Location: Countrywide
Event: There are multiple scheduled parades, marches, demonstrations, and rallies taking place in Warsaw, Krakow, and potentially other parts of the country on Friday, November 11, 2022, during Polish Independence Day celebrating the restoration of a sovereign Polish state.
In past years, there have been reported incidents of violence associated with some of these demonstrations. The U.S. Embassy has therefore advised its employees to use caution and avoid areas where demonstrations are active.
The Embassy continues to be aware of incidents of harassment. While they do not appear to be anti-American in nature, persons of color, regardless of citizenship, could be targets of negative comments or actions during these demonstrations and rallies.
Previous Polish Independence Day demonstrations, marches, and rallies have seen a turnout of approximately 100,000 people. Expect heavy traffic congestion throughout Warsaw and Krakow, as well as road closures and parking difficulties. Events are expected to start as early as 8:00 a.m. and last until 10:00 p.m.
Below is a summary of events of which the Embassy is aware at this time;however, be aware gatherings can occur spontaneously throughout the city.
Warsaw:
- Independence Run: The start and finish of the race will be on Jana Pawła II Ave. at the height of Stawki Street. Runners will move along Jana Pawła II Ave. in a southern direction to Aleja Niepodległości and turn around for a total distance of 10 km. The race will start at 11:11 a.m.
- Government Celebrations of the Independence Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier starts at 12:00 noon with a military parade.
- Niepodległa do hymnu: 12:00 noon singing of the national anthem at Royal Castle Square.
- The Independence March: 2:00 p.m. – singing of the National Anthem of Poland, speeches, Independence March on the route: Dmowski Roundabout, Jerozolimskie Ave., Poniatowski Bridge, Wał Miedzeszyński St. to the grounds of the National Stadium (see map below), 4:30 p.m. – reach the grounds of the National Stadium, 5:00 p.m. – concerts after the Independence March, 7:00 p.m. – end of the event.
- “For your freedom and ours!” anti-fascist street party in Warsaw: Gathering at Unii Lubelskiej Square starting at 1:00 p.m., proceeding along the following streets: Puławska, Goworka, Belwederska, Ujazdowskie Ave., Szucha Ave., back to Unii Lubelskiej Square.
Krakow:
- This year’s celebrations of the National Independence Day in Krakow will begin with the laying of flowers at the monument to the Soldiers of the Fighting Polish in Powiśle. At 10:00 a.m. in the Wawel Cathedral, a Holy Mass will be celebrated followed by the laying of flowers at the Katyn Cross on Father Adam Studziński Square. Celebrations will proceed to Jan Matejko Square. The ceremony will end with the laying of wreaths in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a parade along Basztowa Street. The celebrations will be accompanied by a demonstration of uniformed services vehicles. Events conclude at 3:00 p.m.
- Krakowski Bieg Niepodległości 11.11 km and the Mile of Independence Run – 1918 m: Starts at 10:00 a.m. following the route of Aleja 3 Maja – Aleja Focha – Królowej Jadwigi – Malczewskiego – Zaścianek – Aleja Washington – Starowolska.
- Meeting organized by the Society of Friends of Bieżanów: From 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. from the area in front of the church at ul. Popiełuszki 35 – Popiełuszki – Monument under the Eagle (at the intersection of Popiełuszki and Bieżanowska streets). Estimated number of participants: 150.
- Assembly organized by Michał Kosiński on behalf of the “Hurtownia Kultury” association: From 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Kraka Mound and a green area directly adjacent to the Mound in the vicinity of the following streets: Kopiec Krakusa, Franciszka Maryewskiego, and Za Torem. Estimated number of participants: 1000.
- Gathering organized by Małgorzata Figa-Tomińska: From 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Szczepański Square. Estimated number of participants: 100.
- Independence Day Gathering: From 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. around the Piłsudski Monument at ul. Garncarska, in the area in front of the Sokoła hall building (ul. Piłsudskiego), at the Women’s Rights Square and at ul. Smoleńsk (on the section between Al. Krasińskiego and ul. Retoryka). Estimated number of participants: 50.
- Assembly organized by Wojciech Marchwicki: From 5:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the corner of Retoryka and Smoleńsk streets, from ul. Felician Sisters. Estimated number of participants: 30.
Rzeszow:
- Independence Day celebrations: From 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Plac Wolności in front of the Józef Piłsudski monument. Estimated number of participants: 300.
There will be many other smaller events like picnics, concerts, and other cultural events during the celebration of the Independence Day throughout the country.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid crowds and demonstrations.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
Assistance for American Citizens:
U.S. Embassy, Warsaw, Poland
Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, Piękna 12
00-539, Warsaw
+48 22 504 2784 (business hours)
+48 22 504 2000 (after-hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens)
ACSWarsaw@state.gov
https://pl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Consulate General, Krakow, Poland
Ul. Stolarska 9
31-043 Krakow, Poland
+48 12 424 5100 (business hours)
+48 601 483 348 (after-hours emergencies involving U.S. Citizens)
KrakowACS@state.gov
https://pl.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/krakow/
https://pl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Consular Agency, Poznan, Poland
Ul. Paderewskiego 8 room 06, 61-770 Poznan
Tel: +48 61 851 8516
CAPoz@post.pl
https://pl.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/consular-agency-poznan/
State Department – Consular Affairs
+1 202-501-4444 (from overseas) or 1-888-407-4747 (from the United States)
Poland Country Information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
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