The 73rd anniversary of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising will be commemorated by way of numerous services, exhibitions, lectures and screenings throughout the month. As ever, August 1 is set to be the most important day, with events including a ceremonial changing of the guard at noon in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the traditional singing of songs banned under the Nazis at 8 p.m. on Pl. Piłsudskiego, and the 9 p.m. lighting of bonfires on the Uprising Mound on ul. Bartycka.

Warsaw will pause for a minute’s silence at 5 p.m. to mark the outbreak of the battle: favored gathering points for this include Pl. Zamkowy, Powazki Cemetery, Rondo Dmowskiego – the latter is particularly popular among the flare-wielding Legia types and has, in recent times, found itself facing increased criticism in some quarters for its celebratory, nationalist style.

Powazki’s Military Cemetery, will be where officials and veterans gather, while Pl. Zamkowy has traditionally attracted a more liberal crowd to that drawn to Dmowskiego. Regardless, wherever you find yourself the minute’s silence is a profoundly moving moment during which visitors and residents alike feel a connection and understanding of the city.

For info and a more detailed schedule of planned events, see: 1944.pl