On May 2, Poland recognises Polish National Flag Day. Poles residing at home and abroad eagerly anticipate the arrival of the month of May, as May 1 is International Workers’ Day, May 3 is Constitution Day, and May 2 is Polish National Flag Day. Although May 2 is not a national holiday, Poles observe it as such. Poland has emerged as one of the most significant countries in the European Union after withstanding centuries of internal and external storms. The auspicious day of May 2 commemorates the republic’s past struggles and fortifies Poles for the current challenges they face.
The background of Polish National Flag Day
May is a festive month for Poles, who observe three consecutive holidays from May 1 to May 3. Polish National Flag Day is positioned between the two public holidays. May 2 is a significant date in Polish history. On May 2, 1945, the First Polish Army conquered Nazi Germany’s capital and deposited the Polish flag atop the Berlin Victory Column. The day is also observed to commemorate the resistance against Poland’s communist regime, which outlawed the display of the Polish flag after May 1, effectively eradicating the evidence of Poland’s sovereignty on its Constitution Day.
The Poles observe May 2 with great patriotism. Numerous demonstrations are organised across the nation, and citizens carry a white and red flag through the streets. Since the 2010s, the day has become an increasingly fashionable holiday, with everyone from the highest government official to the lowest posted clerk donning the national cockade.
National Polish Flag Day was proclaimed on February 20, 2004, following years of legislation and bureaucratic transactions, including the replacement of the Polish National Flag with Day of the White Eagle. The Polish national flag’s crimson and white colours are derived from the Polish coat of arms. White represents purity and nobility, whereas red represents fire and blood.
POLISH NATIONAL FLAG DAY ACTIVITIES
Display the insignia
After centuries of struggle, Poland’s national pride is well-deserved. The second of May commemorates the significance of national identity and how the colours of a flag can unite a republic. Celebrate the end of decades of repression by flying the Polish flag. You can also create one yourself, of course with red and white colours.
Read every detail
Did you know that Poland is regarded as the first nation to be “baptised into existence?” Poland has a long and varied history that includes global figures such as Stalin and Hitler. On May 2, as well as the day before and the day after, read about the super fascinating and somewhat surreal history of this country, beginning with the adoption of Christianity by a Western Slavic duke in 966 A.D., which led to the survival of the Poles.
Visit Poland
Explore the largest castles, oldest salt mines, most epic coastlines, and most beautiful landscapes that have served as the backdrop for some of the world’s most famous films. The ideal time to book a trip to this gorgeous country is between May and October.
5 DISTINCT FACTS ABOUT THE HISTORY OF POLAND
Centuries of tranquil coexistence between Poles, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Jews, Lithuanians, Tatars, Germans, and Armenians gave rise to Poland’s majority Catholic population.
In the 16th century, Polish aristocrats developed “Nobles Democracy” and were among the first significant nations to grant majority rights.
In 1791, Poland was the first nation to adopt a written constitution.
More than six million Poles perished during the devastation of the 1920s and the Second World War.
Following the partition of 1795, the Polish republic was absent from the map of Europe for 123 years.
POLISH NATIONAL FLAG DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 2 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | May 2 | Thursday |
| 2025 | May 2 | Friday |
| 2026 | May 2 | Saturday |
| 2027 | May 2 | Sunday |
