Polish march in Vilnius after a three-year-long break

The Association of Poles in Lithuania turned to the Vilnius authorities to be given authorization to march through the streets of the capital to mark the The Day of Polish Diaspora and Poles Living Abroad. This year’s celebration will be combined with the commemoration of the 1050th anniversary of the Christianization of Poland – the Association of Poles in Lithuania informs “Nasza Gazeta” periodical.

The Vilnius celebration will include a holy mass at the Gate of Dawn and a concert. The event will also take place in Zalavas, the birthplace of Marshal Józef Piłsudski. Another two stelas will be placed in the Avenue of National Remembrance – dedicated to the anniversary of the Christianization of Poland and the Cursed Soldiers.

The first march of Poles through the streets of Vilnius since Lithuania’s regaining independence took place in 2004, the last one – in 2013. The Day of Polish Diaspora and Poles Living Abroad, celebrated on the 2nd of May, was established in 2002 in recognition of “the many-year achievements and contributions of the Polish Diaspora and Poles abroad to regaining the national independence of Poland, their loyalty and attachment to Polish identity, their help to the Country in the most difficult times, in order to confirm the bond with the Home Country and the unity of all the Poles, both those living in the Country as well as abroad”. Since 2004, the day has been celebrated together with the Day of Polish Flag.