New Years Eve in Poland

The celebration of New Years Eve in Poland is devoted to 'St. Sylvester' and therefore commonly called "Sylwester". Poles celebrate the New Year with music, dance and fireworks. Festivities are held outdoors on the main squares in big cities as well as private and public bashes and balls are held everywhere. The choice is vast, but you have to plan many weeks ahead to get tickets, which are not cheap and quickly sold out.

Happy New Year 2011 - Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku 2011

'Saint Sylvester, a bishop of Rome who died in year 335, happened to be a patron of the last day in a year therefore his name is used as a name of this day (31 December).'

Polish customs - for the ladies

Polish culture varies from region to region, but there are certain customs which appear all over the country. A good example is the custom of kissing woman's hand when being introduced. This one slowly goes out of fashion, but don't be surprised to find yourself in such a situation while visiting Poland. Another common form of respect the men show to the female sex is: offering seat on public transport, giving flowers, opening the door and letting the woman walk through first..

Poland here

This is my first blog, and it is dedicated to Poland; the culture, the past and present, architecture, music and customs. I will introduce bit by bit for those who have never been to Poland, others with polish roots who might search for some useful information and everyone else who likes to travel or is interested in the history and people.