Pulaski Day Parade
| Pulaski Day Parade NYC | |
|---|---|
 80th Pulaski Day Parade, October 1, 2017 | |
| Official name | Pulaski Day Parade |
| Observed by | New York City |
| Type | Ethnic, National, Anniversary |
| Begins | 12:30 EST |
| Ends | 4:00 EST |
| Date | First Sunday in October |
| 2024 date | October 6 |
| 2025 date | October 5 |
| 2026 date | October 4 |
| 2027 date | October 3 |
| Related to | General Pulaski Memorial Day |
The Pulaski Day Parade is a major annual celebration held on Fifth Avenue in New York City to honor Casimir Pulaski, a Polish hero of the American Revolutionary War. Held on the first Sunday of October, the parade has taken place annually since 1937—except for cancellations during World War II (1942) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). It is considered one of the oldest ethnic parades in New York City.[1]
History
[edit]The parade was founded in 1937 by Francis J. Wazeter, then president of the Downstate New York division of the Polish American Congress.[2] Initially a modest celebration of Polish-American pride, the event quickly grew into a key moment of cultural affirmation for the Polish diaspora. In the postwar era, the parade formalized many of its traditions—beginning with a 9:00 AM Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, followed by a breakfast reception and then the procession up Fifth Avenue. Over the decades, the parade’s visibility grew with the participation of local politicians, visiting dignitaries from Poland, and national media coverage. The 85th anniversary celebration in 2022 featured Polish President Andrzej Duda, marking the first appearance by a sitting head of state from Poland.[3]
Organizational Structure
[edit]The event is organized by the General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee, Inc., a volunteer-run nonprofit organization. It is led by a president, longtime leader Richard D. Zawisny, and a board comprised of delegates from Polish-American community groups across the Tri-State Area.[4] The committee coordinates all parade logistics including city permits, fundraising, journal sponsorships, recruitment of marchers, and cultural programming. Members regularly meet at venues such as the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union headquarters in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. In addition to organizing the annual event, the committee honors individuals who exemplify outstanding service to the Polish-American community through appointments as Grand Marshals, Honorary Marshals, and youth honorees.
Cultural significance
[edit]The Pulaski Day Parade is both a civic and cultural occasion, showcasing Polish heritage to a broader American audience. Its participants include Polish-language supplementary schools, scouting groups, fraternal and veterans’ organizations, dance ensembles, and university student clubs. Dressed in traditional costumes, participants perform regional dances, display historical placards, and distribute cultural materials. Floats and banners often highlight key moments in Polish history and tributes to Pulaski’s legacy. The parade provides a multi-generational experience and is seen as a powerful expression of unity within the Polish diaspora. Onlookers line Fifth Avenue waving red-and-white flags, often cheering in both Polish and English. Religious elements remain core to the event: the morning Mass, often led by Polish clergy, features Polish hymns and blessings for the community.
Parade route and schedule
[edit]The parade traditionally begins at 12:30 PM, assembling between 35th and 38th Streets and proceeding north along Fifth Avenue to 54th Street.[5] Each year also includes a pre-parade Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral and a breakfast at the 3 West Club.[6]
Recent themes and marshals
[edit]| Year | Date | Theme | Grand Marshal | Honorary Marshal(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (88th) | Oct 5, 2025 | 1000th Anniversary of the Polish Kingdom | Arkadiusz Bagiński | – |
| 2024 (87th) | Oct 6, 2024 | For Freedom Is Measured by Crosses | Piotr Praszkowicz | Anna Maria Anders |
| 2023 (86th) | Oct 1, 2023 | Celebrating Poland and America Defending Freedom | Franciszek R. Piwowarczyk | Piotr Gliński |
| 2022 (85th) | Oct 2, 2022 | Marching with Heart, Soul and Love of Polonia | Marcin Luc | Krzysztof Szczerski |
| 2021 (84th) | Oct 3, 2021 | 100th Birthday of Saint John Paul II | Heidi J. Kopala | Helena Knapczyk, Anita Włodarczyk |
| 2020 (83rd) | (No parade) | Canceled due to COVID-19 | – | – |
| 2019 (82nd) | Oct 6, 2019 | Ignacy Jan Paderewski: 100th Anniversary of Polish-American Relations | Darek Barcikowski | Richard Zawisny |
| 2018 (81st) | Oct 7, 2018 | 100th Anniversary of Polish Independence | Thomas A. Duch | – |
| 2017 (80th) | Oct 1, 2017 | 80th Anniversary Parade Celebration | Michael J. Buscemi | – |
| 2016 (79th) | Oct 2, 2016 | Poland – A Nation of Heroes | Janusz Sporek | – |
| 2015 (78th) | Oct 4, 2015 | Pride in Polish Heritage | Wesley Musial | – |
| 2014 (77th) | Oct 5, 2014 | Honoring Polish-American Contributions | Raymond J. Wyszynski | – |
| 2013 (76th) | Oct 6, 2013 | March, March, Polonia, March Proud Nation | Michal Kulawik | Michael E. Fryzel |
| 2012 (75th) | Oct 7, 2012 | Our Diamond Jubilee – 75 Years of Polonia Proudly Marching | Debbie Majka | Stefan Skielnik |
| 2011 (74th) | Oct 2, 2011 | Honoring Polish-American Contributions | Henryk Michalkiewicz | Stephen C. Leonard |
| 2010 (73rd) | Oct 3, 2010 | Celebrating Polish-American Heritage | Ed and Jean McCloskey | – |
Media coverage
[edit]The event garners coverage from both Polish diaspora media and mainstream U.S. outlets. In 2023, Fox News covered the parade due to the participation of Polish President Andrzej Duda, highlighting the strengthening of Polish-American relations.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Toussaint, Kristin (2017-09-26). "80th Pulaski Day Parade takes over Fifth Ave on Sunday". Metro.us. Retrieved 2019-04-23.
- ^ "Francis J. Wazeter, Founder Of Pulaski Day Parade, Dead". The New York Times. 1970-12-03. Retrieved 2019-04-23.
- ^ "President Duda joins 85th Pulaski Day Parade". TVP World. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
- ^ "Parade Committee". PulaskiParade.org. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
- ^ "Parade Day Schedule". PulaskiParade.org. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
- ^ "Parade Events and News". PulaskiParade.org. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
- ^ "Polish president leads parade to honor Revolutionary War hero". Fox News. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
External links
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