On April 28, 2025, a ceremonial assembly took place at the Primary and Music School Complex in Nowe Miasto Lubawskie to celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of May 3, 1791. The assembly was held in the sports hall, which was festively decorated to honor this significant occasion. The event drew the entire school community, along with invited guests, including the Mayor of the City, Jacek Wolski, and city councilors Barbara Bober and Andrzej Nadolski.
The assembly commenced with the introduction of the school banner and the singing of the national anthem, setting a patriotic tone for the festivities. Students from classes Vb and VIb, under the guidance of teachers Joanna Mierzyńska and Dorota Zawadzka, prepared a captivating artistic section dedicated to values such as patriotism, freedom, and civic attitude. They also recalled the supreme constitutional provisions of 1791, emphasizing the historical significance of the day.
During the event, students portrayed historical figures, including kings Bolesław Chrobry and Stanisław August Poniatowski, to juxtapose the achievements of Poland's first and last kings. The performances included recitations and historical scenes, with students Gabriela Orzeł, Julia Zatorska, Iga Suchocka, Marianna Szkutnik, and Michalina Jaroszewska, prepared under the direction of Magdalena Domżalska, delivering beautiful patriotic songs that resonated with the audience.
Following the artistic presentations, Mayor Jacek Wolski addressed the attendees, expressing gratitude to the students for their performances and for reminding everyone of important events in Polish history. Zbigniew Domżalski, the Director of the Primary and Music School Complex, also spoke, encouraging the community to celebrate three significant May holidays and to show patriotism by displaying white and red flags.
The ceremony was gracefully hosted by Małgorzata Fijałkowska and Oliwia Olęcka, who guided the program with enthusiasm and respect for the occasion.
Looking ahead, the Gniezno County has extended an invitation to residents to participate in the patriotic celebrations marking the 234th anniversary of the Constitution of May 3. Scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, the program includes a Holy Mass for the Homeland at 10:00 AM in the Prymasowska Basilica, followed by official ceremonies at the monument of King Bolesław Chrobry.
This celebration presents a unique opportunity for the community to honor one of Poland's most important national holidays, commemorating the adoption of the first modern constitution in Europe and the second in the world.
On the same day, the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kłodawa will host its own celebrations, starting at 10:30 AM with a Holy Mass dedicated to the Homeland. This service aims to commemorate and honor the national heritage associated with the Constitution of May 3. Following the Mass, at 11:30 AM, flowers will be laid at the monument on Plac Wolności, symbolizing respect for those who contributed to the adoption of this vital legislation and to the protection of Poland's sovereignty and freedom.
Furthermore, the Local Government Authorities of the Mosina Commune have invited participation in the National Holiday celebrations, which also commemorate the 234th anniversary of the Constitution of May 3. This holiday is celebrated in remembrance of the momentous legal act adopted by the Great Sejm at the Royal Castle in Warsaw 234 years ago.
The Constitution of May 3 was groundbreaking, introducing a system of constitutional monarchy with strong representative power and implementing the separation of powers into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The legislative authority was vested in the Sejm, which consisted of two separate chambers, and the previously established principle of liberum veto was abolished.
This historic document was a compromise between the monarchical-constitutional program of Stanisław August and the republican ideals of Ignacy Potocki, Stanisław Małachowski, and Hugo Kołłątaj. It represented a profound expression of patriotism among its creators and laid the groundwork for the identity of a sovereign nation striving to maintain its independence.
The preamble to the 1791 Government Act reflects this spirit, stating, “wanting to take advantage of the moment in which Europe finds itself, and of this dying moment that has returned to us, free from the disgraceful dictates of foreign violence, valuing political existence, external independence, and internal freedom more than life and personal happiness, we hereby adopt this constitution and declare it entirely sacred and immutable.”
As Poland approaches this significant anniversary, communities across the nation are encouraged to reflect on the values enshrined in the Constitution of May 3 and to participate in local celebrations that honor their historical significance. The upcoming events promise to be a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and spirit of the Polish people.
