Apogeum i kres stalinowskich obchodów Święta Pracy na Śląsku Opolskim (część 3)
The apogee and the end of the Stalinist celebrations of Labour Day in Opole voivodeship (part 3)

Summary/Abstract: Aside from the official part of the celebrations, Labour Day included the entertainment part as well. In the afternoon of the 1st of May numerous art and sport events, as well as games, lotteries etc. were organised in Opole and in other major localities of the Voivodeship. These were received with acclamation by the community, and they noted considerable turnout. For that day the authorities arranged sale of products that were difficult to purchase on a daily basis, which constituted one more attraction of May Day celebrations. In the years 1949–1952 numerous street fund-raisings were carried out among the participants of May Day events, and their outcomes in Opole Voivodeship were judged by the authorities as very good. Changes in the May Day ritual took place in 1957 – this was the year in which the parade in Opole was not conducted, the agenda of the official celebrations was reduced, and so were the expenses for the May Day decorations. In a part of the Voivodeship, however, the party committees strove to retain the scenario of the celebrations as hitherto.

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