Wishes for Gdynia's 100th birthday poured in from all over Poland and abroad. Representatives of the authorities, local government officials, cultural institutions, diplomatic missions and organisations promoting Poland abroad congratulated the city on social media. The Gdynia City Hall received wishes from city mayors, county administrators, town mayors and commune heads from all over the country.
On the X platform, Gdynia received wishes from:
The President of Poland Karol Nawrocki, the Mayor of Gdańsk Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, the cities: Gdańsk, Katowice,and Poznań, the Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolis, the Polish Institute in Prague, the Polish Institute in Berlin, the Polish Consulate in Houston, the Kashubia Foundation, the New Records Archive, TVP World, Wojna w Kolorze (War in Colour), the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – National Research Institute (IMGW-PIB) METEO POLSKA, Polish Tourist Organisation in Brussels, Polish Tourist Organisation in England, Polish Tourist Organisation in the Netherlands, Dzieje.pl, Historia.org, Culture.pl.
‘Today we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Polish Gdynia. It was founded as a child of the sovereign and independent Republic of Poland. It was founded despite claims that it was a product of national megalomania, given that Gdańsk already had a port. It paid a terrible price for its Polishness throughout history. Despite this, it never renounced its gene of freedom and solidarity. Roman Dmowski wrote that ‘Poland without the sea would always be a slave to its powerful neighbour’. That is why we must take care of Gdynia and other port cities. Four months ago, I submitted a bill to the Sejm entitled ‘Yes! For Polish Ports’. I believe that there is a chance that we will adopt it together. Once again, I would like to express my respect to Gdynia and its residents for their efforts in developing the city, and I wish them at least a thousand years of prosperity! Long live Poland! Long live Polish Gdynia!’ – wishes the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki.
‘100 years ago – on 10 February 1926, Gdynia was granted city rights, and since 1927, the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – National Research Institute Branch in Gdynia has been providing hydrological services and maritime protection. We wish you another hundred years of joint and dynamic development, Gdynia!’ – IMGW-PIB METEO POLSKA.
‘Hey Gdynia! The first 100 years are the toughest. Now that you've got them behind you, it should be smooth sailing from here on out. Greetings from Katowice, a city not much older and with a similar character: a young history and big ambitions. Here's to a thousand years!’ – Katowice.
Katowice sends its best wishes for X (Photo: X.com/miastoKatowice)
Among those who sent their wishes on Facebook were:
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk; Magdalena Czarzyńska Jachim, Mayor of Sopot; Wejherowo; Rumia; Alain Mompert, Honorary Consul of France; Emil Rojek, Deputy Voivode of Pomerania; Pomerania; SKM Trójmiasto; Morska Agencja Gdynia; VBW Gdynia; GAK Gdynia, Open'er Festival, Consulate of Culture in Gdynia, Gdynia City Museum, Consulate of Ukraine in Gdańsk, Baltic Sea Cultural Centre, Vocational School of Cooling and Electronics in Gdynia, Na po-morskim szlaku, Trefl, Parkrun Gdynia, Primary School No. 40, Sports School Complex in Gdynia, Renata Chudzik, Cheerleaders Gdynia, Mikołaj Felski, Agnieszka Szlosowska, Oskar Allaburda.
‘Exactly one hundred years ago, on 10 February 1926, a decision was made that changed the course of history. Gdynia officially became a city and began to grow at an impressive pace: from a vision to reality, from dreams to a modern metropolis. On the occasion of this wonderful 100th anniversary, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all the residents of Gdynia and the Mayor. May Gdynia continue to inspire, attract and remain a symbol of shared success built by people. All the best!’, wrote the Mayor of Gdańsk, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz.
‘Happy birthday, Gdynia! On the 100th anniversary of granting city rights, I send my warmest wishes to all residents of Gdynia and Poles. Gdynia is a symbol of a ‘city of the sea and dreams’ and of our strong Polish-French friendship’ – Alain Mompert, Honorary Consul of France in Pomerania.
