While other parts of the world celebrate November 11th as 'Remembrance Day' (UK, Canada), 'Armistice Day' (France, NZ), and 'Veterans Day' (USA), for Poles the ending of the Great War was even more significant as it saw Poland finally regaining its independence and returning to the map of Europe after 123 years of being partitioned by Austria, Germany and Russia. With the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany, famed military hero Józef Piłsudski was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the Second Republic of Poland on November 11th, 1918. Piłsudski formed a new centralised government and went on to command Polish forces against Russia in the victorious 1920 Battle of Warsaw, a key turning point in the rebirth of the country. In true facepalm fashion, however, Independence Day was constituted as a national holiday in 1937 and celebrated exactly twice before World War II began and Poland found itself occupied again. In the communist era, the date of Independence Day was dubiously moved to July 22nd to honour the day the PKWN Manifesto - a document which basically asserted communist authority over Poland - was issued in 1944. After communism fell in 1989, the holiday was restored to its original November 11th date.
If you're in Poland on this day you'll find that although a national bank holiday, most restaurants, bars and even shops will be open.
Independence Day Celebrations In Gdansk
Of course, it wouldn't be Independence Day without a big parade travelling across the city. The history of this parade dates back to 2003, the idea being to liven up one of the most important days in the nation's history. Up to that point, the day had been quite a solemn affair with lots of wreath laying and the like. The traditional focal point is the monument to Jan III Sobieski in the middle of the Old Town, near Targ Drzewny.
Parade & Festivities Schedule
→ 9:00AM Meeting place: ul. Podwale Staromiejskie (near Targ Rybny) → 10:00AM (approximately) The parade commences movement, along the following streets: Podmłyńska - Wielkie Młyny - Rajska - Jana Heweliusza - Korzenna - Kowalska (finishing off at the monument to King John III Sobieski, at the Targ Drzewny) → 11:15AMParade finale (also at the statue). This portion usually includes a pause for anthem singing as well as speeches → 11:45AM Official end of the parade; just in time for... → 12:00PMHoly mass in honour of the Polish homeland (St. Mary's Basilica) → 2:00PM Historical commemoration events (Długi Targ)
