{"id":180,"date":"2025-11-11T16:11:59","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T16:11:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/?p=180"},"modified":"2025-11-11T16:23:34","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T16:23:34","slug":"red-and-white-poland-remembers-its-freedom-by-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/?p=180","title":{"rendered":"Red and White: Poland Remembers Its Freedom By Running"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Every 11 November, Poland turns its gaze back across the centuries to a pivotal moment in its history \u2013 its return to the map of Europe as a sovereign state in 1918. With streets awash in red and white, flags fluttering from tram cars and historic fa\u00e7ades, the country honours its arduous journey from partition, oppression and occupation to freedom \u2013 through vast public running events.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Polish-flag-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Polish-flag-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Polish-flag-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Polish-flag-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Polish-flag-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Polish-flag-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Warsaw, the heart of the celebrations beats at Pi\u0142sudski Square, where the President and senior officials gather by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Military formations pass, wreaths are laid, and the national anthem rings out in crisp, autumn air. But these observances are not mere spectacle: they are deep with significance. Poland\u2019s story of 123 years without sovereignty \u2013 as part of Russia, just like Finland \u2013 is not forgotten. t underpins the solemn mood alongside the delight of marking independence. Beyond the capital, ordinary citizens join parades, runs and gatherings.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"\ud83d\udea8live Warsaw Independence Day\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lXo-hk8iztc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Celebrate Independence\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Flag displays:<\/strong> The Polish white-and-red national flag is prominently displayed on buildings, homes, public institutions and often on private vehicles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Official ceremonies:<\/strong> In the capital Warsaw, the President, Prime Minister and other senior officials attend ceremonies at Pi\u0142sudski Square and near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. These include guard changes, wreath-laying, national anthem performances and parades.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parades and marches: <\/strong>A large military parade in Warsaw forms part of the national celebrations. Similarly, there are local parades and public processions in other cities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fun runs and \u201cIndependence Runs\u201d: <\/strong>In many cities, there is a special running event, often thousands taking part, where participants may form patterns such as the national flag.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Speeches and concert events: <\/strong>Political speeches, public addresses and concerts or cultural events accompany the day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Family gatherings and reflection: <\/strong>It is also a day off for many, and families may gather. The tone is both celebratory and reflective, respecting the historical struggle for independence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Przem\u00f3wienie prezydenta RP Karola Nawrockiego podczas Obchod\u00f3w Narodowego \u015awi\u0119ta Niepodleg\u0142o\u015bci\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zkkgmXYDLlg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I<strong>ndependence Run Since 1989<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"35th Independence Run Warsaw 11\/11\/2025\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dsEOVyPRTZ4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bieg Niepodleg\u0142o\u015bci, or Independence Run, is one of Poland\u2019s most popular patriotic sporting events. It has been held annually on 11 November, Poland\u2019s National Independence Day, since 1989 \u2014 which makes 2025 its 36th edition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first run was organised in Warsaw in 1989, just months after the fall of communist rule \u2014 the same year Poland reinstated open celebrations of Independence Day after decades of censorship. Before that, under communist rule (1945\u20131989), the day was <em>not officially celebrated<\/em>, as the then government promoted 22 July as the \u201cNational Day of the Rebirth of Poland.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, the Independence Run was born as a symbol of freedom, marking the country\u2019s return to self-determination not only politically but also culturally and socially. It combined physical fitness, community participation, and patriotism \u2014 an open, positive expression of national pride after years of repression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thousands of runners \u2013\u00a0in Warsaw, often more than 15,000 \u2013 start the race wearing white and red shirts, so that when viewed from above, they form a moving Polish flag.<br>The route is typically 10 kilometres, going through central Warsaw (often along Aleje Niepodleg\u0142o\u015bci \u2014 \u201cIndependence Avenue,\u201d a symbolic street name).<br>At the start, runners stop for a moment of silence and sing the national anthem, Mazurek D\u0105browskiego.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many also wear patriotic symbols such as the white-and-red rosette or carry small flags.<br>The run has spread to many other Polish cities \u2014 Krak\u00f3w, Gda\u0144sk, Pozna\u0144, Wroc\u0142aw, Sopot, Katowice, Bia\u0142ystok, Lublin, and even Polish communities abroad. It\u2019s now a nationwide phenomenon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poland&#8217;s Fathers: <strong>Pi\u0142sudski\u00a0<\/strong>and <strong>Mo\u015bcicki<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JozefPilsudski-IgnacyMoscicki-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JozefPilsudski-IgnacyMoscicki-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JozefPilsudski-IgnacyMoscicki-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JozefPilsudski-IgnacyMoscicki-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JozefPilsudski-IgnacyMoscicki-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JozefPilsudski-IgnacyMoscicki-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Lords of the Wall from the Emigration Museum in Gdynia: J\u00f3zef Pi\u0142sudski (1867\u20131935) and Ignacy Mo\u015bcicki (1867\u20131946).<br><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>J\u00f3zef Pi\u0142sudski (1867\u20131935)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>J\u00f3zef Klemens Pi\u0142sudski was a Polish statesman who served as Chief of State (1918\u20131922) and became the first Marshal of Poland in 1920. After the First World War, he emerged as the dominant figure in Polish politics, shaping the reborn nation\u2019s military and foreign policy. Regarded as the founding father of the Second Polish Republic, Pi\u0142sudski held de facto leadership as Minister of Military Affairs until his death in 1935. His legacy combines visionary patriotism with authoritarian rule, marking him as one of Poland\u2019s most complex national heroes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ignacy Mo\u015bcicki (1867\u20131946)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Ignacy Mo\u015bcicki was a Polish chemist and politician who served as President of Poland from 1926 to 1939. Early in life he joined the Polish Socialist Party and took part in anti-Russian activities, which forced him into exile in London, where he met J\u00f3zef Pi\u0142sudski. Following Pi\u0142sudski\u2019s coup d\u2019\u00e9tat in 1926, Mo\u015bcicki was elected president and remained loyal to his mentor. After Pi\u0142sudski\u2019s death, his policies became more liberal, but his presidency ended with Poland\u2019s occupation at the outbreak of the Second World War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Run Celebrates Polish Independence\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rDc6VIQLNLU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Marsz Niepodleg\u0142o\u015bci dymi przez Warszaw\u0119. S\u0105 zakazane race, jest prezydent Karol Nawrocki\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3cpM_9wqy2w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every 11 November, Poland turns its gaze back across the centuries to a pivotal moment in its history \u2013 its return to the map of Europe as a sovereign state in 1918. With streets awash in red and white, flags fluttering from tram cars and historic fa\u00e7ades, the country honours its arduous journey from partition, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":172,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[8,34,36],"class_list":["post-180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arcticle","tag-eng","tag-jozef-pilsudski","tag-warsaw"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=180"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":188,"href":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180\/revisions\/188"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ilovepoland.fi\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}