A Look At Pittsburgh's Year-Round Polonia Scene

By Betty Kolano

We here in the southwestern Pennsylvania area are fortunate to have many opportunities to engage in our Polish culture. The following is a list of some activities that can be found in this region throughout the year.

The month of January features the annual Karuzela Christmas Choral Concert. This is the singing of koledy in the decorated Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, in Pittsburgh’s Polish Hill.
In February, there are many pre-Lenten Mardi Gras celebrations, featuring Paczki, along with parishes featuring the Stations of the Cross. Shortly thereafter, the Gorzkie Zale takes place in March, thanks to the Fraternity of Polish priests.

April is a good month for making kielbasa, horseradish, Babka bread, and Pisanki. It is also the month to take part in the Blessing of the Easter Baskets at a number of local Polish churches.

In May, there are processions in church and the crowning of the Blessed Mother with Polish Marian hymns like “Serdeczna Matko” and “Czesc Maryi.” There is also a local literary awards luncheon for high-school students, including the judging of essays on famous Polish people, sponsored by the Polish Arts League. Another luncheon is hosted by the Kosciuszko Foundation, and it involves honoring their “Polonian of the Year,” which this year is our organization’s National President Druh Wallace Zielinski. The entertainment, consisting of classical music by Polish composers, is provided by local artists.

Another local May event is the Pittsburgh Folk Festival. Their theme, “Unity in Diversity,” features more than 20 other nationalities, in addition to a variety of ethnic imports, food, music and dancing. PFA National Secretary/Treasurer Druh Timothy Kuzma, is involved in this event, having been the Director of the Festival and performing with his group, the Polonia Dance Ensemble.

Many Polish parishes have “Nationality Days” and festivals in the months of June and July, especially around the Pittsburgh area in places such as Ambridge, Braddock Hills, Herron Hill, Lawrenceville, McKeesport, South Side and the Strip District.

In August, there is a “Polish Day” at Kennywood Amusement Park. Activities include a Polish Mass, the presentation of an “Outstanding Polonian” award, and ethnic food and music.

In September, the Polish Falcons of America takes part in the annual pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine in Doylestown, Pa. More information regarding this event will be provided by First Vice President Patricia Del Busse in an upcoming issue of the Sokol Polski.

October showcases a Grand Bal Polonaise, sponsored by the Polish Cultural Council, and includes a presentation of debutantes and their escorts, along with a performance of the Polonaise. This dance has been associated with many regal or stately affairs in Poland and was danced by the nobility with grace and elegance. Many Falcons are involved in this Gala. October is also Polish Heritage Month, which features an annual coloring contest in the Sokol Polski for our Falcon youth. This is also a time when Polish book donations are usually made to local libraries.

In November, the Falcons hold a Memorial Mass for all deceased members at a Polish Monastery near Ford City, Pa. There is also a Polishfest at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, featuring Polish imports, cooking and craft demonstrations, along with music and folk dancing.

Finally, to end the year, Falcon members take part in Wigilia dinners and engage in the sharing of Oplatek.

As you can see, there are many cultural activities to take part in during the year for Falcon members in the southwestern Pennsylvania region. If you’re not from this area, there’s a good chance that similar activities are taking place in your community. If not, maybe this column can give you some ideas on what can be planned in your corner of the world.