offering gold, incense and myrrh. Archbishop Galbas told the crowd that humility before Christ could bring greater peace and hope to the world, urging believers to live their faith openly in daily life.

Participants also heard a message from Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra of the Vatican Secretariat of State, who conveyed papal blessings and wished families and young people strength in hope.

The event concluded with a polonaise danced to the carol “God Is Born,” followed by hours of communal carol singing. Epiphany, celebrated on Jan. 6, has been a public holiday in Poland since 2011.

(jh)

Source: PAP

Click on the audio player above to hear a report by Agnieszka Łaszczuk.