Polish Ministry of Culture Weighs Overhaul of August 15 and May 2 State Holidays

Following a citizen petition, Poland’s Ministry of Culture is reviewing potential legislative changes to formally recognize the Battle of Warsaw and rename National Flag Day.

Citizen Petition Highlights Legal Gap on August 15

A citizen submitted a petition to the Ministry of Culture noting that there is no obligation to display the national flag on the Armed Forces Day. Rzeczpospolita points out that August 15 is formally only an internal holiday for the Polish military, while the act on days free from work lists it as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Deputy Culture Minister Maciej Wróbel stated that work is underway on a draft bill on the Signs of the Polish State and Nation, which will comprehensively regulate state symbolism.

Ministry Supports Commemorating the Battle of Warsaw

The Ministry of Culture supports the proposal to commemorate the Battle of Warsaw. Wróbel added that the ministry plans legislative work to organize issues related to state holidays, agreeing with the postulate to statutory introduce a state holiday commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw.

In practice, this would change little, as the day would remain a work-free day with military parades already taking place, making the change primarily symbolic.

Proposed Changes for May 2 Flag Day

The Ministry of Culture is also preparing to change Flag Day, celebrated on May 2, with considerations to expand it to the “Day of the Flag and the White Eagle.” This is currently a preliminary plan being worked on by a special working team, and May 2 is not a statutory work-free day.

Calendar Impact and Upcoming Holiday Timing

The naming changes will not take effect before this year’s Armed Forces Day, celebrated in just over two weeks. In 2026, August 15 falls on a Saturday, allowing many workers to take an extra day off, with Friday, August 14, off in many companies to create a long weekend.