National Independence Day – a public holiday in Poland celebrated annually on November 11 to commemorate Poland regained independence in 1918, after 123 years of partitions (1795–1918). The holiday was established by the Act of April 23, 1937, abolished by the Act of the National National Council on July 22, 1945, restored by the Act during the system transformation in 1989.
Regaining independence by Poland was a gradual process. The choice of November 11 may be justified by the coincidence of events in Poland with the end of World War I, thanks to the ceasefire in Compiègne on November 11, 1918, which sealed the final defeat of Germany. The day before, Józef Piłsudski, the Head of the Polish State, came to Warsaw. During these two days, November 10 and 11, 1918, the Polish nation became fully aware of the regaining of independence, and the country was in a state of deep emotion and enthusiasm.
To this day, this holiday is a source of emotion and pride for Poles who reborn their country after over a hundred years of absence on the world map.
It is a day off from work and Poles often celebrate this day in a special way.
The celebration of Independence Day with the participation of the highest state authorities takes place in the marching square, Józef Piłsudski in Warsaw, in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Other forms of celebrations include: Independence Run organized since 1989 in Warsaw, the Independence Concert organized since 2009 at the Warsaw Uprising Museum, lectures and historical performances, patriotic concerts or parades through city streets.
Unfortunately, in the last few years, this holiday has been “plundered” by nationalist groups in Poland, which claim the right to organize National Marches, causing aggression and often fights. Hopefully this will be cut short soon.
We encourage our Readers to become interested in the interesting history of Poland and to regain our country on this special day.
