Poland Celebrates Independence Day
- 11.11.2026, 12:10
The Independence March, with President Karol Nawrocki in attendance, will take place on the streets of Warsaw.
November 11 is National Independence Day in Poland. This year marks the 108th anniversary of Poland regaining its independence after World War I. On November 11, 1918, in a railroad car in the Compiègne Forest in France, an armistice was signed between the Entente Powers and the German Empire, bringing the war to an end, and at the same time, in Warsaw, the Regency Council transferred military authority to Józef Piłsudski, according to Rzeczpospolita.
A Mass for the Homeland featuring Karol Nawrocki. The President lit the Candle of Independence
A Mass for the Homeland began at the Church of Divine Providence in Warsaw to mark the 108th anniversary of Poland’s independence. Participating in the ceremony are President Karol Nawrocki and his wife Marta Nawrocka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, as well as representatives of the government and the military.
The service is presided over by Archbishop-Metropolitan of Warsaw Adrian Galbas. Participants also prayed for the victims of the tragedy in Kraków, the city’s residents, and those who provided assistance during the tragic events.
Before the Mass began, the president lit the Candle of Independence, a gift to Warsaw from Pope Pius IX in 1867. The Pope wished that it be lit only when Poland regained its freedom. This year, the candle was lit for the tenth time.
Independence Village in the center of Warsaw. Start of events ahead of the march
Starting at 9:00 a.m., the Independence Village, organized by the organizers of the Independence March, is open on Central Avenue near the Palace of Culture and Science.
The events organized there precede the main march through the center of the capital. According to the schedule, Independence Town will be open until 2:00 p.m., and half an hour later, march participants are set to set off toward the National Stadium.
Fireworks and firecrackers are banned throughout Warsaw. The police promise to respond to any violations of the law
In connection with Independence Day celebrations, a ban on carrying, transporting, and using pyrotechnic devices is in effect throughout Warsaw. The order was issued by the Mazovian Voivode.
In addition, the Ministry of the Interior and Administration has imposed a ban on carrying weapons and transporting them in an unloaded state on November 11.
“I urge everyone to act responsibly and obey the law—law enforcement will respond to any breach of public order in accordance with applicable regulations,” stated Minister of the Interior and Administration Marcin Kerwinski.
Violating the ban on fireworks is punishable by a fine.
Independence March 2026. Organizers expect up to half a million participants
Organizers of this year’s Independence March in Warsaw are expecting a record turnout—up to 500,000 people, according to Polsat News.
The march is scheduled to begin at Dmowski Square at 2:30 p.m. Participants are expected to reach the National Stadium around 4:30 p.m.
The event will conclude with concerts and a group polonaise. Organizers have not yet announced the actual number of participants this year.
The President of Poland kicked off Independence Day celebrations. He laid a wreath at the monument to Vincent Vitos
President Karol Nawrocki began the National Independence Day celebrations by laying a wreath at the monument to Wincenty Witos in Warsaw. The ceremony took place after 8:00 a.m.
The president will then lay wreaths at the monuments of the other Fathers of Independence: Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Ignacy Daszyński, Roman Dmowski, Wojciech Korfant, and Józef Piłsudski.
At noon, the president will take part in a solemn changing-of-the-guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Piłsudski Square. He also announced that he would participate in the Independence March.