Independence Day Parade Gdansk

What is this, is there also carnival in Poland?

No, not really. 11th November is a very important date for Poland, as it marked the end of a 123-year occupation by Russia, Austria, and Germany in 1918. Since 1937, there has been this holiday, which is not celebrated in Poland in memory of the fallen soldiers, but as Independence Day. That also explains the many Polish flags along the main streets, which I could observe with surprise yesterday.

After the fall of the Iron Curtain, the day was moved back to its original date, while from World War II to 1989, it was celebrated on 22nd July in memory of Stalin's Manifesto.

Anyway, nowadays there is a parade in many major cities to celebrate the day, including here in Gdańsk. You can see a complete cross-section of Polish society. Everything from kindergartens to the elderly is represented. Many people wear military clothing today, although in general you can see more of that than in Germany. Military vehicles, occupied by civilians, drive by as well as small boats on trailers. There are also mini racing cars with surprisingly small turning circles, and of course plenty of pedestrians. Representatives of pro-European groups as well as the LGBT scene and many other associations are also present, but most of the groups are schools.

I found it curious and partly funny to observe and perhaps got to know the Polish people a little better. Most people joined the parade, even if they did not belong to any group, but there were also some who stood at the sidelines and watched. Although I only watched the hustle and bustle for half an hour, I was quite chilled. 3°C, rain from time to time, strong wind – it made it quite unpleasant. Nevertheless, the weather celebrated a little with us by giving us the first rays of sunshine we have had in several days, even though they were only brief.

And tonight there was the first snow! Thick flakes, but they didn't stick. I hope for a wintry winter – at last.

I cannot upload videos, unfortunately.