Wianki and Noc Świętojańska (Midsummer)

The shortest night

Noc Świętojańska (St. John's Eve) is the midsummer night, around 23–24 June. It combines pre-Christian solstice rites with the feast of St. John.

Wianki — floating wreaths

Young women make flower wreaths (wianki) and float them on the river. Traditionally, a boy who fishes out your wreath is your future match. In Warsaw, this happens on the Vistula boulevards with a big free concert.

Bonfires and ferns

• Bonfires (sobótki) are lit on hillsides.
• Legend says the fern blooms only on this night; finding the flower brings wealth. Ferns don't actually bloom, but the legend persists.

What to do

• In Warsaw, head to the Vistula boulevards for concerts and fireworks.
• In smaller towns, look for local bonfires and community dances.
• It is a warm, outdoor, late-evening event — dress for the weather.