The annual Polishness Parade attracted thousands to Vilnius on Saturday, moving along the city’s main arteries Gediminas, Zamkowa, and Ostrobramska avenues. The procession wove past notable landmarks, including the Presidential Palace and the Pac Palace, which houses the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Vilnius. In this edition, the Polish Diaspora and Poland Abroad Day, along with the anniversary of the May 3 Constitution, were commemorated with the festivities.
Polish Parade in Vilnius
The ceremony unfolded in a palette of white and red, with people wearing traditional Polish outfits, accompanied by Polish tunes and choral pieces. The event culminated with a Holy Mass held before the Gate of Dawn Chapel, followed by a concert by Mazowsze on Town Hall Square.
The parade signified a strong sense of belonging to Polish heritage in Lithuania and demonstrated solidarity within the Polish community. It served as a reminder to Lithuanians of the thousands of Poles who live in the country and contribute to its social fabric.
Edward Trusewicz, vice president of the Union of Poles in Lithuania, described the march as a visible expression of national pride and a unity-building moment for Poles in Lithuania.
The white and red procession drew participants from 14 ZPL branches across the country, along with many Polish social organizations, schools, kindergartens, artistic groups, and individuals from the broader community.
Leaders of the Polish community in Lithuania, members of parliament from the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania – Union of Christian Families (EAPL-CFA), and local officials joined the event. Among them were Konstanty Radziwiłł, the Polish ambassador to Vilnius; Irmina Szmalec, head of the consular section at the Polish Embassy; senators Halina Biada and Ryszard Majer; MPs Janusz Kowalski and Jarosław Krajewski; and Adam Struzik, marshal of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship.
A sea of red and white flags
The parade was described as an important display of attachment to Polish traditions across borders, with remarks from senior representatives about the significance of supporting Polish communities abroad and ensuring they maintain strong ties to their identity.
Senator Majer commented on the remarkable sight of numerous white and red banners beyond Poland’s borders and praised the young people who served as strong ambassadors of Polishness. Participants described walking through Vilnius as a powerful, joyful experience, a sense of belonging to a large, vibrant whole.
The event, held in Vilnius for the 18th time, has occurred intermittently since 2004. There is discussion about expanding the gathering to an annual schedule to celebrate Polish heritage even more regularly.
Poles in Lithuania constitute the country’s largest national minority, accounting for about 6.5 percent of the population. ZLP, a broader network of communities, operates in many regions, reflecting the active presence of Poles across Lithuania.
— Prime Minister Morawiecki in Vilnius spoke on the long-standing Polish-Lithuanian alliance, emphasizing its role in Eastern Europe. He mentioned efforts to resist imperial influence and to strengthen cultural bonds between the two nations.
— A separate event marked the opening of a Polish Cultural Center in Vilnius, described as a hub for Polish culture and thought in the region, a place where the mind holds power beyond military might.
Additionally, this narrative reflects ongoing exchanges and cultural initiatives that anchor Polish identity within the Lithuanian landscape.
Office notes from PAP and other Polish media provided coverage of the parade and related events, capturing the mood and the messages shared by participants.