Buffalo Goes Szalony for Dyngus Day!

Buffalo NY loves to celebrate and we will celebrate pretty much anything! But there are a few festivals, for which we are notorious, that we not only celebrate but have  the biggest, craziest, laugh out loud, shout it from the roof tops shindig in the nation. And today is one of those days. It’s Dyngus Day!

Dyngus Day is a Polish holiday that always falls the Monday after Easter; celebrating the end of the usually restrictive observance of lent.  It also celebrates  Polish-American culture, heritage and traditions. And Buffalo happens to be the Dyngus Day capital of the world.

Many events are taking place today all around Western N.Y. Here is a run down of some of my favorites (hint: they all include food).

The Broadway Market, 999 Broadway in Buffalo NY, is a free event that hosts vendors from all walks of life.  Known for their polish vendors and lovely displays, they are also known for their traditional live music. Today at 12:00pm the Broadway Market will host a live polish band and a Kielbasa eating contest. Don’t miss it!

Porky’s Lounge, 2028 Clinton St, offers an abundance of traditional polish foods. From kielbasa and pierogi’s to sauerkraut soup and stuffed cabbage; you don’t want to miss this free event that will feature a antique polka jukebox starting at 12:00pm today.

Over in historic Polonia, at Pussywillow Park, the Roaming Buffalo Macarollin’ Betty Crocski will offer food truck vendors starting at 3:00pm. Various Polish street meats will be available for all to try. The prices will vary but it’s well worth the trip.

Starting at Corpus Christi Church at 5:00pm is the famed Polonia on Parade. The route goes through the section of the Broadway Market and on to Fillmore, winding its way down Memorial Drive. It’s a spectacular parade, kid friendly, and should not be missed. The best place to view the parade would be from the Broadway Market (you can kill two birds….), or St. Stanislaus Social Center on Peckham Street.

For a full list of events, vendors and parade route click here.

Proud to be a cultural melting pot; Buffalo truly embraces everyone’s heritages and celebrates its own unique history. At a rare 72 degrees and full sunshine, get out and join the thousands who will be out and about today, celebrating this fantastic cultural and food event.

Happy Dyngus Day to all!