Nearly two million Catholics are expected to take to the streets across Poland on Tuesday to celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany through the annual Three Kings Procession, one of Europe’s largest public religious events.
The nationwide celebration, formally known as Orszak Trzech Króli, will unfold in 941 cities and towns, drawing participants who dress as biblical figures, wear paper crowns, sing Christmas carols, and follow representations of the Magi to Nativity scenes set up in public squares.
According to Catholic News Agency, last year an estimated two million people participated in the processions across 905 locations in Poland and abroad. This year’s expansion reflects the continued growth of the tradition since Epiphany was restored as a national holiday in Poland in 2011.
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The main procession in Warsaw will be broadcast live in English for the first time by EWTN Poland, beginning at 11 a.m. local time. Organizers estimate that approximately 50,000 people marched in Warsaw during the 2025 celebration.
Event preparations have been significant. “We have prepared 600,000 crowns, 150,000 songbooks with Christmas carols, and 200,000 stickers,” said Piotr Giertych, president of the Three Kings Procession Foundation, according to Catholic News Agency.
The public procession began in 2009 as a local school Nativity play in Warsaw and has since grown into a nationwide celebration. The event draws on Poland’s traditions of caroling and Nativity performances while also incorporating elements inspired by Epiphany processions in Spain and Mexico.
This year’s theme, “Rejoice in Hope,” is taken from the 17th-century Polish Christmas carol Mędrcy świata, monarchowie (“Wise Men of the World, Monarchs”) by Stefan Bortkiewicz. The theme intentionally echoes the Church’s jubilee motto, “Pilgrims of Hope,” which concludes on Epiphany.
“We are referring to the jubilee year, which ends on Jan. 6 in the Catholic Church and was held under the motto ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’” said Anna Murawska, the event’s director, according to Catholic News Agency. “Therefore, during the procession, we will hear a lot not only about maintaining hope in everyday life but, above all, trusting God, his mercy, and meeting him in heaven.”
Poland’s national leaders also acknowledged the spiritual significance of the event. President Karol Nawrocki and First Lady Marta Nawrocki sent a message to participants emphasizing reconciliation and unity. “May the image of three monarchs who, despite adversity, pursued their goal — peace and reconciliation — inspire us all to build relationships based on mutual solidarity, understanding, and respect,” they wrote, according to Catholic News Agency.
In Warsaw, the procession will begin at the Copernicus Monument and proceed along Krakowskie Przedmieście to Castle Square, where participants will gather to sing carols together in the city center.
As millions of Catholics once again step into the public square, the Three Kings Procession continues to stand as a powerful witness to the enduring faith of the Polish people and the Epiphany’s call to proclaim Christ to the nations.
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