Labor Day has been celebrated in many parts of Europe since 1890. In Poland, the holiday was declared in 1899 to commemorate a workers' strike in Chicago, USA. However, there is some political controversy regarding Labor Day celebrations, as it was one of the most important holidays during Poland's Communist era. Despite this, people still celebrate May 1 by taking a day off from school or work and enjoying the warm spring weather.
Nowadays, it also has another meaning, as, on that day in 2004, Poland officially joined the European Union alongside nine other countries (Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Slovakia, and Slovenia).
In previous years, many Poles took the opportunity to head off on what has become known as the May long weekend. This year’s so-called ‘Majówka’ will last for five days.
May 2 marks Flag Day in Poland, when many people display the national red-and-white colors and are encouraged to make patriotic statements.
Meanwhile, May 3 is Constitution Day, celebrating a historic constitution the country adopted on May 3, 1791.
(aj)