Polish National Independence Day, observed annually on 11 November, commemorates the restoration of Poland’s independence in 1918, after 123 years of partition by the Russian Empire, Prussia and Austria.
The date marks a turning point at the end of the First World War. On 11 November 1918, Józef Piłsudski took over command of the Polish armed forces from the Regency Council in Warsaw, as the structures of an independent Polish state began to emerge. Although the restoration of independence was a process involving many political, diplomatic and military developments, 11 November became its symbolic anniversary.
Poland’s independence was the result of generations of resistance, national uprisings, cultural preservation, political activity and diplomatic efforts. Among the prominent figures involved in rebuilding Polish statehood were Józef Piłsudski, Roman Dmowski, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Ignacy Daszyński, Wincenty Witos, Wojciech Korfanty and General Józef Haller. They represented different political traditions but shared the objective of restoring an independent Poland.
The day honours those who defended Polish language, culture and national identity during the years of foreign rule, as well as those who worked to establish and protect the reborn state.
Today, National Independence Day is one of Poland’s most important public holidays. It is marked by official ceremonies, military commemorations, cultural events, concerts, public gatherings and celebrations throughout the country and among Polish communities abroad.
