Halloween – Polish style

“When the living walk among the dead, we remember there is less between us than we might like to think.”

Young people in Poland mark Halloween in much the same way as people all over the world these days; it’s an opportunity to dress up and have a bit of a crazy night out.

But the next day, things get serious – in Poland, at least. 1 November marks All Saints’ Day, when people all over Poland go to their local cemetery and remember those who’ve gone on before. People travel all over the country to pay their respects, while cemetery custodians make sure no grave is left without at least one candle.

It was one of the most beautiful and unexpectedly moving things I experienced in my time in Poland. It inspired this short reflection, filmed at Powaski cemetery, Warsaw.