Poles celebrate International Children's Day

Although largely the preserve of former communist countries – both in Europe and beyond – International Children's Day is one of the events that has survived relatively untainted from the Cold War years.

By contrast, Women's Day remains divisive, with many women consciously discouraging their partners from buying flowers or chocolates, so as not to perpetuate what is widely perceived as a 'red' custom.

Meanwhile, President Komorowski's two-year-old grandson Stanislaw will certainly not be rejecting his brand new toy tractor on ideological grounds.

And in general, Polish youngsters will not have to endure quite such a rigorous bout of studying today, for as tradition dictates, classes are generally more jolly on 1 June, with special activities laid on for children.

Indeed, key venues of some Polish cities are being set aside for huge parties today, such as in Szczecin, in the north west, where musical and theatrical spectacles are amongst the panoply of events in store.

Native Polish speakers can also follow Polskie Radio's own activity, on the first programme, with broadcasts focused on raising children's – and parents' – awareness of key health issues. (nh)