Hundreds of far-right demonstrators rallied Thursday on Poland's Independence Day, sparking a much larger counter-protest by people shouting anti-fascist slogans _ some dressed in the striped uniforms of concentration camp inmates.

There was a heavy presence of anti-riot police in the capital as Poles marked the anniversary of the end of World War I, when the country regained its independence after being off the map for more than a century.

Several clashes broke out between the two groups of demonstrators. Police said 29 people were arrested and one policeman was hurt.

The far-right demonstrators, many carrying Polish flags, marched to a statue of Roman Dmowski, an early 20th century statesman who helped Poland regain its independence but is tainted by his anti-Semitic views.

Opponents held signs such as "Keep Warsaw free from fascists."

Poland's president also led commemorations at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier celebrating Poland's return to independence 92 years ago. It's a message that still resonates deeply in Poland after the recent decades of being under Moscow's influence during the Cold War.