In Poland, the Passion Plays take place every year, e.g. at Kalwaria Pacławska, in Górka Klasztorna or the Poznań Citadel. The best known ones are undoubtedly those celebrated at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. And no wonder, as they have been held here since 1608, that is almost from the very beginning of the Calvary's (complex of chapels commemorating the Passion) existence here.
The ceremonials begin on Palm Sunday, when Christ enters Jerusalem on a donkey. The culmination of the next days is Good Friday, when the trial and hearing of Christ, who is ultimately condemned to death by crucifixion, take place. After the traditional Stations of the Cross, the Play ends with a liturgy celebrated by the bishop of the Church of the Crucifixion.
All the scenes from the Gospels are reproduced here solely by amateurs as the aim is to deepen religious experience rather than enjoy the craft of acting. Every year during the Holy Week, the most famous Plays are viewed by thousands of the faithful.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is one of the places where architecture blends with nature, creating a unique whole. For this reason, in 1999 the architectural and landscape complex of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska was included in the List of the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
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