Happy Dyngus Day Farcaster!

What’s Dyngus Day? It’s the celebration of the end of Lent and the joy of Easter. 

Over the last 60 years or so in Buffalo, NY, Easter Monday has grown into the best Monday of the year. Think of it as an amalgamation of St. Patrick’s Day and Mardi Gras. 

Using inspiration from Christian and Slavic customs, what was the traditional Dyngus Day celebration has evolved. Originally, men would court women by throwing water on them or tapping them with a pussywillow branch. The women would return the favor on Tuesday. Now anyone can be armed with a branch or squirt gun to show admiration. 

In the US, the celebration has become one of Polish Pride. Dressing in red and white, drinking Polish beer and Krupnik (honey liqueur), and enjoying all your favorite Polish foods while listening and dancing to Polka music through the night 

Buffalo has a parade that has gained national attention over the past 15 years growing to one of the largest Polish American celebrations each year.

Having 20 years of Dyngus celebrations under my belt, it’s something I look forward every year. From bartending, to cooking to dancing until I can’t anymore, it’s always a blast.
First picture is from 2007 and the second is last year. Might have more pounds and less hair but the Polish pride is as strong as ever.

WNY Polish. Pierogi making, music loving, dog dad.