Labour Day

May 1 as a workers' holiday has roots in the international labour movement of the late 19th century. Polish workers first celebrated Labour Day in 1890, joining the global movement initiated by the Second International. During the communist period (1945-1989), May Day was the most important state holiday, marked by mandatory parades and political demonstrations. After the fall of communism, the day lost its political significance but remained a public holiday.

In contemporary Poland, Labour Day is primarily a day off rather than a day of political rallies. Trade unions and left-leaning organisations still hold marches and gatherings, but participation is much smaller than during the communist era. For most Poles, May 1 marks the beginning of the Majówka period - a stretch of free days when combined with the weekend and Constitution Day (May 3). If May 2 falls on a workday between the two holidays, many people take it off to create a multi-day break.

Majówka is one of the most popular times for short holidays and outdoor activities. Poles flock to the countryside, lakes, and mountains. Garden barbecues are extremely popular, and camping sites fill up quickly. The warm spring weather typically makes it an ideal time for the first outdoor outings of the year.