Happy 100th birthday, Gdynia! A city born of the sea and dreams, which received its city rights exactly 100 years ago, becoming a symbol of aspiration, courage and modernity. The city of Open'er! We are proud and happy to be part of this history. Congratulations to all the residents of Gdynia! Today we celebrate! - Open'er Festival.
A place for all of us - even those who were not here. Because the heart of Gdynia is the heart of Poland - a miracle of the Second Republic, a gateway to distant worlds. Happy birthday! Stay as you were at the dawn of your history! Dynamic and trend-setting as in 1926, full of community spirit and peace as in 1253, full of power as in 2026! A thousand, even a million more years full of splendour! – Gdynia City Museum.
Gdynia, I love living here. Thanks to you, I have many uplifting relationships, valuable experiences, delightful memories and a multitude of dreams to fulfil. Thank you for the extraordinary people, the best friends, beautiful landscapes, peace and quiet, good food. All the best – wishes from a resident, Agnieszka.
Cheerleaders Gdynia send their wishes to Gdynia (Facebook: Cheerleaders Gdynia)
Instagram posts included wishes from:
Arka Gdynia, Neon Trójmiasto, the Emigration Museum, Black and White Coffee Gdynia, Marta Frej, the Gombrowicz Theatre, Cyganeria Gdynia, Oberża 86, Suzi Cake, Magdalena Danaj, as well as: fryziolina, down_the_yarn, martinpierzgalski, moto3m.pl, maciej__stefaniak, drobnostki_moje, magdalenapfeiferarts, ania_z_gdyni, mojeorlowo
Gdynia, may the wind always be at your back and the sea give you energy! Here's to another 100 years! All the best – wishes the Mayor of Sopot, Magdalena Czarzyńska-Jachim.
Today, on 10 February, my beloved city of Gdynia turns 100. I was born here, I live here, and this is my place on earth, writes fryziolina. Smile, you're in Gdynia. I'm smiling, I'm from Gdynia. We are celebrating the 100th birthday of my Gdynia.
Happy birthday, Gdynia, reads martinpierzgalski.
GDYNIA is my city, as in the slogan. Inspiring since its inception, my place on earth. I was born and raised here, I gave birth to my children here, I live here, and I develop here, I create my silks, mandalas (...) For over 50 years of my life, I have been watching how it changes. Gdynia. A city of the sea and dreams. Gdynia, my dear, I cannot celebrate your birthday fiesta at Skwer Kościuszki with other residents of Gdynia today, but I wish you continued beautiful development, immersed in nature and endorphins, and that your residents are truly happy, just like the tourists. May you be well cared for and well managed – we read on the profile of magdalenapfeiferarts.
Special graphics by Magda Danaj (instagram.com/porysunki)
There were also wishes sent in the form of a poem:
‘100 Years of Gdynia’
Gdynia is a special place
on the world map.
It is poor, yet rich in people.
It is a place of dreams
for people with beautiful hearts.
It is a place to which one
returns from distant travels.
It is here that one experiences
joys and sorrows.
There are wise people here,
and there are also many foolish ones.
Here you can stand
in courage and fear.
Here you can build
bonds of friendship.
Here there are views and people.
Nature delights and fascinates.
Man destroys and builds.
Here's to another hundred years, Gdynia!
May kindness and harmony unite us.
May the dream of beautiful Gdynia
unite us all.
May joy and smiles
remain with us.
And may a friendly hug
envelop us every day.
We are here for a moment.
Let us leave behind
memories.
May they be pleasant.
May the city of the sea and dreams
continue to develop and flourish.
May there be in each of us
a tender embrace,
an attentive gaze,
a kind word on our lips,
love in our hearts,
goodness in our deeds...
Thanks to good people,
Gdynia can endure and develop...
Here's to another 100 years, birthday girl!
Justyna Sudzik