Poland slows for long May holiday weekend

Poland is easing into a slower pace this week as residents take advantage of warm weather and a cluster 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 Friday, many people are expected to take a long weekend, prompting increased travel to popular tourist destinations.

Police launched their annual road safety campaign on Thursday as holiday travel got underway.

Officers stepped up roadside checks and urged drivers to slow down and remain vigilant behind the wheel.

👮 Bezpieczna Majówka 2026

Przed nami tzw. długi majowy weekend - czyli czas wzmożonego ruchu na drogach. Nad bezpieczeństwem podróżujących czuwać będą policjanci ruchu drogowego, w tym policyjne grupy SPEED 🚔

❗️ Apelujemy o rozwagę i koncentrację, chwila nieuwagi może… pic.twitter.com/itTijrZf8b

— Polska Policja 🇵🇱 (@PolskaPolicja) April 30, 2026

During last year’s May holiday period, 19 people were killed and 383 injured in 307 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