KrakowInformer.com

Children's Day

As most countries in the region, Poland celebrates Children's Day on June 1^st, although the International Children's Day falls on November 20^th. Though Children's Day is not a real holiday, and children have to go to school on June 1^st, they are usually treated less strictly, and most schools organize visits in cinemas or theatres. Being near the end of the school year, the Children's Day is also a great moment for a school trip.

Most parents – and even some teachers – give children small gifts on this day – usually sweets.

Children's Parliament

One of recent Children's Day traditions is a special session of the Polish Parliament. Instead of regular MPs, the Parliament in Warsaw is ran by children, who debate over different matters each year – concerning either children's rights and education, or more general matters, such as war, peace or tolerance. Many of the Children's Day speeches seem more sensible than some of the regular Polish MPs, and some Poles – tired with the Polish politicians – seem to want the children to come back more often.

Children's Day in the Manggha Centre

The biggest celebrations of the Children's Day in Krakow are held... about a month before the actual date. In the beginning of May, the Manggha Centre of Japanese Art and Technology traditionally organizes the Japanese Children's Day. The Manggha's staff run different workshops – teaching children to do origami or draw Japanese letters – as well as read Japanese fairy tales and give children special tours of the Manggha Centre.