St. Stephen's Day

St. Stephen's Day, known as **Świętego Szczepana** in Polish, is celebrated on **December 26** in Poland, following Christmas Day. It is a public holiday and part of the extended Christmas festivities. The day honors **St. Stephen**, the first Christian martyr, and is deeply rooted in both religious and cultural traditions. In Poland, St. Stephen's Day is a time for family gatherings, reflection, and continued celebration. Many attend **church services** to commemorate St. Stephen's life and sacrifice. The holiday also marks the second day of **Christmas**, known as **Drugi Dzień Świąt Bożego Narodzenia**, and is often spent visiting relatives, sharing meals, and enjoying leftover Christmas dishes like **pierogi**, **bigos**, and **barszcz**. A unique tradition on this day is the practice of **caroling** (kolędowanie), where groups of carolers, often dressed in festive costumes, visit homes to sing traditional Polish Christmas carols (**kolędy**) and spread holiday cheer. In some regions, people also participate in **horse-drawn sleigh rides** or other winter activities. St. Stephen's Day in Poland is a blend of religious reverence and joyful celebration, emphasizing family, community, and the continuation of Christmas spirit.