11 November, Poland’s Independence Day, is a national holiday and commemorates regaining independence in 1918. This year’s celebrations will be special, as they mark the 100th anniversary of Polish Independence!
11 November, Poland’s Independence Day, is a national holiday and commemorates the anniversary of regaining independence in 1918, after 123 years of partitions and rule by Russia, Prussia and Austria-Hungary.
The annual celebrations of Poland’s Independence Day honour the memory of those who fought to rebuild the country following the devastating realities of World War I and who strived to provide conditions for the country’s economic and civilisational growth.
Independence Day celebrations in 2018 are going to be of special significance, as they will mark the 100th anniversary of regaining full autonomy by the Polish state.
Following the partitions in 1772, 1793 and 1795, the Republic of Poland disappeared from the map of Europe for 123 years. But for the Polish Nation, living in their own sovereign country was of the highest value.
The over century-long struggle for independence was marked with the blood of Polish soldiers and common people who fought in the Napoleonic Wars, numerous independence movements, the November and January Uprisings, and on the many battlefields of World War I.
The dream of freedom finally came true following the downfall of all three partitioning countries, which ended World War I and brought independence back to the Republic of Poland.
The Independence Day is celebrated throughout the country in the form of parades, gatherings and special masses. It is a public holiday, which means that government offices, schools, universities, banks and many private businesses are closed.
Celebrations will also be held in Bydgoszcz. Various events are planned to take place in many cultural and educational institutions and, most importantly, in the city centre. Everyone is cordially invited to the Mill Island to participate in historical re-enactments, exhibitions, concerts and many other unique events! The celebrations will officially be opened at 11.00 am.
We invite you to explore the history behind this special day:
→ Polish Roards to Independence