BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The heart of Buffalo's Polonia District came alive tonight for the 20th anniversary edition of the Dyngus Day parade, drawing thousands of people to the "Dyngus Day capital of the world."
The tradition celebrates the end of Lent, with parties taking place throughout the night. Whether attendees are Polish or not, the saying goes that on Dyngus Day, everybody is Polish.
Eddy Dobosiewicz, co-founder of Buffalo's Dyngus Day celebration, said the event is about renewal.
"Dyngus is not just a day, it's a state of mind, and that state of mind is one of renewal and rebirth and starting over," Dobosiewicz said. "This is the natural new year. If you look at it, this is a time when trees start to blossom."
"It's remarkable to see how this thing has grown. I mean, that first year we had maybe 30 people in the parade," Dobosiewicz said.
WATCH: Thousands gather in Buffalo's Polonia District to celebrate 20th anniversary of Dyngus Day Parade
I caught up with Kathleen Forsyth and her friends ahead of the parade. They represented the Buffalo Ironworks float and have been attending the parade since they were 17, donning red and sparkles.
"All our friends come. There's a lot of history behind it, stories from years and years," Forsyth said. "Each year we tell the story of last year, and then we make new stories this year to tell next year."
For 9-year-old Greta, a new tradition started as she attended the parade for the first time.
For Lauren Czwojdak, it was the first Dyngus Day parade without her brother Ken, who passed away from pancreatic cancer. She and her family are making new traditions in his honor.
"We always come for the parade and we're always here...doing the traditional stuff with pierogies and...just, having fun," Czwojdak said.
For those who missed the parade, 7 News streamed it live. You can watch the entire stream here.
