Zaduszki w Polsce: jak wygląda wizyta na cmentarzu

What’s the difference between “Zaduszki” and “Wszystkich Świętych” in Poland?

Midway through, the narrator corrects himself: what he filmed on November 1st is actually “Dzień Wszystkich Świętych” (All Saints' Day), Poland’s public holiday for visiting graves — “Zaduszki,” All Souls' Day, is properly November 2nd. Even native speakers blur the two, since graveside visits, candles, and flowers happen across both days as one continuous observance for the dead.

“Zaduszki” comes from “dusza” (soul) — a day set aside for souls in general, while “Wszystkich Świętych” honors the officially recognized saints. In practice, most families do their cemetery visit on the 1st, since that’s the day off work, which is exactly why the mix-up is so common.