Valentine's Day

It came as quite a surprise to find that Poland celebrates Valentines Day. It actually seems more popular that Halloween is at this time. I asked around to see how you say Happy Valentine's Day! Well, there is no translation for this in Polish. People will say "Happy Valentine's Day" to each other in English. Thing 1's teacher told me that Valentine's Day has only been celebrated in Poland for the past 5 years and that they borrowed the holiday from the US. Well, for only celebrating for 5 years they go all out. Cards, candy, stufed animals, and flowers galore! Even Valentine's Gift Wrap!

In contrast, Halloween is still developing a following. Poland celebrates Carnival season which started earlier this month. That's sort of like Halloween in that people dress up in costumes and go to all kinds of parties, but there is no trick or treating. In fact, as I write, Poles are probably overindulging with food and drinks tonight since they celebrate "Fat Thursday" instead of "Fat Tuesday" as a prelude to Lent. I guess it takes them a week to get over their indulgence before Ash Wednesday. I attended one of these Carnival festivals in Madrid a few years ago. While it gets crazy, I doubt it compares to Mardi Gras.