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Polish miners praised on annual feast day

04.12.2022 22:00
Top state officials have praised Polish miners, who on Sunday celebrated “Barbórka,” a day of traditional festivities named after their patron saint.
St. Barbaras Day festivities in the southern Polish city of Katowice on Sunday.
St. Barbara's Day festivities in the southern Polish city of Katowice on Sunday.Photo: PAP/Tomasz Wiktor

On St. Barbara’s Day, President Andrzej Duda thanked miners for their "hard work, courage and dedication."

In a message posted on his presidential website, Duda said: "I would like to wholeheartedly thank you for your efforts, which are of particular importance to Poland's development and well-being. I would like to thank you for your professionalism, commitment and dedication in mining the great natural resource of our country and making sure it serves us all."

Deputy Prime Minister and State Assets Minister Jacek Sasin said in a tweet that Polish miners were celebrating their feast day "in the shadow of the energy crisis."

He added: "During this difficult time, miners have set an example of great dedication. They have been working in shifts so that [there is enough coal] to keep people warm this winter. Thank you for your dedication and work ethic."

Barbórka celebrations in Poland see performances by miners’ orchestras, beer fests organised by trade unions, and awards and distinctions handed out at special gatherings.

The tradition is particularly strong in Silesia, a coal-mining region in southern Poland.

St. Barbara was an early Christian Greek saint and martyr. She is the patron saint of miners, artillerymen, military engineers and others who work with explosives.

Polish miners have traditionally turned to her to ask for protection while carrying out their often dangerous work.

The Polish president on Sunday visited the Pniówek coal mine, which was hit by a series of methane explosions earlier this year.

President Andrzej Duda visits St. Barbara's Day 2022 President Andrzej Duda visits the Pniówek coal mine in the south of the country on Sunday. Photo: PAP/Tomasz Wiktor

Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the spring described the accidents at Pniówek and the nearby Zofiówka mine as “a black week" for the Polish mining industry, with 18 confirmed deaths and seven workers declared missing.

The Polish president said last year that a move away from coal power in his country "must be done wisely" and in a people-friendly way.

(gs)

Source: PAP, prezydent.pl