Today in Poland, as in almost whole world, there is holiday of all workers.

First Polish Worker's Day took place in 1890. Poland was then after partitions and such holidays took place without the consent of invaders. Celebrations very often turned into mass demonstration and confrontation with military and police invader's forces.

In times between 1945-1989 Poland was communist country under ZSSR domination. Communistic propaganda organized celebration on big scale. Even participation in Worker's Day was not obligatory - it was strong pressure in schools and workplaces to participate in this holiday. Ceremonies were chaired by the central and local authorities.

1 may in Walbrzych ('70)

Documental Video about 1 may celebrations in Pulawy (Polish)

Today, Worker's Day in Poland isn't celebrated with such enthusiasm as in the past. It could be even said, that this holiday, of course free from work, isn't celebrated at all. The first may in Poland is the beginnig of the long weekend (3rd may is also free from work-constitution day), so Poles go on holiday to mountains, lakes or just seat in their homes watching televisions or grill.

1 may today (2006)