Independence Day of Poland

This is Poland’s most important state holidayThis is Poland’s most important public holiday.

Its origins go back to 1918: on November 11, 1918, the First World War ended and after 123 years of division of the country between Prussia, Russia and Austria, Poland again appeared on the map of Europe. On this day, the head of state became Józef Piłsudski, the later Marshal of Poland. The first democratic government was formed in Warsaw.

An independent Poland existed only until September 1939, when it fell under the rule of Nazi Germany (September 1) and the Soviet Union (September 17). After the war, in 1945 Poland became a member of the socialist camp, and during this period the Independence Day was not officially celebrated. This continued until 1989, when Poland held its first democratic elections.

This holiday is accompanied by the raising of flags, the speech of the President, officials, well-known political figures, as well as a military parade in the center of Warsaw. Throughout the country there are solemn events, concerts and folk festivals.