Celebrating the 3rd of May Constitution Day in Christchurch

On Saturday, 3rd of May, the Polish Association in Christchurch, together with the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland, Mrs Winsome Dormer, hosted a meaningful celebration of Poland’s 3rd of May Constitution Day — a holiday that commemorates the adoption of Europe’s first democratic constitution in 1791.

Held with pride and community spirit, the evening brought together members of the Polish community, local dignitaries, and friends of Poland to reflect on the historical significance of this momentous event.

A Warm Welcome and Inspiring Speeches

The programme began with a warm Maori welcome, followed by a speech from Anna Burton, President of the Polish Association in Christchurch, who spoke about the importance of preserving Polish heritage and sharing it with future generations in Aotearoa.

Guests were then invited to watch a short video titled “The First Constitution in Europe”, offering historical context and highlighting Poland’s progressive legacy in the world of democratic governance.

We were honoured by the presence of Mr Maksymilian Zych, Consul of the Republic of Poland, who addressed the audience with thoughtful remarks on the enduring values of the 3 May Constitution and the strength of the Polish diaspora abroad.

The official remarks continued with a speech from Councillor Yani Johanson, representing Christchurch City Council. His words recognised the positive impact of the Polish community in Canterbury and reflected the city’s appreciation for cultural diversity.

A Celebration of Culture and Generations

The atmosphere turned joyful with a lively performance by Polonus, the Polish Folk Dance Group, whose colourful costumes and traditional dances lit up the stage and received enthusiastic applause from the audience.

One of the most heartwarming moments came during the presentation from the Polish Preschool, where young children gifted handmade cards to senior guests — a gesture symbolising the connection between generations and the spirit of community.

Coffee, Cake, and Scenic Poland

To close the evening, attendees were invited to enjoy coffee and cake, while a scenic video showcasing Poland’s landmarks and landscapes played in the background. It was a lovely moment to socialise, reflect, and share stories among friends and new acquaintances.

We thank everyone who attended and supported this special event — including our volunteers, performers, speakers, and guests.

Dziękujemy! We look forward to celebrating with you again next year!