This post appeared in a previous blog and is here for posterity’s sake.

Today is Pulaski Day here in New York. Which meant, among other things, a parade down Fifth Avenue. For those in the know, everyday is Pulaski Day in my neighborhood. However, yesterday was a special opportunity which only comes along once a year – unless a Polish football/rugby/cricket/insert-sport-here team is playing that day. This special event calls for old and young Polish citizens of New York to don the red and white, and apply face paint wherever needed. Once they completed girding their loins in as many types of red and white articles as possible, it is time to run amuck in the street yelling, “Polska, Polska!” and watch the Pulaski Day Parade travel down the Avenue. Chanting, singing, and dancing all commence – the parade seems to be more “large groups of people walking down the street” than “large, homecoming-type floats being driven by John Deere tractors.” Oh, and Polka, lots and lots of Polka. This dancing and shouting cycle goes on and on throughout the day, until the shouts of Polish glee are heard in all sections of Gotham – Puerto Rico Parade ain’t got nothing on Pulaski Day. When the celebrants grow tired and retreat homes, they do not stop the celebrations: they ride home safely encumbered in Polish-flag adorned cars, honking all the way home. And honking all night long. Did I mention, all night long?
Either way, here is a picture I took from Pulaski Day 2004.
Happy Pulaski Day!