The May 2025 holiday weekend promises to be exceptionally favorable for those planning a longer vacation. With Labor Day on May 1 and National Third of May Day falling in the second half of the week, many will have the opportunity to enjoy up to four days off from work.
May 1, 2025, which is a Thursday, marks Labor Day, a public holiday celebrated in Poland since 1950. This day honors the contributions of workers and has its roots in the historic events of Chicago in 1886, where laborers protested for an eight-hour workday. The protests were met with violence, and the day has since become a symbol of the fight for workers' rights worldwide.
Following Labor Day, May 2, 2025, is a Friday and is designated as Flag Day of the Republic of Poland. While this day is not a public holiday, many employees may receive an additional day off, especially since the subsequent day, May 3, falls on a Saturday. This arrangement allows for a seamless transition into the weekend, effectively extending the holiday for many.
May 3, 2025, is National Third of May Day, another public holiday that commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of May 3, 1791. This constitution was groundbreaking, being the first in Europe and the second in the world, following the American Constitution. It introduced significant reforms, such as the separation of powers and limitations on the privileges of the nobility, aiming to modernize the state and protect it from partitions.
The 2025 holiday weekend is particularly appealing as it aligns perfectly with the calendar, allowing workers to enjoy a long break without needing to take additional vacation days. The last working day before this extended holiday will be Wednesday, April 30, and employees will return to work on Monday, May 5.
However, amid the excitement of the holiday weekend, there are important considerations regarding pharmacy availability during this period. Since January 1, 2024, pharmacies in Poland have been given the autonomy to set their own opening hours, including on holidays. This change was intended to ensure that pharmacies could provide services during off-hours, but in practice, availability may be limited.
Pharmacies are not required to operate 24/7, and medications can only be purchased during the hours designated by each pharmacy. For a pharmacy to be considered on duty overnight, it must be open for at least two hours between 7 PM and 11 PM. For daytime duty on public holidays, the requirement is four consecutive hours of operation between 10 AM and 6 PM.
As a result, the availability of open pharmacies on May 1 and May 3, 2025, may be restricted. It is advisable for individuals to plan ahead and secure any necessary medications before the holiday. The easiest way to check if a pharmacy will be open on these dates is to look at the posted hours on the pharmacy's door or their official website. Pharmacies are obligated to inform the public about their planned hours in advance.
Fortunately, May 2, which is a working day, falls on a Friday, and it is expected that most pharmacies will be open that day. This provides a good opportunity for those who may need to stock up on both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
In summary, the May 2025 holiday weekend offers a rare chance for a lengthy break, combining Labor Day and National Third of May Day, with the potential for an additional day off for many workers. However, it also requires careful planning regarding pharmacy access, as the new regulations mean that not all pharmacies will be available during the holidays. As the long weekend approaches, individuals should take the time to ensure they have everything they need to enjoy their time off without any interruptions.
