Święta, rocznice, obchody – oficjalne świętowanie w Kielcach (1945–1948)

Hubert Wilk (Institute of History Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw) Public holidays, mass-meetings and manifestations – official celebrations in Kielce in the years 1945-1947 The present article focuses on official propaganda activities in the city of Kielce in the years 1945-1947. The description of the most important public holidays and state anniversaries as well as political events will show how and in what regional environment the official propaganda of People’s Poland developed. Two dates mark the period under discussion: January 1945, the moment of Kielce’s liberation, as well as the beginning of 1947 – election to Seym on January, 19. Those two years constitute a very interesting period in terms of the research on propaganda. At that time, Polish Workers’ Party (PPR) did not have much support but it managed to legitimize its power by various kinds of activities, including mass propaganda. An interesting conglomerate of frequently conflicting national and communist symbols was created. Another interesting aspect of the article is the presentation of the “communist fighting” for acknowledging the authority won with the help of the USSR by analyzing official public holidays as well as national and political celebrations.