Pentecost in Gdańsk – spiritual depth and Slavic tradition

Damian Brzeski
May 15
4 min read

Pentecost is a holiday that combines the fire of the Spirit and the scent of calamus. Is it still a religion, or is nature speaking to us from an ancient rite?

On the one hand – the Christian celebration of the Descent of the Holy Spirit. On the other – an echo of ancient rituals of spring and fertility.

In Gdańsk, both traditions intertwine in one place and time, creating a unique atmosphere. Do you want to know where you will hear the singing of psalms and where you will dance by the Midsummer's Eve fire? Read on - Pentecost 2025 promises to be exceptional.

What is Pentecost – spirit and greenery in one
How to spend Pentecost in Gdańsk?
Pentecost 2025 in Gdańsk – events worth seeing

What is Pentecost – spirit and greenery in one

Pentecost, or the celebration of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, is one of the oldest and most symbolic holidays in the Christian calendar.

Celebrated exactly 50 days after Easter , it commemorates the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles. But did you know that this spiritual celebration has much deeper roots, reaching back to pre-Christian times?

Before it became a religious holiday, Pentecost was celebrated as a pagan Feast of the Herd or Spring Festival , often associated with fertility rituals and crop protection.

Bonfires were lit, houses were decorated with birch and lime branches, and calamus was thrown into wells to ward off evil spirits . Young people jumped over the fire, and shepherds decorated animals with wreaths. There was magic in this, and hope, and joy in the awakening of nature.

In time, the Church wisely combined these customs with Christian liturgy. Eucharistic processions replaced processions, and beech branches in churches began to be treated as symbols of the Holy Spirit.

The old pagan elements were fused into a new spiritual narrative . And so a tradition was born that has survived for centuries.

Is Pentecost the same as Midsummer’s Eve?

No, although it is easy to get confused. Pentecost is a Christian, spiritual and family holiday, usually falling in May or June, 50 days after Easter.

In turn, Sobótki (or Kupala Night , St. John's Night) have pagan roots and fall at the end of June, the shortest night of the year. There are fires, dances, wreaths and the magic of falling in love. Different energy, different symbolism.

In Gdańsk, you can experience both – the contemplation of Pentecost and the element of Sobótki. But let's not mix them, because each of these holidays has its own unique atmosphere.

You already know where Pentecost came from and why it is worth celebrating. In a moment I will tell you where in Gdańsk you can feel its true spirit .

How to spend Pentecost in Gdańsk?

Pentecost has this thing about it that it doesn't shout - there are no firecrackers or big balls. It's a holiday that whispers. It reminds us that it's worth stopping, looking at the sky and thinking: "What is waking up in me again?"

Start this day calmly. Make your favorite tea, open the window and... listen to the birds singing. Seriously - even in the middle of Gdansk it's possible. If you feel overwhelmed by everyday life, Pentecost is a good time to relax not only physically but also spiritually.

A walk ? Absolutely! The Tri-City Landscape Park tempts you with rustling trees, Oliwa Park smells of lime and history, and Sobieszewska Island lets you feel the wind from the sea. Take a blanket, a book, and a piece of cake with you – have yourself a micro-festival in slow style.

Or maybe you will organize a green picnic with your loved ones? Whitsun is after all a "holiday of nature", so celebrate it in your own way.

If you feel like something more symbolic – weave a wreath of calamus and throw it into the Motława River . Sounds trivial? Maybe. But it is also a way to feel connected to old traditions. Our grandmothers did it without thinking – maybe it is worth following in their footsteps?

And if you feel the need to go deeper – Gdańsk has a full range of spiritual events for you: vigils, processions, masses. Even if you are not a “church” type – look at these rituals as a community spectacle.

Sometimes just your presence is enough to make something move inside.

Don't forget about culture! In the evening, check out the light mapping over the Motława River or go to the Baltic Philharmonic. Who knows, maybe "Veni Creator" played live will move you more than many films?

Pentecost 2025 in Gdańsk – events worth seeing

Pentecost in Gdańsk is not just about masses and prayers. It is a celebration that spreads throughout the city – from historical temples, through parks and the banks of the Motława River, to concert halls and artistic spaces. Check out what is happening on June 7 and 8, 2025!

🌿 Prayer Vigils – Saturday, June 7

St. Mary's Basilica : ecumenical vigil with the participation of bishops
St. Bridget's Church : adoration with prayer for the renewal of the Church
Sanctuary in Matemblewo : service for families ▶ Start: 11:00 p.m. ▶ Program includes: Lectio Divina, singing of psalms, concentration

⛪ Sunday liturgical celebrations – June 8

10:00 – Pontifical Mass at the Oliwa Archcathedral (Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda SAC)
12:30 – Procession with the relics of St. Adalbert (Długi Targ → Zielony Most)
6:00 PM – Vespers with confirmation in the church of St. Nicholas

🎼 Cultural and artistic events

3D Mapping on the Motława River – a light installation with the symbolism of the Holy Spirit
Concert "Veni Creator" - Baltic Philharmonic, works by Penderecki and Górecki
Icon painting workshops – National Museum, creating icons with the theme of the Descent

🌺 Tradition in practice

Burning of the bonfires – Granary Island, reconstruction of Slavic rituals, Lajkonik dances
Tatarak wreaths – throwing wreaths together into the Motława River, a continuation of a medieval ritual