For the first time in its 86 year history, the Pulaski Parade hosted a sitting President from Poland. The sea of red and white flags along the parade route on 5th Avenue waved as marcher after marcher represented their neighborhood, company, or organization. President Duda did his part as well to make the event a smashing success. He danced a traditional waltz that usually takes place in front of the staging area on 41st Street where the parade was being simulcast to Poland. He also took part of a long standing tradition of breaking bread with the Parade organizers and VIPs. He even stayed for quite a while to greet the marchers as they walked on by…..something not seen too often by even NY politicians.
The Pulaski celebrates General Casimir Pulaski who served in two Revolutionary Wars…one in Europe and one in America. The parade boasts of being one of the largest gathering of Polonia outside of Poland. Well over 250,000 people marched and attended the jubilant parade. NYC is home to a large Polish population as are neighboring states New Jersey and Connecticut. As part of the annual tradition of this parade, a formal waltz is danced with people dressed in traditional attire. This year President Duda was one of the lead dancers. There is a traditional ceremony of breaking the bread, with salt and wine that has been customary of the Polish people for hundreds of years and seen in many weddings.
Many marchers came from all parts of the tri-state area. It took nearly an hour for all of New Jersey groups to march up the parade route. I think Garfield brought their entire Fire Department. A perennial favorite among the parade revelers is one of the largest motorcycle rolls. The thunderous roars of engines revving up gets the crowd always worked up. It’s always fun to watch and the riders get into it. Most Polish people are very religious and devout especially to Pope John Paul II, originally of Polish descent. There was also devotees of the Black Madonna with their replica image of the holy item. Polish people also celebrate beauty with each locality represented with their own Miss Polonia. It was a great parade to watch and see all the proud and happy faces of Polonia.
NYC Parade Life 