06/01/2026
Three Kings Processions in Poland 2026: almost 1000 cities and 2 million participants
On January 6th, 2026, there will be one of the biggest and most prominent catholic events of the year in Poland, “Orszak Trzech Króli” (eng. “Three Kings Procession”/”Three Kings Parade”. Last year, it was estimated that 2 million people participated in the event. This year, the processions will pass through the streets of 941 villages, towns, and cities in Poland - 36 more than in 2025. These parades, led by characters representing the three kings, offer an opportunity for celebration and communal carol singing.
“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.
The story of the event began in 2009 when the students of one of Warsaw’s schools decided to perform the Live Nativity scene on the city’s streets. Since then, each year, more and more cities have joined the initiative.
This year's slogan for the processions is “Rejoice in Hope!” It comes from the 17th-century Christmas carol “Mędrcy świata, monarchowie” (“Wise Men of the World, Monarchs”) by Stefan Bortkiewicz.
“We are referring to the Jubilee Year, which ends on January 6 in the Catholic Church and was held under the motto “Pilgrims of Hope.” 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” said Anna Murawska, the director of the event, during a press conference in Warsaw.
Pope Leo XIV emphasizes: This is true hope: knowing that, even in the darkness of trial, God’s love sustains us and ripens the fruit of eternal life in us. (General Audience, August 27, 2025). He then adds: The treasure that ignites hope is the life of Jesus: we must follow in His footsteps (General Audience, September 6, 2025). The wise men of the Gospel serve as an example for us in following Jesus.
“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,” wrote the presidential couple, Marta and Karol Nawrocki, in a special message to the organizers and participants of the processions.
Article: (all info from Fundacja Orszak Trzech Króli website orszak.org and https://www.vaticannews.va/pl/swiat/news/2025-01/dwa-miliony-osob-na-orszakach-trzech-kroli-w-polsce.html and https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/orszaki-trzech-kroli-przejda-6-stycznia-ulicami-blisko-tysiaca-miejscowosci)
Photo: Konferencja Episkopatu Polski / Flickr
