“Majówka” is a term commonly used to describe a long break between 1 and 3 May during which is also unofficially considered the start of barbecuing season in Poland. The 1 May is officially called “May Day” to avoid the connotations with the Labour Day organised during the communism times. It is, however, still called “Labour Day” by many Poles and there are many marches taking place during the holiday which advocate more help for the workers. Such was the case this year, with OPZZ (All-Poland Alliance of Trade Unions) marching through the streets of Warszawa with the message “Let’s bring back the dignified work”.
The 3 May is a Constitution Day and is one of the most important holidays in Poland. The event celebrates the declaration of the Constitution of May 3, 1791, which is described as the first constitution of its type in Europe and the world’s second-oldest codified national constitution after the 1787 U.S. Constitution. This day sees many parades, exhibitions, concerts and public figure speeches taking place around the country, with the most prominent ones in Warszawa. This holiday, in contrast to the 1 May, was banned by the Moscow-backed communist regime that took power after World II.It was only in April 1990 that the 3 May holiday was reinstated.
This year’s celebrations saw President Andrzej Duda postulate a national referendum the next year which should focus on the changes to current constitution act from 1997. The current government and President have repeatedly stressed the need to change the document, but the opposition is sceptical to any changes which may bring even more chaos in the light of the heated debate regarding abiding by the constitutional laws during the last two years.
