Thousands of participants waved flags and lit flares during Poland's annual Independence Day march in Warsaw on Wednesday, with some displaying anti-immigration slogans and nationalist banners. One banner visible in the crowd read "Make Europe white again." Supporters of the event, however, have portrayed it as a patriotic celebration.
The march is held annually on November 11 to commemorate Poland's regaining of independence in 1918. The event has historically drawn large crowds, but has also been a focal point for nationalist and far-right groups, sometimes leading to controversy over extremist displays. The presence of anti-immigrant messages has been a recurring theme in recent years, drawing criticism from various organizations and international observers concerned about rising nationalism in Europe.