"Christians do not celebrate Halloween,” said the spokesman, Father Paweł Rytel-Andrianik.
He encouraged Poles to instead take part in “Holy Wins,” an initiative that has for some years been promoted by Catholics as an alternative to what they see as the pagan and sinister Halloween.
Many in Poland are worried their country is uncritically absorbing American traditions linked to Halloween on October 31 such as trick-or-treating and costume parties in which revellers dress as ghouls and zombies.
Events held as part of “Holy Wins” include processions depicting Christian saints.
Fewer than one in five Poles—18.6 percent—plan to celebrate Halloween this year, according to a survey.
Poles traditionally visit cemeteries to remember their deceased relatives and friends on All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2.
(pk/gs)
Source: IAR