3 May Constitution Day (also Third May National Holiday; Polish: Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja) is a Polish national and public holiday. It celebrates the declaration of the Constitution of 3 May 1791 —the first modern constitution in Europe. Constitution Day is a national public holiday in Poland celebrated on 3rd May. This day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of May 3, 1791, which has a special place in the Polish national identity as it was the first in Europe and second in the world modern constitution. Polish Constitution Day is celebrated on May 3rd each year and commemorates the signing of the Constitution of 3 May 1791, which was one of the first modern constitutions in the world and an important moment in the history of Poland. After gaining independence in 1918, May 3rd became a holiday in Poland. This holiday, like many holidays, was not celebrated during the time of the communist Independence Day (Polish: Narodowe Święto Niepodległości) is a national day in Poland celebrated on 11 November to commemorate the anniversary of the restoration of Poland's sovereignty as the Second Polish Republic in 1918 from the German, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires. Following the partitions in the late 18th century, Poland ceased to exist for 123 years until the end of World What Is 3 May Constitution Day? 3 May Constitution Day, known as Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja in Polish, commemorates the adoption of Poland’s first constitution on May 3, 1791. It was the first modern constitution in Europe and the second globally, following the United States Constitution in 1787. This landmark achievement symbolized Poland’s effort to reform its political structure May 3 is one of the most important holidays in the Polish calendar. The Constitution Day of May 3 commemorates the adoption of the first constitution in Europe and the second in the world in 1791. More about the history of this holiday in this article. Polish independence day (11th of November) on the other hand has a completely different connotation. Everything is so serious and it’s supposed to be an opportunity for reflection. May 3rd marks a historic moment close to our hearts: 3 May Constitution Day. On this day in 1791, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth adopted its groundbreaking constitution, a milestone that echoed through the annals of history. The 3rd of May celebrates the date of the first written constitution in Europe, in 1791 – the Polish constitution, naturally. My first memory of this significant date in our calendar is of me and my classmates waving Polish paper flags and singing „ Witaj Maj, trzeci maj, dla Polaków błogi raj! On May 3, Poland commemorates one of the most pivotal moments in its history: the adoption of the Constitution of May 3, 1791. This document, enacted during a time of existential crisis for the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to reform, governance, and the principles of democracy. As we celebrate this milestone in 2025, the anniversary invites Poland marks May 3 Constitution Day Poland celebrates on Saturday the anniversary of its historic 1791 Constitution, one of the most progressive supreme laws in Europe at the time. The Constitution Day in Poland, celebrated on May 3rd, commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of May 3, 1791. This momentous occasion marked a significant turning point in Polish history, as it was one of the first modern constitutions in Europe and served as a profound declaration of democratic principles and national sovereignty. The Constitution of May 3 was a response to the need for political reform in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It shifted the government towards a constitutional monarchy, increasing the power of the executive branch while reducing the influence of the nobility. Saturday, May 3rd, 11:30 a.m. – Polish Constitution Day Parade Parada w 234. rocznicę uchwalenia Konstytucji 3 Maja Columbus Drive, from Balbo Drive to Monroe Street, Chicago, IL Saturday, May 3rd, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Post Parade PACC Party Under the Bean The Millennium Hall Restaurant and Double Clutch Plaza 11 N. Michigan Ave. Known in Polish as Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja, this public holiday commemorates the adoption of Poland’s groundbreaking constitution on 3rd May 1791, the first democratic constitution in Europe and only the second in the world after the United States. May 3rd was restored as an official Polish holiday in April 1990, after the fall of communism. Today, the day is a major public holiday and is observed with flag flying, parades, cannon salvos, exhibitions, concerts, speeches, readings of the Constitution’s preamble, the singing of patriotic songs, and celebratory Masses. The 3rd of May marks a monumental day in Polish history and, indeed, the annals of world democracy. On this day in 1791, Poland adopted the Constitution of May 3rd, becoming the first nation in Europe and the second in the world, after the United States, to formalize a written national constitution. Polish May 3rd Constitution Day Parade celebrates the first in Europe and the Second n the World, after the US democratic Constitution of 1791. This year marks 134 year of the Polish Parade in Chicago. When on May 3, 1791, the Four-Year Sejm, also called the Great Sejm, adopted The Government Act of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, later known as the May 3rd Constitution, the Polish-Lithuanian state became Europe’s first and the world’s second that passed the basic law. The Polish Constitution of the 3rd of May 1791, while never actually instituted, remains nonetheless an object of great pride in the history or Poland. It is recognized as the second earliest document of its kind, created just a few years after the Constitution of the United States of America.
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