A new statutory holiday? Just before Easter. There is a petition
A petition has been submitted to the Polish Parliament to declare Good Friday a statutory holiday, in addition to Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
This year, Easter falls relatively early on April 5, which includes both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday as official public holidays in Poland. In late October 2025, a petition was submitted to the Polish Sejm to consider adding Good Friday to the list of official holidays. The petition was directed to the Petitions Committee in mid-December, highlighting the importance of Good Friday within the Paschal Triduum, which occurs from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. These days hold significant religious value for Catholics, marked by solemn ceremonies attended by many worshippers.
The author of the petition notes that the working nature of Good Friday often makes it difficult for individuals to participate in these important religious services. Many Poles attempt to take time off on Good Friday, similar to the practice of taking time off on Christmas Eve, although not everyone is able to have their requests granted. The petition emphasizes not only the religious obligation that many feel but also the broader cultural implications of observing such significant days in the Christian calendar. If approved, this change could alter the way holidays are observed in Poland and promote a greater recognition of religious traditions in the workplace.
The discussion around this petition is indicative of a wider societal contemplation about the role of religious observance in secular life, especially in light of Poland's heavily Catholic demographic. Should there be a significant push from the public, it may influence parliamentary discussions and lead to critical decisions impacting both workplace policies and cultural practices concerning holiday observance in Poland.