The long weekend in Poland for May 2025 runs from Thursday, May 1, to Sunday, May 4. This period includes two public holidays: Labor Day on May 1 and Constitution Day on May 3, both of which are days when most shops will be closed due to a trade ban. However, May 2, the Day of the Flag of the Republic of Poland, is a regular working day, meaning many retail stores will be open, albeit possibly with adjusted hours.
On May 1, which is Labor Day, the law mandates that most businesses remain closed. This includes larger retail chains, but some exceptions apply. Certain small shops, particularly those run by their owners, as well as some Żabka convenience stores and petrol stations, will remain open. This means that while most shopping options are limited, essential services are still accessible.
As for May 2, the situation changes. It is not a public holiday, so shops will operate during their normal hours. In major cities like Warsaw, residents can expect most retail outlets to welcome customers. However, some stores might choose to close early or adjust their hours for the holiday weekend. For instance, Aldi plans to stay open until 11 PM, while Biedronka will extend its hours to 11:30 PM. Other chains like Lidl, Carrefour, and Dino will have varying closing times between 10 PM and 11 PM, depending on their locations.
May 3 marks another public holiday, with shops closing once again. Similar to May 1, only small local shops and petrol stations will be available for shopping. This pattern of closures continues through May 4, which is designated as a non-trading Sunday, further limiting shopping options for the weekend.
In light of these closures, many Poles are encouraged to plan their shopping in advance. The trade ban is part of legislation enacted in January 2018 aimed at reducing Sunday trading. Initially, the ban did not apply to the first and last Sundays of the month, but over the years, it has been tightened. By 2020, trading Sundays were limited to just seven per year, and for 2025, only eight Sundays will allow shopping.
Violations of this trade ban can lead to significant fines ranging from 1,000 PLN to as much as 100,000 PLN, and for persistent offenders, there could even be restrictions on their freedom. The law applies to most Sundays of the year and to certain public holidays, including Labor Day and Constitution Day.
Despite these restrictions, there are several exemptions to the trade ban. For example, petrol stations, flower shops, pharmacies, and bakeries can operate even on days when the trade ban is in effect. Additionally, shops run by individual owners, where the owner or their family members serve customers directly, are also permitted to remain open.
As the long weekend approaches, the police have issued reminders to drivers to prioritize safety. With increased traffic expected, especially on the first holiday of May, law enforcement officials are urging caution. Antoni Rzeczkowski from the Police Headquarters has warned drivers of the likelihood of sobriety checks and other traffic regulations being enforced more stringently during this busy period.
Moreover, there are specific restrictions on truck traffic as well. Trucks weighing over 12 tons will face limitations on certain days, including April 30 and May 2 from 6 PM to 10 PM, and on May 1 and 3 from 8 AM to 10 PM. These measures are intended to ensure safer travel for all road users during the holiday weekend.
In summary, the May 2025 long weekend in Poland is a time for celebration and reflection, with significant days dedicated to honoring labor and the constitution. While shopping options may be limited on public holidays, the Day of the Flag offers a chance for residents to stock up on essentials. As the weekend draws near, careful planning will be essential for those looking to navigate the retail landscape amidst the holiday closures.
