Friday, 27 September 2013

September in Poland

September in Poland is a start of the new school year (up to high school) but also... make us remember the World War II, as it's the month Poland was attacked by Hitler.

If you want to learn more about historical events, celebrations, special days and annual events in Warsaw during September, continue reading.




September

The whole month of September is the last of 3 months summer break for university students. Except those students who have to take up exams, they failed in second semester. ;) Some people refer to this period (and the need to correct exams) as kampania wrześniowa (the September Campaign). 

September 1

The first day of September is usually connected to:

  • the start of kindergarten, elementary/junior high/high school new year;
  • the start of the Second World War in Europe - when Hitler attacked Poland - which in Polish is called "kampania wrześniowa" but otherwise known as the "invasion of Poland".
If 1st September is a school-free day (i.e. Saturday or Sunday), the school starts on Monday after it. The children are often wearing "official" clothes - white & black or white & navy-blue. Most of the schools don't have uniforms.

On the first day there is a ceremony, more or less looking like this one:

 maybe except the city officials visiting the school. ;) At first, the children went in with the school's banner, then after they went away, Polish hymn was played. If you don't remember what is said in the film, don't worry, it's a boring stuff about school. If not obligatory, nobody would like to attend it. ;) Or so I think, as I didn't like such events at all. :P

To loosen up a bit, see this image:


The point in that one is that "buda" in Polish means: "kennel" or colloquially "school". So the dog orders the boy: "Go to school!!!"

Officially, Semptember 1 is a (working) day for (not so easily connected): The Day of Veteran (Dzień Weterana) or the Day of the Anti-Aircraft Armies (Święto Wojsk Obrony Przeciwlotniczej) which are related to the Second World War. 

September 12

Usually forgotten and overlooked Święto Wojsk Lądowych - "The Day of Army" (fighting on land), not to be confused with "The Day of the Polish Army" on 15th August. The Day commemorates the Battle of Vienna (Polish: Bitwa pod Wiedniem or odsiecz wiedeńska) in 1683, when Polish king, Jan III Sobieski, helped Holy Roman Empire against the Turkish (Ottoman) Empire.

September 22

European Car-Free Day (Europejski Dzień bez Samochodu) is a part of the "European Mobility Week" (16-22 September). A part of this week are also Dni Transportu Publicznego (Days of Public Transportation). What to do during those Car-Free Day or Days of Public Transportation? Ride across the town for free (only on 22 September) or see old vehicles used in public transportation, or sightseeing the parts usually inaccessible to people on some train or metro stations. The attractions may be different every year.

See video with some of the vehicles in Warsaw's public transportation (the news is in Polish).

Moveable Days

3rd weekend of September

Clean Up the World! takes part in Poland (and Warsaw) too! It's called "Sprzątanie Świata" in Polish. Every year, the theme is different. In 2013 it was "Odkrywamy czystą Polskę" ("We discover the clean Poland").

Annual Events

A selection of annual events held in Warsaw on September.

Warsaw Autumn

Warsaw Autumn is an International Festival of Contemporary Music held in 2nd part of September. The origins dates back to 1956. If you have a chance, participate in Warszawska Jesień.

Warsaw Festival of Science

Warszawski Festiwal Nauki (Warsaw Festival of Science) is a week-long festival filled with lectures, discussions, scientific shows, etc. Unfortunately, to enjoy the festival you need to know Polish. 

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