May 3 is an important day for Poles across the globe.
Monday marks 230 years since Poland’s national constitution was signed in 1791. It was the first of its kind in Europe and only the second in the world following the 1787 signing of the United States constitution.
It’s a day which would usually be marked by celebrations in Canada, including in Regina.
Daniel Smela, president of Regina’s Polish Canadian Cultural Club, said it’s a major date in Polish history because it recognizes the freedom of Polish people. He compared the significance to July 1 for Canadians.
“In a normal year, what would happen is that the local dance group would put on a performance and people would share their culture through song, dance and food,” Smela explained.
“It’s about celebrating multiculturalism, which I think is a big part of what makes Canada a great place to live where we celebrate many cultures, not just our own.”
Members of Regina’s Polish Folk Dance Ensemble pose for a photo with the flags on the Albert Street Bridge. (Photo courtesy of Polish Canadian Cultural Club of Regina)
However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, Smela said they have found other ways to recognize this significant anniversary.
On Sunday, members of Regina’s Polonia Polish Folk Dance Ensemble took part in a special mass at St.
Anthony’s Roman Catholic Parish while observing provincial public health measures. Group members later posed for socially-distanced photos with Polish and Canadian flags flapping in the wind on the Albert Street Bridge.
“The Polish Consulate in Toronto provided 22 Polish flags to mark the celebration of this anniversary,” shared Smela. “21 of those flags are on the Albert Street Bridge and the other flag is flying Monday at city hall.”
The flags located on the Albert Street Bridge will fly until May 9.