One of the biggest celebrations in Buffalo is happening this Monday as we celebrate Dyngus Day! But where can you celebrate?

There will be lots of different events that will be going on to celebrate Dyngus Day. We checked out the website www.dyngusday.com to find out where the fun is going down!

Some of the events will start on Easter Sunday, April 1st (That's no joke) but most the events will happen on Monday including the 12th Annual Dyngus Day parade in Historic Polonia at 5pm.

For those who are not Polish, this is what Dyngus Day is all about according to dyngusday.com

Historically a Polish-American tradition, Dyngus Day celebrates the end of the often restrictive observance of lent and the joy of Easter. Over the decades, Dyngus Day has become a wonderful holiday to celebrate Polish-American culture, heritage and traditions. There are many stories that attempt to explain the origins of the day. Many Polish customs date back to pre-Christian, Slavic practices. 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 customary 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.

 

Make sure to have your Pussy Willows ready for Monday!!

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