Constitution Day

Constitution Day (POL) History

Constitution Day in Poland celebrates the Polish Constitution which was signed on 3 May 1791. The monumental constitution changed the political system in Poland by separating judicial, legislative and executive branches of power. This separation of power created a modern democratic country, the first one of its kind in Europe, and also changed the ruling system from a Parliamentary Monarchy to a Constitutional Monarchy.

Constitution Day is celebrated annually on 3 May. Today, the day serves as a reminder of the unity and courage behind the 1791 Constitution. The day was not officially celebrated for any length of time until 1989 when Poland was finally free from nearly two centuries of foreign occupation.

Top facts about Constitution Day

• In 1795, Poland ceased to exist on the map of Europe and it would remain this way for more than a century until 1918 when it was reinstated.
• The Sejm of the Republic of Poland, at the request of the Senate, re-established the 3 May as Constitution Day on 6 April 6 1990 following a 123-year long period of Polish enslavement.
• Shorty after the new Constitution was signed, Poland was at war with the Russians who subsequently divided up the nation into Russian, Austrian and Prussian sections.
• The Polish Constitution was the first ever in Europe and only the second in the world (after the USA).
• Today I am speaking to all the Poles all over the world. Today is the 150th anniversary of the Constitution passed by your parliament. You are right to celebrate this day as a national holiday because, at the time when your Constitution of 1791 was drawn up, it was a model of enlightened political thought. - Winston Churchill, former British Prime Minister, spoken on 3 May 1941

In the News and Trending in the EU for Constitution Day

Constitution Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Spread awareness on social media with hashtags such as #PolishConstitutionDay, #ConstitutionPoland and #FirstConstitutioninEurope.
• Attend a local mass on 3 May which is also the feast day of Our Lady Queen of Poland. Masses are held around the country and attended by Poles of all walks of life.
• Take the opportunity to study and learn about the constitution of the specific European country you are in. Familiarize yourself with its history, principles, and the rights and responsibilities it enshrines.
• Explore the evolution of constitutions in different European countries. Compare different constitutional models, systems, and approaches to democratic governance. This can be done through reading books, attending lectures, or participating in workshops.
• Attend the Constitution Day parade in Warsaw. The parade is fun-filled and includes military, cultural and artistic aspects of Polish heritage.