Every November 11th, Poles around the world celebrate one of their nation’s most significant historical moments: the restoration of Polish sovereignty in 1918 after 123 years of partitions and foreign rule. For Polish Americans in the Bay Area, this day represents not only a commemoration of Poland’s struggle for independence but also an opportunity to honor our heritage and share our culture with the broader community.
Historical Background: Poland’s Path to Independence
Polish Independence Day commemorates November 11, 1918, when Poland regained its sovereignty as the Second Polish Republic after being partitioned and erased from the map of Europe for over a century. From 1795 to 1918, Poland ceased to exist as an independent state, divided between the Russian Empire, Prussia (later the German Empire), and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The path to independence was paved by generations of Poles who never abandoned hope for their nation’s restoration. Throughout the 19th century, multiple uprisings—including the November Uprising of 1830 and the January Uprising of 1863—kept the dream of Polish independence alive, even as they were brutally suppressed by the partitioning powers.
The turning point came with World War I. As the three empires that had divided Poland collapsed, a power vacuum emerged. Józef Piłsudski, a legendary military commander and independence activist who had been imprisoned by the Germans, returned to Warsaw on November 10, 1918. The following day, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of Polish forces and entrusted with forming a national government. His proclamation marked the official restoration of Polish sovereignty, which he announced to the world on November 16, 1918.
The Significance of November 11
The date November 11, 1918, holds special significance not only for Poland but for world history—it’s also the date of the armistice that ended World War I. For Poles, however, this date represents the culmination of centuries of struggle, the triumph of national spirit over foreign oppression, and the beginning of the Second Polish Republic.
Interestingly, Independence Day wasn’t immediately established as a national holiday. It was formally constituted in 1937 and celebrated only twice before World War II interrupted Polish independence once again. During the communist era (1945-1989), November 11 celebrations were suppressed and replaced with a different national day. However, Poles continued to mark November 11 underground, especially during the 1980s Solidarity movement, as a symbol of resistance to Soviet domination.
Following the fall of communism in 1989, Independence Day was restored to its original significance, and today it stands as Poland’s most important national holiday.
Traditional Polish Independence Day Celebrations
In Poland, November 11 is marked by official ceremonies, patriotic displays, and community gatherings that unite the nation in remembrance and celebration.
Official Ceremonies
The main national celebration takes place at Warsaw’s Piłsudski Square, presided over by the President of Poland in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces. The ceremony includes a military parade, wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and a midday changing of the guard. These televised events are watched by millions of Poles worldwide.
The Independence Run
One of the most distinctive modern traditions is the Warsaw Independence Run, where thousands of participants wear white and red—Poland’s national colors—creating a living Polish flag that winds through the city streets. This event beautifully symbolizes national unity and pride.
Patriotic Displays
Poles display their national pride by hanging white-and-red flags from windows, wearing patriotic ribbons, and illuminating buildings in national colors. One of the most touching traditions is lighting candles in windows—a custom dating back to the early years of Polish independence, when citizens lit candles to show support for the newly independent state.
Feast of St. Martin
November 11 also coincides with the Feast of St. Martin, especially celebrated in Poznań. This tradition features St. Martin’s croissants (rogale świętomarcińskie)—desserts made of rough puff pastry, filled with white poppy seeds, glazed, and decorated with nuts. This recipe has remained virtually unchanged for over 150 years.
Celebrating Polish Independence Day in the Bay Area
The Bay Area’s Polish community keeps these traditions alive while adapting them to our California setting. Here’s how you can participate in or organize Independence Day celebrations:
Attend Community Events
Check with Polish organizations in the Bay Area for Independence Day gatherings, which often include Mass at local Polish parishes, followed by cultural programs featuring Polish music, poetry, and historical presentations. The Polish American Congress and Polish cultural associations typically organize commemorative events.
Host a Polish Independence Day Dinner
Gather friends and family for a traditional Polish meal featuring dishes like pierogi (which you can master with our guide to perfect pierogi), bigos (hunter’s stew), gołąbki (cabbage rolls), and barszcz (beet soup). Serve traditional Polish vodka for toasts to Polish independence.
Support Local Polish Businesses
Visit Polish bakeries and grocery stores in the Bay Area to purchase authentic Polish ingredients and baked goods. Many bakeries prepare special patriotic-themed pastries for the occasion.
Teach the Next Generation
Share Poland’s independence story with children and grandchildren. Explain the significance of the white-and-red flag, teach them patriotic songs, and help them understand the value of freedom and national sovereignty. This connection to heritage strengthens Polish-American identity across generations.
Decorate in National Colors
Display the Polish flag at home and wear white-and-red ribbons or clothing. Create festive table decorations using Poland’s national colors for your Independence Day gathering.
Virtual Celebrations
Connect with family in Poland via video calls to watch the official Warsaw ceremonies together, creating a shared experience across continents.
Connecting Independence Day to Other Polish Holidays
Polish Independence Day is one of several important dates in the Polish calendar. Like Constitution Day (May 3), it celebrates Poland’s democratic traditions and struggle for sovereignty. It shares the patriotic spirit of other Polish celebrations while maintaining its unique character as the most significant national holiday.
The solemnity of Independence Day differs from the joyous character of Polish Easter traditions or the festive atmosphere of traditional Polish Christmas, yet all these occasions reinforce our connection to Polish heritage and culture.
The Deeper Meaning
Polish Independence Day resonates especially with immigrant communities who understand the preciousness of freedom and national identity. Our ancestors fought for generations to regain their homeland; we honor their sacrifice by preserving Polish language, customs, and traditions in our adopted country.
This holiday reminds us that freedom is never guaranteed—it must be defended, cherished, and passed on to future generations. It celebrates not just a historical event but the enduring spirit of a nation that refused to be erased from history.
Conclusion
November 11 offers Polish Americans in the Bay Area a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our heritage, honor those who fought for Polish independence, and share our proud culture with the broader community. Whether attending formal ceremonies, hosting family dinners, or simply displaying the Polish flag, each act of remembrance connects us to a story of resilience, courage, and ultimate triumph.
This Independence Day, let’s celebrate not only Poland’s past but also the vibrant Polish community we’re building here in the Bay Area—a community that honors its roots while contributing to America’s multicultural tapestry.
Niech żyje Polska! (Long live Poland!)
References
- National Independence Day (Poland) - Wikipedia
- Constitution of 3 May 1791 - Wikipedia
- Polish History Museum, Warsaw
Tagged polish-traditions, holidays, celebrations, independence-day, polish-history, bay-area-events