My third community celebration of 2023 was Dyngus Day, a time-honored Buffalo (Polish) tradition, held the day after Easter to commemorate the end of Lent. It’s all about new beginnings and starting over and features pierogies, pussy willows, polka music, and a parade! Plus, pilsner and more red and white than a Cornell hockey game!

We began at the Buffalo Airport Hotel where there was free parking, a shuttle bus to the festivities, clean bathrooms, and a sunny courtyard with refreshments and live music to relax in. Purchasing our $15.00 Pussy Willow passes we were good to go!

The bus dropped us off at Memorial and Peckham. From there we walked down the parade route, previewing what was to come. Parade floats ranged from simple to elaborate and we (old friends and new) got sprayed by super-soakers, caught some candy, and donned Mardi Gras-style beads. A good time was had by all! Last up was the music tent where we listened to Jimmy Sturr and friends.

Dyngus Day was a wonderful way to get an inside view of what makes Buffalo unique and I’d definitely return! Next time I’d grab a meal at Broadway Market or a Polish restaurant beforehand.