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April: Dyngus Day

  • April 23, 2019
  • By

Paint The Town Polish

If some guy wearing a fake beard and spinning polka records - all while playing the accordion - tells you to celebrate a Polish holiday called Dyngus Day, we recommend you heed his advice. After all, that guy is the hilarious DJ Kishka and he's talking about one of Cleveland's quirkiest holidays.

Dyngus Day, a Polish tradition, occurs every year on Easter Monday throughout several neighborhoods on Cleveland's west side. How do we celebrate? With tons of Polish food, polka music and beer, of course. On top of that, you'll be privy to an evening parade consisting of a ridiculous pierogi float, a large swath of marching accordionists and the kind of eccentric camaraderie one can only find in Cleveland.

What To Do There:

  • If you've never learned the polka, now's your big chance. The music schedule includes a full day packed with accordionists and polka bands - at both indoor and outdoor stages - that draw thousands of fans ranging from Polish grannies to mustached hipsters.
  • Nom some serious pierogi or a savory Polish sausage sandwich. For dessert, don't miss the ultra-Polish tradition of paczki, which is a lot like a donut -but way, way, way better.
  • This is Cleveland. So, naturally, beer is a critical part of the festivities. For a legit Polish experience, tip back a few Tyskie beers straight from the motherland. Na zdrowie!

What Else To Do:

  • If you want a good laugh, you can't miss DJ Kishka's performances during Dyngus Day at his very own Beer Heaven Tent. This guy is a legit celebrity here in C-town because his shows leave attendees breathless from the nonstop dancing and constant laughter.
  • One of the event's most popular activities is The Miss Dyngus Day Pageant. Young women (and men, too!) are put through a battery of (amusing) tests during the festival for the chance to win this shot at royalty. Once crowned, Miss Dyngus Day places the ceremonial pierogi on top of the Dyngus Day float, sits on a thrown and gets serenaded to a ménage of accordions. (We couldn't make this stuff up if we tried.)