November 11th. We also celebrate independence in Cyprus

Today marks the 108th anniversary of Poland regaining its independence. After 123 years of partition, the state for which successive generations fought was reborn. We also celebrate National Independence Day abroad—with families, friends, and the Polish community.

In Cyprus, a motorcycle ride is planned for today in Nicosia, as well as gatherings featuring Polish food and music in Agia Napa and Peyia. The celebrations will also extend to Saturday: on November 14th, the school in Paralimni invites you to the "Poland in Hearts" event.

November 11 in Cyprus - where are we celebrating?

Motorcyclists will gather in Nicosia in the morning, and in the afternoon and evening, you can join the events in Agia Napa and Peyia. A family celebration in Paralimni will take place on Saturday.

Nicosia: Independence on Two Wheels

The first motorcycle ride for independence will begin today with a collection at 11:00 a.m. near the Polish Embassy at 12–14 Kennedy Avenue. Then we planned to drive together through Nicosia and meet for coffee.

The initiative was initiated by Katarzyna Jurzak-Cebula, associated with the School of Polish Language and Culture in Paralimni. Participants are encouraged to prepare red and white accents.

The meeting is for a friendly gathering. The Embassy is the meeting point, but this does not mean that the Embassy is organizing the transfer.

Agia Napa: Polish Dinner and Live Music

Restaurant KOTA Greek Souvlaki invites you today from 16:00The menu prepared for the occasion included chicken soup, pork chop with potatoes and salad, and cheesecake.

The full set costs 25 euro and also includes a glass of honey wine. The standard menu will also be available.

From 19:00 Live music is planned. You can arrive early for dinner or join the evening session. Residents, tourists, and their international friends are invited.

Reservations are accepted Magda: +357 96 764 499 and Sylvia: +48 604 598 915It's worth confirming availability before arrival.

Peyia: Polish Dinner and Aga Starr Performance

In the Paphos area, today's celebrations will have a musical twist. Mill Bar in Peyia organizes "Polish Night" with a performance by Agnieszka Wesołek, known as Aga Starr.

The start is scheduled for 19:00The program includes a Polish dinner, live music, and fun activities.

You can inquire about the menu, prices and available tables directly at the premises by calling 26 621550.

Paralimni: "Poland in Hearts" on Saturday

The celebrations will not end today. Saturday, November 14, at 11:00 AM The School of Polish Language and Culture in Paralimni invites you to the meeting "Poland in Hearts".

The program included Polish Patriotic Song Festival and the results of the "Poland in My Colors" art competition. Students prepared works related to their homeland and national symbols.

The event will take place in D' Primary School Paralimni at Agelou Sikelianou 2, 5282 ParalimniThe organizers invite students, parents, and the Polish community.

Why do we celebrate on November 11?

Regaining independence was a process, not a single event. In the autumn of 1918, the weakening of the partitioning powers and the disintegration of the existing European order created the conditions for Poland's reconstruction.

On November 11, the Regency Council handed over military power to Józef Piłsudski. The day before, he had returned to Warsaw from internment in Magdeburg. On November 11, an armistice was signed, ending fighting on the Western Front of World War I.

Three days later, the Regency Council dissolved itself and handed Piłsudski the remaining power. The reborn state still faced enormous tasks: establishing institutions, uniting the lands of the three partitions, rebuilding the economy, and fighting for borders.

123 years of maintaining Polishness

After the third partition in 1795, Poland lost its independent statehood. Its lands fell under the rule of Russia, Prussia, and Austria.

The pursuit of freedom took many forms. There were uprisings and resistance, but also language teaching, the development of literature, social activism, and the daily work of families passing on history and traditions to their children.

The independence movement united people with diverse views. Among its key figures were Józef Piłsudski, Roman Dmowski, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Ignacy Daszyński, and Wincenty Witos.

However, the rebirth of the state was also thanks to thousands of people whose names did not appear in textbooks – soldiers, teachers, social activists and families who maintained Polish culture.

A Polish holiday also far from home

For families living outside Poland, November 11th is an opportunity to talk with their children about the country of their parents and grandparents. About where family traditions come from, why we fly the white and red flag, and what this date commemorates.

Not everyone will be able to participate in an organized event. Singing together, discussing history, or gathering with loved ones can also be a way to experience this day.

On the 108th anniversary of regaining independence, we wish our readers a good celebration – in Poland, in Cyprus and everywhere where the white and red colours accompany us today.

Information about further Polish events can be sent to the following address: info@cyprnews.pl.