While other parts of the world celebrate November 11th as 'Remembrance Day' (UK, Canada), 'Armistice Day' (France, NZ), and 'Veterans Day' (USA), for Poles the ending of the Great War was even more significant as it saw Poland finally regaining its independence and returning to the map of Europe after 123 years of being partitioned by Austria, Germany and Russia. With the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany, famed military hero Józef Piłsudski was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the Second Republic of Poland on November 11th, 1918. Piłsudski formed a new centralised government and went on to command Polish forces against Russia in the victorious 1920 Battle of Warsaw, a key turning point in the rebirth of the country. In true facepalm fashion, however, Independence Day was constituted as a national holiday in 1937 and celebrated exactly twice before World War II began and Poland found itself occupied again. In the communist era, the date of Independence Day was dubiously moved to July 22nd to honour the day the PKWN Manifesto - a document which basically asserted communist authority over Poland - was issued in 1944. After communism fell in 1989, the holiday was restored to its original November 11th date.

If you're in Poland on this day you'll find that though a national bank holiday, most restaurants, bars and even shops will still be open.

As for celebrations. They'll be the traditional parade featuring cyclists and lots of classic cars. It'll begin at 13:15 near the Opera Lesna and wind its way down to travel through the main square and pier gardens. They'll also be singing of patriotic songs and of course the Polish national anthem.

Later on in the day you'll find children and their families releasing red and white lanterns into the skies. The event will begin with a concert on the outdoor stage in the pier gardens and will end with the singing of the national anthem. At about approximately 17:15 everyone will head to the beach and start lighting and releasing their lanterns. The event, which has a charitable purpose, is called 'Lights for Poland'. Don't worry if you've not got a lantern. You'll be able to buy one at the concert.