The Pacholcza processions link their historical origins in the parish of Lubomia with a tradition that has been preserved in Syrynia to this day. Their fixed Easter-season period, the Sunday schedule, and a song known only in Syrynia give this local cultural history concrete detail. Further church-related connections in the surrounding region offer a different geographical and historical perspective.
Pacholcza: Origins, Song and Continuity
The Pacholcza processions began in 1672 in the parish of Lubomia and have been preserved in Syrynia. On 24 May 2026, the Pacholcza youth in the parish of Syrynia concluded the 354th procession. Syrynia’s former affiliation with the parish of Lubomia is also part of the town’s history; it had its own subsidiary church.
The processions begin with the song “Obróć serce Jezusowi, twojemu miłośnikowi,” which is known only in Syrynia. It is a specifically named part of the opening and also roots the tradition locally through music. Together with the set period, the song gives the processions a distinctive element: it marks the beginning of the event, before the routes lead from the church to roadside crosses and chapels.
Six Weeks Between Easter Monday and Pentecost
The Pacholcza processions begin on Easter Monday and continue for six weeks, until Pentecost Sunday. During this period, young men and women from Syrynia set out from the church on Sundays from 1 p.m., heading to roadside crosses and chapels within the parish. The procession leader determines the exact routes each year. The schedule thus combines a clearly defined seasonal framework with routes within the parish. This is not a single procession held on just one holiday, but a local tradition that unfolds over several weeks.
For travel planning, the six weeks provide the timeframe. The date 24 May 2026 offers a specific reference point for the tradition, but does not replace planning based on that year’s programme.
Church History in the Wider Region
Another historical connection leads from Syrynia to Katowice: the wooden church from Syrynia was moved to Kościuszko Park in 1938. The building’s origins link this history to Syrynia, while the relocation destination is in Katowice. This change of location adds a distinct regional connection to the history of the Pacholcza processions.
The Church of St Michael the Archangel in Katowice also forms part of this wider perspective on church history. The art historian Hans Lutsch concluded that the church was completed in 1510. His dating is one of two theories and was based on a date allegedly carved into a southern threshold beam. This remains an attributed historical interpretation, not a confirmed dating.
The dates represent different kinds of history: 1938 marks the relocation of the wooden church; 1510 belongs to Lutsch’s theory about the completion of St Michael’s. Alongside these, Syrynia’s own history includes the origins of the Pacholcza processions in Lubomia and their continuation in the town. Together, these connections form a cultural focus encompassing both the local tradition and selected church history in the wider region.
Discover more destinations: Skrzyszów, Radlin, Mszana, Borowa, Wodzisław Śląski, Pszów, Połomia, Rydułtowy
For the main travel overview: Wodzisław.
