Colossal, colorful palms on parade in Poland's unique Palm Sunday tradition

Locals in Poland's Kurpie region paraded vibrant, handmade palms through Lyse, celebrating a colorful Palm Sunday tradition dating back to 1969. The towering creations are judged on height, design, and craftsmanship, with no store-bought decorations allowed.

Reuters

29 March 2026 at 14:54:46

Easter palms made of tree branches and decorated with paper flowers are displayed during a Palm Sunday contest inside the Church of Saint Anna in Lyse, Poland, March 29, 2026.

Kuba Stezycki/Reuters

One of Poland's most colourful traditions took place on Sunday (March 29) as Catholics competed to build towering, vibrant palm trees decked in paper flowers.

Located in the rural Kurpie ethic region of northwestern Poland, the Palm Sunday tradition sees locals parade their palms through the village of Lyse, with many donning traditional Kurpie costume.

The handmade palms are judged on their height, design and details. Everything must be handmade and no store-bought decorations are allowed.

According to local tourist sites, the palm competition has taken place every year since 1969, with only one gap in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and celebrates the biblical tale of Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem. It is celebrated by Christians around the world on the Sunday before Easter.

Production: Kuba Stezycki, Thomas Holdstock/Reuters