Sandwiched between two public holidays, May Day and Constitution Day, May 2 is not formally a national holiday.
However, many businesses have given employees time off, creating a long weekend and prompting a surge in travel to popular tourist destinations. This year, including the weekend, four days off are guaranteed.
Officially, May 2 marks Day of Polonia and Poles living Abroad as well as National Flag Day. On this day Poles are encouraged to display the national red-and-white colours in front of their homes and to make patriotic statements.
A host of official events is planned on Friday morning to celebrate the occasion including the flag hoisting ceremony carried out by the President, followed by his special speech in the afternoon.
According to various reports, there are roughly 20 million people of Polish ancestry living outside Poland, making the Polish diaspora one of the largest in the world, as well as one of the most widely dispersed.
Poland has been easing into low gear since Thursday as residents take advantage of warm weather and a string of national holidays to enjoy an extended break from work.
Police launched their annual road safety campaign on Wednesday as vacationers began their journeys, stepping up roadside checks and urging drivers to slow down and stay alert.
During last year’s May holiday period, 34 people were killed and 460 injured in 401 road accidents, according to police data.
(mo)
Click on the audio player above to listen.