Taking Polish traditions to the streets: Celebrate the 15th annual Dyngus Day in Gordon Square today
Many Clevelanders got their fill of dyed eggs (or potatoes or rocks, with this year’s egg shortage), ham, chocolate bunnies, and jellybeans yesterday, but today, Monday, April 21, it is Easter Monday, Wet Monday, Smigus Dyngus—or Dyngus Day, the day to celebrate Polish culture and blow off a little bit of steam after observing Lent.
Polish tradition has the boys showering water on girls with squirt guns and tapping them with pussy willows.
In Cleveland, traditions are more about music, good food, polka, and beer. In true Cleveland Polish tradition, local revelers are expected to fill the Gordon Square Arts District and the surrounding area to celebrate the 15th annual Dyngus Day Cleveland with plenty of polka music, beer, food, contests, and other festivities on two stages along the closed sections of Detroit Avenue and around town.
The Dyngus Day Cleveland tradition was started by Justin Gorski—AKA DJ Kishka—who was inspired by Buffalo’s Dyngus Day celebration (the self-proclaimed Dyngus Day Capital of the World), and his own collection of polka records at the Happy Dog.
DJ KishkaThis year’s indoor-outdoor celebration is expanding to the streets again, in addition to Gordon Green, indoor historic event space at 5400 Detroit Ave., from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
People can polka their way along Detroit Avenue from West 54th Street through West 58th Street, which will be temporarily closed off to create a vibrant space for entertainment, shopping and vendor sales.
Meeting the demands of polka-party-craving-Clevelanders, the daylong celebration will have an expanded footprint and will feature a lineup of entertainment including polka dancing, the annual pierogi eating contest, the crowning of Miss Dyngus Day and live entertainment. DJ Kishka will be overseeing the whole event.
“Every year, Dyngus Day brings an energy to the city that’s just unmatched,” says Adam Roggenburk, president of Heritage Productions, which is hosting the event. “It’s amazing to see Cleveland—from businesses, families, and friends—come together to celebrate Polish culture in such a joyful, spirited way. There’s nothing like it!”
The festivities kick off with a 10 a.m. mass at St. Stanislaus Church, 3649 E. 69th St. and an opening ceremony with DJ. Kishka on the Street Stage on Detroit Avenue at the West 58th Street end, near the Happy Dog.
Many other area bars and restaurants will be offering Polish-themed food, music, and entertainment.
Da Land Brass BandMusic includes the sounds of National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame lifetime achievement award recipients, accordionist Eddie Rodick and accordionist Fred Ziwich, Bob Earl and the Polish All Stars, the mini brass band Die Ünprönöüncëäbles, The Chardon Polka Band, and Da Land Brass Band. The full schedule of events can be found on the Dyngus Day Cleveland website.
“Dyngus Day is such a special tradition and it’s been incredible to watch it thrive and grow,” Cleveland Ward 15 City Council member Jenny Spencer said in a statement. “The energy on Detroit Avenue is contagious, and the way this event uplifts our local businesses and brings the community together is something I look forward to every year. I can't wait to see everyone out celebrating again!”
To really get into the Dyngus Day mood, check out the merchandise available for sale too!
Tickets to attend Dyngus Day Cleveland are $14 for ages 13 and older and include access to the entire experience; kids under age 12 are admitted for free.
Dyngus Day festivities run until 8 p.m. today in the Gordon Square Arts District and around Cleveland.