May Day is a special holiday in Poland, carrying both historical and symbolic significance. Labor Day, celebrated on May 1st, unites people of different ages and professions. In Poland, this date has become an occasion for celebrations, family gatherings, mass events, and expressions of workers’ solidarity. As noted by the editorial team of Baltimore Chronicle, May Day traditions in Poland have a long history and remain relevant today. In this article, we explore how May 1st is celebrated in Poland, what customs are associated with this day, and what greetings are commonly used in Polish.
History of May 1st Celebrations in Poland
The celebration of May 1st in Poland has its roots in the international labor movement of the late 19th century. This day was proclaimed Labor Day in 1889 at the second congress of the International Workingmen’s Association in Paris. In Poland, May Day quickly gained popularity, especially during the interwar period, when mass demonstrations and rallies were organized to support workers’ rights.
After World War II, under the communist regime, the celebration of May 1st became official and mandatory. The authorities organized grand parades, ceremonial gatherings, and festive concerts. Since then, May Day has firmly taken root in the social consciousness of Poles as a day of unity and solidarity.
Even after the political changes of 1989, when Poland became a democratic country, the tradition of celebrating May 1st remained. Today, this day has a predominantly symbolic character and is associated with rest, festive events, and family gatherings.
Traditions of Celebrating May Day in Poland
May 1st in Poland carries a special atmosphere, filled with a spirit of community and joy. Among the main traditions are:
- Organization of mass festive events, concerts, and fairs.
- Holding rallies, demonstrations, and workers’ parades.
- Decorating cities with Polish flags and red ribbons.
- Family picnics in nature and trips outside the city.
- Sports competitions, marathons, and cycling events.
Particularly popular are so-called “majówki” — outings into nature with barbecues, games, and communal entertainment. These gatherings resemble a celebration of spring and symbolize renewal and hope for a better future.
Festive Events on May 1st: What’s Happening in the Cities
In Poland’s large cities, May 1st is usually marked by numerous festive events. Local governments organize open-air concerts, exhibitions, theatrical performances, and family festivals.
Events that are especially popular include:
- Concerts by Polish rock bands and pop artists.
- Free guided tours of historical sites.
- Craft and traditional food fairs.
- Outdoor cinema screenings.
In some cities, May 1st is also an occasion to honor outstanding figures of labor and organize historical reenactments.
How People in Poland Greet Each Other on May Day
May Day in Poland is not only a day of rest but also an opportunity to express best wishes to family, friends, and colleagues. It is customary to wish:
- A happy and peaceful holiday.
- Success in work and new achievements.
- Harmony in the family and well-being.
- Good health and joy.
The most popular greetings in Polish include:
- “Szczęśliwego Pierwszego Maja!” — Happy May 1st!
- “Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji Święta Pracy!” — Best wishes on Labor Day!
- “Radosnego odpoczynku i sukcesów zawodowych!” — Joyful rest and professional success!
Greetings can be both verbal and sent as postcards or short messages on social media.
Types of May 1st Celebrations: Traditions of the Past and Present
To better understand how the traditions of celebrating May 1st in Poland have evolved, here’s a comparative table:
| Time Period | Main Traditions | Celebration Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1945 | Demonstrations, rallies | Predominantly worker-focused |
| 1945–1989 | Mandatory parades, ceremonies | Under communist regime control |
| After 1989 | Freedom of celebration, picnics, concerts | Informal character, family-centered events |
This evolution shows how May Day in Poland has transitioned from a political symbol to a holiday of joy and unity.
What Else You Should Know About May Day Celebrations in Poland
Although May 1st is a public holiday, many Poles use this date for short trips within the country or even abroad. Combined with May 3rd — Constitution Day — it creates the so-called “long weekend,” allowing for several days of rest.
Some notable features of the celebrations:
- Popular destinations include mountain hikes, lake resorts, and trips to the Baltic coast.
- Famous Polish resorts are often booked in advance for the May holidays.
- Youth groups often organize joint trips and camping outings.
All of this makes May 1st not only a holiday of labor but also a true celebration of the beginning of the warm season.
Earlier we wrote about how Palm Sunday 2025 is celebrated in Poland.