Independence Day in Poland

November 11^th is a very special day for Poles and it is one of the most important Polish holidays. It is celebrated as the Independence Day, which means the return of Poland to the map of European states after 123 years of the foreign rule.

In 1795, as a result of annexation by Prussia, Russia and the Austrian Empire, Poland disappeared from the World Map.
World War I brought a defeat to all the powers. This special date has a symbolic meaning: The leaders of the European countries made the ceasefire which ended World War I. The German army which had been occupying Warsaw since 5^th August 1915 was disarmed by Józef Pi?sudski - Chief of the State and also one of the most prominent politician at that time. This situation opened the road to independence to Poland on November 11, 1918.
November 11^th as a national holiday was celebrated in the post-war Poland. The holiday was forbidden after the World War II by communist authorities. In 1989 November 11^th was re-established as the Independence Day.

Now, 11th of November is celebrated in Poland in a particular way. It is a public holiday. People have a day free from work. There are usually celebrations in the city or town center. The main celebrations take place in Warsaw on the Józef Piłsudski’s ground near the tomb of the unknown solider. The authorities make speeches and put flowers at the foot of the monuments of Józef Pilsudski everywhere in Poland, Polish flags wave in the wind, sometimes there are parades.
Those who are Catholic go to church.

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