Independence Day in Poland marks the country's regaining of independence in 1918 after 123 years of partitions by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. It honors the restoration of the Polish state and the efforts of national heroes like Józef Piłsudski. It is a symbol of freedom, resilience and unity for the Polish people.

When is Independence Day?

Independence Day in Poland is celebrated on November 11 every year.

The following is the list of Independence Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Independence Day?

Poland ceased to exist as an independent state in 1795 after the Third Partition, when its territory was divided among Russia, Prussia, and Austria. For the next 123 years, the Polish nation survived only through its culture, language, and spirit, with uprisings (1830, 1863) and underground movements striving to restore sovereignty.

During World War I (1914–1918), the partitioning powers fought on opposing sides, creating an opportunity for Poland to reemerge. Poles fought in various armies but shared one goal, to restore the Polish state.

Józef Piłsudski, leader of the Polish Legions, became a central figure in the independence movement. As Germany and Austria weakened at the end of the war, Piłsudski was released from prison in Magdeburg and returned to Warsaw.

On November 11, 1918, Piłsudski took command of the Polish forces and began consolidating power—marking the official restoration of Poland's independence. Coincidentally, World War I ended the same day with the Armistice signed in France, symbolizing a new era of peace and self-determination across Europe.

November 11 was celebrated informally from 1919 onward as the symbolic date of Poland's rebirth. In 1937, the Polish Parliament officially declared November 11 as National Independence Day. The holiday honored both the rebirth of the Polish Republic and Piłsudski's leadership in restoring sovereignty.

After the Nazi invasion in 1939, public celebrations of Independence Day were banned. During World War II, Poles continued to commemorate the day secretly under the German occupation.

Following the war, the communist government abolished Independence Day in 1945, replacing it with the National Day of Rebirth of Poland on July 22, commemorating the establishment of the Soviet-backed regime. For over four decades, official observance of November 11 was prohibited, though underground groups and opposition movements continued to honor it privately.

With the fall of communism in 1989, Poland's new democratic government reinstated November 11 as Independence Day. The parliament officially reestablished it as a national public holiday to commemorate the restoration of Polish sovereignty in 1918.

Today, while some demonstrations reflect political divisions, the day remains a powerful expression of national pride and resilience. It honors generations who fought to restore and defend the nation and reminds all Poles of their shared history and commitment to sovereignty.