Polish Independence Day

Polish Independence Day (Dzień Niepodległości) was set to 11 November as a commemoration of regaining sovereignty after 123 years of non-existence. During those 123 years Poland was divided by three neighbours: Russia, Prussia (later Germany) and Habsburg Empire (later Austria). That day was chosen, when Józef Piłsudski assumed control of Poland. He was a Chieft of State (Naczelnik Państwa) between 1918 and 1922.

It was officially set up in 1937, not celebrated during Second World War (from 1939, when Poland was occupied by Germany and USSR) to 1989 and came back when Poland regained sovereignty, this time from USSR.

Dzień Niepodległości is a free from work day. Continue reading if you're interested in learning more about Polish anthem and celebrations.

Polish Anthem

"Mazurek Dąbrowskiego", Polish anthem since 1927, was created as a "Song of Polish Legions in Italy" in 1797. Mazurek is a type of traditional Polish dance, and the melody was inspired by it. Why Dąbrowski? Because Jan Hernyk Dąbrowski was the founder and general of the Polish Legions in Italy. When the later-anthem was created, Poland was already eradicated from the world maps. 

Want to know more about Polish anthem? See its history, Polish text (original and modern) and English translation of Mazurek Dąbrowskiego in Wikipedia.  

Celebrations of Polish Independence Day

Below are some of the Polish Independence Day celebrations in Warsaw.

• Official celebrations

Official celebrations, with President of Poland (currently Bronisław Komorowski) are held in Plac Piłsudskiego (Piłsudski's Square). There is also a March together with the President of Poland, called "Razem dla Niepodległej" (Together for Independent Poland).

You can read more about the celebrations on official President of Poland's website. 

• Bieg Niepodległości

Independence Day run is held in Warsaw from 1989, so this year it was already 25th. Running is more and more popular in Poland, so a lot of people sign for the Independence Day run too. This year it was 12.000 runners. Of course, for the sake of this run, some of the streets are closed. 

Participants have 2 hours to get to the end line. For runners and people on wheel chairs the distance is 10 km, for Nordic Walking section - 6,5 km. 

Want to see more? See the photos of Independence Day run 2013. How about getting to know it more as an insider? Read Cristina's report from Independence Day run 2013. 

• Concert

On 11 November in Warsaw Uprising Museum there is Koncert Niepodległości (The Independence Concert) - a free concert of patriotic songs. 

That's not all. There are city games, free entrances to museums related to Polish Army etc. Since it's a free from work holiday, most of the shops (but some small ones) are closed. There are a lot of things to do to celebrate the Independence Day in Poland. In Warsaw or beyond.

Marcin's Day

We Polish celebrate Name's Days (imieniny). 11 November is a Name's Day of Marcin (Martin). If you know any Marcin, it's possible he'll throw up a party. It's said the best gift for a man is an alcohol, but don't believe it. Depends on a person. I visited my friend, even without a party. ;)

People of Poznań however, grandly celebrate Saint Martin's Day. If you have a chance, and like sweets, try the special rogal świętomarciński (Saint Martin's croissant). It's one of the Polish culinary specialities, that gained recognition abroad. It's registered in Protected Geographical Indication list of European Union. It means, that the real - certificated - rogal świętomarciński can be made only in Poznań and around.


What would you like to try? Running, concert, games or maybe you'd prefer to eat rogal świetomarciński in Poznań and take part in the rest of the festival in there?