5 hilariously Polish things people do every spring

Spring in Poland isn’t just about flowers blooming and birds chirping – it’s a full-blown cultural spectacle. Here are 5 activities that many Poles do in spring:

1. Washing windows like it’s a national sport

If you’ve never seen a Polish person balancing on a windowsill with a squeegee in one hand and a bucket in the other, then have you even been to Poland?

Spring in Poland kicks off with a nationwide window-washing frenzy. It’s partially about cleanliness, sure, but at times is almost like an unspoken national competition – who can get their windows so clear that birds start flying into them?

Bonus points if your Polish grandma supervises and tells you all the ways you’re doing it wrong.

2. The great tire swap (and the complaining Olympics)

Changing winter tires in Poland has less to do with practicality and more about endurance.

Picture this: endless lines at the mechanic, heated debates about whether it’s “too early” to switch, and the inevitable grumbling about the cost.

It’s a rite of passage that unites the nation in collective frustration. And then the shared fear that one last snowstorm will make fools of us all.

3. Drowning Marzanna: The ultimate winter revenge

Forget spring cleaning – how about spring revenge?

Enter Marzanna, the straw effigy of the winter witch that Poles gleefully off every spring. It’s a continuation of a centuries-old Slavic tradition where Polish kindergarteners (and their slightly too enthusiastic teachers) march to the nearest body of water and gleefully drown or burn a symbolic sorceress.

It’s cathartic, slightly unhinged, and 100% Polish.

If the kids start chanting while the teachers look a little too into it, though – it might be a high time to take a hike.

4. The great garden and balcony glow-up

The moment the temperature hits 10°C (that’s 50°F for the metrically challenged), every Polish person emerges from hibernation to transform their sad, neglected balconies and gardens into Instagram-worthy oases. Out come the flower pots, the rakes, and the endless debates about soil prices. It’s a sacred ritual that combines hard work, creativity, and just a touch of competitive gardening.

Because nothing says “spring spirit” like your neighbor’s tulips outshining yours. (No, they won’t, not on your watch!)

5. Grilling (in a snowsuit, if need be): Because it’s technically spring

Once spring technically starts, there’s no stopping a Polish person from going a little bit crazy about grilling. Whether it’s warm and sunny or still borderline winter, the bets are off and grills are out as soon as someone dares to declare “grill season” open.

Is it too early? Probably. Will there be three layers of sweaters involved? Absolutely.

But ask not: is this reasonable! Ask: is it symbolic?

Yes – yes it is. The sizzle of kiełbasa on the grill is the proud sound of Polish defiance against winter’s last gasp. Whether the frost lingers or the sun shines bright, a true Pole will grill morning, noon, and night!