The government has introduced a new holiday. Is February 13 a day off? We explain
The Polish government has established a new holiday to honor the soldiers of the Home Army (AK), which will be celebrated on February 14, coinciding with Valentine's Day.
In mid-February 1942, General Władysław Sikorski initiated the formation of the Home Army (AK), which at one point had a force of up to 350,000. To commemorate the soldiers of the AK, the Polish Parliament passed a relevant bill that will officially recognize February 14 as a new holiday starting in 2025. The bill was promptly signed by former President Andrzej Duda, reflecting recognition of the AK's historical significance in Poland's wartime history.
The new holiday falls on the same day as Valentine's Day, a widely celebrated occasion named after Saint Valentine, who is recognized as the patron of lovers and has significant importance in the Catholic Church. While the celebration of Valentine's Day is popular among many, the introduction of the new holiday adds an additional layer of cultural significance for Poles, as it allows them to pay tribute to national heroes while also partaking in romantic celebrations.
There is some confusion regarding whether February 14 will be an official day off work, as it is on a Saturday, a day when not all Polish workers have off due to varying work schedules. The discussion includes whether February 13 (the preceding Friday) might become the official day off for the holiday. This raises considerations about work-life balance and how new holidays may be scheduled within the broader context of Polish labor laws and societal customs.