TITLE: THE MYSTERY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD IN KALWARIA ZEBRZYDOWSKA - POLAND

Every year, on Good Friday, the Mystery of the Passion of the Lord takes place in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, which gathers over 100 thousand people. It is one of the most important religious events in Poland, dating back to the 17th century. This tradition is closely related to the establishment of the Passion and Marian sanctuary by Mikołaj Zebrzydowski, which from the beginning was intended to enable the faithful to experience the mysteries of the Passion of the Lord.

This ceremony consists of staging the last moments of the life of Jesus Christ, starting from the Last Supper, through the prayer in the Garden of Olives, to the Way of the Cross and the crucifixion on the symbolic Golgotha. Actors, including religious brothers and lay faithful, embody biblical characters, attracting attention with their authenticity and deep commitment. The entire ceremony is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

AUTHOR: Pawel Adamek (Poland)

Paweł Adamek, born in 1970, lives in Sucha Beskidzka (Poland).
Paweł Adamek is a photographer and photography educator working at the intersection of documentary practice and social observation. In his projects, he focuses on the human condition, interpersonal relationships, and emotions revealed in extreme or liminal situations. He is a student of Creative Photography at the Institute of Creative Photography, University of Silesia in Opava (Czech Republic).
A recipient of numerous awards and distinctions in international photography competitions, he has presented solo exhibitions in Poland and abroad. His practice has also been featured in the documentary series Fotohistorie (episode 6) broadcast on TVP Historia. Works as a freelancer.