National Independence Day
Each of us carries a piece of our Homeland’s history in our hearts, and each of us writes its next chapter. Marshal Piotr Całbecki, Voivode Michał Sztybel, the mayors of Bydgoszcz and Toruń, and the commanders of the military garrisons in both regional capitals invite everyone to take part in the regional celebrations of Poland’s National Independence Day (11 November).
In addition to official ceremonies, the program includes numerous historical reenactments, demonstrations, and workshops designed for broad public participation. As always, residents are also encouraged to celebrate this most important Polish patriotic holiday privately, with family and friends.
“Each of us carries a piece of our Homeland’s history in our hearts, and each of us will add our own small – or sometimes great and very important – fragment to it. Let us rejoice together in this day, which should be joyful, festive, and special. It is important that we are together, united by our shared heritage and facing the future as one,”
said Marshal Piotr Całbecki.
Ceremonies and Events
The celebrations will begin in the early morning with the laying of flowers at monuments and plaques commemorating the heroes of the struggles for Poland’s independence in 1918 and those who rebuilt the Polish state in the interwar period:
- Bydgoszcz – at Wełniany Rynek, Stary Rynek, and at memorials on Długa and Niedźwiedzia streets
- Toruń – at Municipal Cemetery No. 1 and at the monument to Gen. Józef Haller
Later in the morning, solemn masses will be held in Bydgoszcz Cathedral and St. Catherine’s Church in Toruń.
Official patriotic ceremonies will take place at:
- Stary Rynek (Old Market Square) in Bydgoszcz – starting at 12:15 p.m.
- Rynek Staromiejski (Old Town Market Square) in Toruń – starting at 11:50 a.m.
In both cities, there will also be open-air community events featuring historical performances, workshops for children, field games, group singing, and other interactive attractions.
- In Toruń, activities will take place at Rynek Nowomiejski 17 (hosted by the Gallery and Centre of Children’s Artistic Creativity) and along Philadelphia Boulevard.
- In Bydgoszcz, celebrations and activities will center on the Old Market Square.
Additional attractions
As every year, residents are also invited to the Goose Festival (Festiwal Gęsiny) in Przysiek, near Toruń.
Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson, Marshal’s Office of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Region
5 November 2025