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The beginning of May is the time of cheerful proceedings in Poland. During so-called Majówka not only do we celebrate some of the crucial events in our history, but also meet our families and friends!
The 1st of May – International Labour Day
May 1st is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population - schools and most businesses are closed. Occasionally Labour Day parades are organised in centres of Polish cities but most people prefer to celebrate and enjoy free time in parks, public recreational areas and country houses.
The 2nd of May – the National Day of the Flag of Poland
The white and red colours of the Polish flag have been with Poles for generations.
The colours accompanied Polish insurgents, and soldiers defending the borders of independent Poland, and are present during national and state events.
The Day of the Flag is not a public holiday but many Polish people demonstrate their respect for the national colours in public. Polish flags are waving on the streets, balconies, and over entrances to the buildings.
The 3rd of May – the National Constitution Day
The Constitution Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population - schools and most businesses are closed.
The celebrations commemorate the date of May 3rd, 1791, when the Constitution for the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was adopted. It was the first constitution in modern Europe and second in the world, following the American Constitution. It was a significant achievement of the Polish Enlightenment thinkers.
May 3rd was established as a holiday only days after the Constitution was passed by the Great Sejm (Polish Parliament). It was later suspended for many years due to the country’s partitioning but it was reinstituted after Poland regained its independence in 1918.
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