On the Feast of the Epiphany, which symbolizes the revelation to the world of the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, colorful processions have been taking place across Poland for more than a dozen years. This year, the Bydgoszcz Three Kings’ Procession was held for the 13th time.

The rather extreme nighttime frost could have suggested that conditions would not be suitable for celebrating, but by the afternoon the temperature was bearable enough for hundreds, or even thousands, of residents of Bydgoszcz to take part in the procession together with their families. The scenario was largely the same as in previous years, but as many people noted, it was written over 2,000 years ago and is recalled every year on January 6 through the Gospel of St. Matthew. The Three Wise Men – although this is more a matter of tradition, as the Gospel does not specify their exact number – set out to pay homage to the infant Jesus. In the Bydgoszcz version, after Holy Mass in the Basilica, they proceeded toward Gdańska Street and then to the Old Market Square, where Jesus was waiting with His parents.

The Three Wise Men were accompanied by processions in their respective colors and carrying flags. At the Old Market Square, after the Gospel of St. Matthew was read, Caspar, the European king, followed by Melchior, the Asian king, and Balthazar, the African king, paid homage and presented their gifts. Before this culmination, two young shepherds were invited onto the stage to emphasize that it was the shepherds who were the first to pay homage to Christ immediately after His birth, when He came into the world in a humble stable. The final accent was the blessing given to the participants by Bishop Krzysztof Włodarczyk, who reminded everyone that the year in the Church under the motto “pilgrims of hope” had come to an end, encouraging all to be pilgrims on earth.

January 6 has been a public holiday in Poland since January 6. However, the tradition of the processions dates back to the period before World War II. Such processions also take place in various parts of the world.