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Pulaski Day Parade
Annual parade in New York City, US From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Pulaski Day Parade (Polish: Parada Pułaskiego) 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]
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History
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]
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Organizational structure
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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 composed 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
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
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
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Media coverage
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]
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