May the maj be with you! Is MAJÓWKA the favorite holiday of Poles?

Majówka is a Polish holiday that takes place at the beginning of May. As May 1st and 3rd are bank holidays in Poland, it is common for people to take the 2nd of May off, which combined with the weekend creates a long spring holiday break. In fact, some employers, businesses, and schools may extend the holiday to include the days before or after the weekend, resulting in an even longer break.

1st of May

In Poland, May 1st is celebrated as Labor Day (Święto Pracy), which is a public holiday. It is a day to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of workers and laborers. It is also a day to promote workers’ rights and social justice. May 1st is often marked by parades, rallies, and other public events organized by trade unions and other labor organizations.

The first May Day celebrations in Poland took place in 1890, with workers organizing parades and rallies to demand better working conditions and higher wages. It wasn’t until after World War II that May 1st was officially recognized as a public holiday in Poland.

Under communism, May 1st became a major holiday in Poland, with elaborate parades and celebrations organized by the ruling party. After the fall of communism in 1989, the holiday lost some of its political significance, but it remains an important day to celebrate workers and their contributions to society. 

3rd of May

In Poland, May 3rd is celebrated as Constitution Day (Święto Konstytucji Trzeciego Maja), which is a national holiday. It commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of May 3rd, 1791, which is considered to be one of the first modern constitutions in the world and a significant milestone in the history of Poland. The holiday is a day to celebrate Polish history, culture, and identity. It is often marked by parades, cultural events, and patriotic ceremonies.

The holiday was first officially recognized in Poland in 1919, following the country’s regained independence after World War I. It became a national holiday in 1919 but was abolished during World War II under Nazi and Soviet occupation. After the fall of communism in 1989, the holiday was reinstated and remains an important day in Polish history and culture. 

Long May weekend

During the long May weekend, many Poles take advantage of the public holidays and the arrival of spring to enjoy some time off and engage in various activities. “It has become a tradition to plan a trip for Majówka, and many Poles take the opportunity to travel within the country or abroad. Popular destinations include seaside resorts, mountain resorts, and historic cities. As a result, big cities become empty of locals but experience an additional wave of tourists. Many Poles use the long May weekend to spend time with their loved ones. This typically involves having a barbecue, going for a picnic, or just spending quality time together. With the warmer weather, many Poles engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or playing sports. Also during the long May weekend, there are many events and festivals that take place, such as music festivals, cultural events, and fairs.

First majówka in Poland

If you are planning to spend your first Majówka in Poland, there are a few things you should consider to make the most of your experience. 

Weather: May in Poland can be unpredictable, so be prepared for different weather conditions. If you are attending any outdoor activities bring layers of clothing, as temperatures can fluctuate, and bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of rain.

Accommodation: With many people traveling during the long weekend, accommodation in tourist destinations can be in high demand. If you are planning to travel book your accommodation well in advance (even a few months before!) to ensure you have a place to stay.

Holidays: If you are working in Poland, remember to take majówka into account when planning your yearly holidays. Taking a few days off before or after majówka is a good opportunity to have a longer break from work without using too many days from your holiday limit.

Transportation: If you plan on traveling within Poland, be aware that roads and public transportation can be busy during the long weekend. Prepare for traffic and book transportation in advance if possible and allow for extra travel time.

Events and attractions: There are many events and attractions that take place during majówka in Poland, such as parades, festivals, and cultural events. Check local event calendars and plan your itinerary in advance to avoid missing out.

Shopping: Remember that during Majówka, most shops are closed. Make your purchases before the holiday, or even better, a few days earlier, as the days directly preceding the long May weekend are usually very busy, and you may encounter huge queues in the shops. Take into consideration that private businesses and governmental institutions are also closed during the holidays. Getting things done just before or after the free days may be challenging, as many employees are planning longer vacations, using that time off, and are absent from work.

Majówka is a highly anticipated holiday in Poland, signaling the arrival of spring and a break from work or school. Whether you choose to spend it at home with family and friends or explore a new destination, it’s a great opportunity to relax and recharge.

QUIZ O MAJÓWCE – POZIOM A

QUIZ O MAJÓWCE – POZIOM B