11 Ways To Have The Best Possible Dyngus Day In Buffalo Ever
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Lea Monroe
Author
While the rest of the country may be excited for Easter, those of us who live in Buffalo are revving up for a different April holiday that is unique as can be. If you’re a local, you know exactly what we’re talking about: Dyngus Day! Each year, on the Monday following Easter, Buffalonians come together to celebrate the Queen City’s Polish culture in the most glorious ways. Buffalo is considered to be the Dyngus Day Capital of America, so here’s a list of the best ways to celebrate Dyngus Day in the best way possible!
Let’s not forget that Dyngus Day is a religious holiday in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Dyngus Day is part of the Bright Week celebration, which begins on Easter Sunday and lasts for seven days. Buffalo has a large Polish population, so there are many stunning Eastern Orthodox churches throughout the region, and even if you are not religious yourself, visiting one on Dyngus Day is a unique cultural experience.
Whether or not you have Polish ancestry, everyone in Buffalo is Polish on Dyngus Day. There are only so many opportunities that you'll have in life to go all-out and dress up like this - so make the most of it! At the very least, don your brightest red clothing to honor the color of the Polish flag.
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Aside from its religious roots, Dyngus Day is also a day of flirty fun. Traditionally, single boys in town would splash single girls with water to express interest in dating them. The activity has evolved over the years, including everyone in the wet and wild fun and replacing buckets of water with squirt guns and soaking pretty much anyone and everyone in sight. Get ready to get wet!
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If you don't understand the previous statement, there's a good chance you're not from the Queen City. This may be one the most unusual Dyngus Day activities, but it’s tons of fun to take part in. In response to the splashes from young men, young women would get their revenge by grabbing bushels of pussy willows and playfully swatting back. Traditionally, young women would also throw plates and dishes at the boys on the Tuesday following Dyngus Day, but we personally prefer the pussy willows to avoid breaking dishware (and probably prevent a few injuries).
It's always so fun to see how much the city of Buffalo comes to life during Dyngus Day. Music is an important part of the Polish culture, so you’ll find traditional Polka bands putting on shows throughout town. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
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Whether your family cooks up you own Polish meals or you stop by Mazurek’s - the last remaining Polish bakery in Buffalo - you absolutely must fill up on tasty dishes on Dyngus Day. There’s no such thing as too much sausage.
How many of the Dyngus Day parades have you attended? Whether it's your 1st or 13th, there's no better way to fully enjoy Dyngus Day than by joining the crowd to watch the festive parade.
You’ll definitely want to grab a Polish brew or two to toast the holiday. Just don’t go overboard and overindulge - there’s far too much fun to be had to end your day early because you’ve had a few too many. Enjoy Dyngus Day to the fullest by pacing yourself - that sweet Krupnik can sneak up on you!
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Dyngus Day is a massive celebration in Buffalo, so don’t even try driving downtown or trying to find parking anywhere nearby. It’s best to hop on a bus, hail a taxi, or call for a ride in order to move around town. Plus, this allows you to enjoy that Polish beer without worrying about designating a sober driver.
We know, we know… it's practically May, but if there’s one thing we know to be true about Buffalo in springtime, it’s that they’re unpredictable. We get so excited when the warm weather begins to return after a long, cold winter, but we’d be fools to underdress on a day like Dyngus Day. Plus, you’ll probably get soaked by a squirt gun or two, so make sure you dress in layers to keep you warm throughout the day.
To find out more about Dyngus Day and to see all that's happening around the city, check out the official website here.
Tell us how you plan on celebrating Dyngus Day this year!
For more fun reads, check out 9 Weird And Wacky Holiday Traditions You’ll Only Get If You’re From Buffalo!
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