What's Dyngus Day? The Cleveland Festival Hosts Its 16th Annual Event on Monday

One day, years ago, Justin Gorski made a trip to Buffalo for the city’s annual Dyngus Day, a celebration of Polish origin held the Monday after Easter.

“I thought, Why do we have to drive to Buffalo for this?” he says.

And Cleveland’s Dyngus Day was born. Now in its 16th year, the festival takes up Detroit Avenue between West 54th and West 58th streets. This year’s celebration features live music, polka dancing, Polish food and beer. Gorski takes on the role of DJ Kishka and will also perform with the band Da Kishkas. Stick around for the pierogi-eating contest and the crowning of Miss Dyngus Day.

The event got a little rain last year, but Gorski says that shouldn’t affect attendance.

“Clevelanders are resilient people,” he says. “They’re usually in the streets.”

Tickets to Dyngus Day Cleveland, $14, are on sale. Find programming details at the event's website.

RELATED: A Guide to Cleveland’s Ethnic and Cultural Festivals

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