Poland gears down for long May weekend

Poland is easing into low gear this week as residents take advantage of warm weather and a string of national holidays to enjoy an extended break from work.

Lake Morskie Oko, a popular tourist attraction in Poland's southern Tatra Mountains.

Photo: PAP/Grzegorz Momot

With a public holiday on Thursday, many businesses have given employees time off, creating a long weekend and prompting a surge in travel to popular tourist destinations.

Police launched their annual road safety campaign on Wednesday as vacationers began their journeys.

Officers stepped up roadside checks and urged drivers to slow down and stay alert.

Zero tolerancji dla nietrzeźwych kierujących na polskich drogach i innych niebezpiecznych zachowań⛔️❗️

➡️ Podczas majówki policjanci będą prowadzić wzmożone kontrole w ruchu drogowym, aby zapewnić bezpieczeństwo.

Przypominamy, że za kierowanie pojazdem w stanie nietrzeźwości… pic.twitter.com/uFla7nCu5N

— Polska Policja 🇵🇱 (@PolskaPolicja) April 30, 2025

During last year’s May holiday period, 34 people were killed and 460 injured in 401 road accidents, according to police data.

The break includes several national observances. May 1 is Labour Day, followed by Flag Day on May 2, when Poles display the national colours and officials deliver patriotic messages.

May 2 also marks the Day of Poles Abroad, honouring Polish communities around the world.

May 3 is Constitution Day, commemorating the adoption of Poland’s historic 1791 constitution—the first in Europe and the second in the world after the US Constitution of 1787.

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Source: IAR, PAP