Majówka

Majówka is the Polish May long weekend built around three early-May dates: 1 May, Labour Day; 2 May, Flag Day; and 3 May, Constitution Day, which marks the 1791 Constitution. Because 1 and 3 May are public holidays, many people take a vacation day or two and turn the stretch into several days off. In towns and cities, the more official side of Majówka appears in white-and-red flags on balconies and public buildings, plus state and local ceremonies on 1 and 3 May. Roads leaving big cities often become busy at the end of April, because for many Poles Majówka means getting out of town as soon as work finishes.

The relaxed, everyday side of Majówka is strongly tied to the outdoors and to the first big grill of the year. People go to allotment gardens known as działki, to lakes in Masuria, to the Baltic coast, to campsites, or to mountain towns; others simply stay in their garden or at a friend’s house. A typical day might start with travel or a walk, then shift into grilling in the afternoon and evening. Common foods include kiełbasa, karkówka, kaszanka, bread, mustard, and simple salads. If the weather is good, bicycles, kayaks, and bonfires also appear where allowed. One natural thing to say during these days is “Udanej majówki!”

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