Poland to commemorate 46th anniversary of Solidarity movement

Various regions in Poland are preparing to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the August Agreements and the founding of the NSZZ Solidarność trade union. These historical events in 1980 marked the emergence of the first independent labor union in the Eastern Bloc, eventually leading to the fall of the communist system in Poland.

In Nowy Sącz, ceremonies scheduled for August 31, 2026, will include a mass for the Fatherland and Solidarność at the Church of the Mother of God Immaculate, followed by flower laying and speeches at the Solidarity Monument.

In the Świętokrzyskie region, celebrations in Kielce will feature flower laying at the Stefan Żeromski Square memorial and a mass celebrated by Bishop Andrzej Kaleta at the Cathedral Basilica. Additional commemorative masses and ceremonies are planned in several other locations, including Busko-Zdrój, Jędrzejów, Końskie, Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, and Skarżysko-Kamienna.