Papal Blessing Marks Massive Three Kings Parade in Poland
Thousands of people took to the streets of Warsaw and cities across Poland to mark the Solemnity of the Epiphany as the annual Three Kings Parade once again transformed public spaces into a living Nativity. This year’s celebration was accompanied by an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Leo XIV, who expressed his spiritual closeness to participants in Poland and around the world. The blessing was conveyed through a letter sent on the Pope’s behalf to the organizers of the event, recognizing the parade as a public witness of faith inspired by the journey of the Magi. In Warsaw, the procession followed the historic Royal Route, drawing families, volunteers, and visitors into a shared celebration of Christian tradition. Similar events unfolded at nearly one thousand locations nationally and internationally, underlining the parade’s role as one of the largest public expressions of Epiphany devotion in the world today.
In his message, Pope Leo acknowledged the idea behind the parade, which has been organized annually since 2009, and united himself spiritually with all those who step into the streets to bear witness to Christ. He emphasized the value of such visible expressions of faith in cities and villages, where the Gospel message is carried beyond church walls into everyday life. The event is designed as an open and family centered celebration, with participants portraying the Three Kings, their courts, shepherds, angels, and figures from the Nativity story. This year’s motto, Rejoicing in Hope, highlighted perseverance and trust as central themes drawn from the Magi’s journey to Bethlehem. Organizers stressed that the parade invites participants to symbolically turn toward the Holy Family, reaffirming hope as a guiding force in Christian life.
The Warsaw procession began with the Angelus prayer, led by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Warsaw, who reflected on the recent Jubilee Year and its call to live as Pilgrims of Hope. He encouraged those present to carry the missionary spirit of the feast beyond the celebration itself, witnessing to faith not only on solemn occasions but through daily actions. A distinctive feature of the Warsaw event was the presence of three symbolic marches representing Europe, Asia, and Africa, emphasizing the universality of Christianity. Participants from diverse backgrounds took on the roles of the Magi, accompanied by symbolic figures illustrating the spiritual struggle between good and evil. The presence of families portraying the Holy Family underscored the parade’s focus on passing faith to younger generations.
The Three Kings Parade in Warsaw remains the largest and oldest event of its kind in Poland and continues to grow each year. Initiated by a local educational community and now coordinated by a dedicated foundation, the parade has expanded significantly since the Epiphany was restored as a public holiday in Poland in 2011. Today, the event stands at the intersection of faith, culture, and public life, drawing participation from civic leaders, families, and pilgrims alike. Its steady expansion reflects a renewed desire to celebrate Christian heritage openly while fostering unity within diverse communities. With papal encouragement and widespread participation, the Three Kings Parade continues to affirm the place of faith in contemporary society through joyful and visible tradition.
