One city, one national holiday, two very different ways of celebrating. Wrocław is preparing for a packed Independence Day on 11 November — from brass bands and school groups in the morning to a nationalist demonstration in the afternoon.
The family-oriented Joyful Independence Parade is scheduled to set off at 10 a.m. from Centrum Historii Zajezdnia on Grabiszyńska Street, heading towards Plac Wolności. The national anthem is planned for noon.
A very different afternoon
Later, the nationalist March of Poles, associated with controversial former priest Jacek Międlar, is due to begin with a programme outside Wrocław Główny railway station at 4 p.m. The march itself is scheduled for 5 p.m., passing Plac Dominikański and Plac Społeczny towards Ostrów Tumski.
Organisers are promoting slogans including “We march for Poland” and “We will not give up this country.”
Two events, two atmospheres — and potentially a busy day for anyone crossing the centre. Whatever your politics, check your route before heading out.
