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. Currently, it's a time for rest, picnics, and local festivities
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).
May 1 marks the beginning of a much-anticipated long weekend in Poland. May 2 is Flag Day, a time when many people display the national red-and-white colors and are encouraged to express patriotic sentiments. Following that, May 3 is Constitution Day, celebrating the historic constitution adopted by the country on May 3, 1791.
This year’s so-called ‘Majówka’ will last for four days.
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