Monday, April 9, 2012

Events: The Worlds (yes, WORLDS) Largest Dyngus Day Party!

Today is the big day, so roll yourself out of your Easter Food coma, put on your best Red and White clothes, practice your Polish Accent, grab the pussywillows and squirt guns and get on down to Downtown Buffalo!


But first, a little history on how this became an event that expects 100,000 people to participate in this years festivities! (Thank you to http://www.dyngusdaybuffalo.com/ for the following)


"HOW DID IT START? There are many stories that attempt to explain the origins of the day. Many Polish customs date back to pre-Christian practices of our Slavic ancestors. The custom of pouring water is an ancient spring rite of cleansing, purification, and fertility. The same is true of the complimentary practice of switching with pussy willow branches. Since 966 A.D., Dyngus Day has been associated with the baptism of Prince Mieszko I. Tradition states that Prince Mieszko I along with his court were baptized on Easter Monday. Thus, Dyngus Day and its rites of sprinkling with water have become a folk celebration in thanksgiving for the fact that the first king of Poland was baptized into Christianity, bringing Catholicism to Poland. In more modern times, the tradition continued when farm boys in Poland wanted to attract notice from the girls of their choice. It was custom to throw water and hit the girls on their legs with twigs or pussywillows. Cologne was used instead of water by the more gallant lads. The ladies would reciprocate by throwing dishes & crockery and Tuesday was their day of revenge, imitating the same tactics."



MODERN DYNGUS DAY IN BUFFALO


Although Dyngus Day was always celebrated in traditional Polish neighborhoods dated back to the 1870s, modern Dyngus Day in Buffalo had its start with the Chopin Singing Society in 1961. Judge Ann T. Mikoll and her late husband Theodore V. Mikoll held the first party at the Society's clubrooms on Kosciuszko Street on Buffalo's Eastside. The success of the Chopins' Dyngus Parties during the 1960s led to other Dyngus dances on the Eastside including those at the Broadway Grill, the Warsaw Inn, the Polish Singing Circle and at the New York Central Terminal. Chopins left the Eastside in the 1980s and moved out to new clubrooms in Cheektowaga where the festival attracted a new generation. The Chopins tradition continues with party's taking place at the Heathstone Mannor in Depew." (End quotes)




With the main parade starting at 5pm, games, facepainting, historic tours, and lots, and lots, of drinking. Weather is supposed to be in the high 50's with no rain in sight. What i perfect Polish Holiday!!!


And we'll finish it off with this great pictures from the early 60's and video of food and the parade! Mr. Dyngus and his Court at Chopins on Buffalo's Eastside. (Thanks again to the Dyngus Day Buffalo Website!)







-bob z

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