Day: March 29, 2026

Poles celebrating Palm Sunday.

For centuries, there has been a tradition in parts of Poland to build tall flower towers on Palm Sunday. Over the past 100 years, it has turned into a competition with some winning towers being 30+ meters tall.

The core Palm Sunday celebration of commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with branches dates back to at least the 4th century in Jerusalem and spread across Europe in the early Middle Ages.

The first European processions were documented by the 6th–8th centuries.

In colder climates where real palms were unavailable, locals substituted willow branches (“pussy willows” or bazie), boxwood, or other greenery.

In many parts of Europe, the celebration became known as “Willow Sunday” or “Flower Sunday.”

In Poland, using willow and decorative elements became common as a folk adaptation, mixing Christian symbolism (victory, resurrection, new life) with local craftsmanship.

Construction of the Polish flower towers often begins during Lent, 40 days before Easter.

Families and villages join up to build as tall towers as possible, creating a living tradition passed down in families through the generations.

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— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) Mar 29, 2026