The Pulaski Day Parade () is a major annual celebration held on

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to honor

Casimir Pulaski Kazimierz Michał Władysław Wiktor Pułaski (; March 4 or 6, 1745 October 11, 1779), anglicised as Casimir Pulaski ( ), was a Polish nobleman, soldier, and military commander who has been called "The Father of American cavalry" or "The So ...

, a

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hero of the

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. Held on the first Sunday of October, the parade has taken place annually since 1937—except for cancellations during

World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...

(1942) and the

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(2020). It is considered one of the oldest ethnic parades in New York City.

History

The parade was founded in 1937 by Francis J. Wazeter, then president of the Downstate New York division of the

Polish American Congress The Polish American Congress (PAC) is an American umbrella organization of Polish-Americans and Polish-American organizations. Its members include individuals as well as fraternal, educational, veterans, religious, cultural, social, business, and ...

. Initially a modest celebration of Polish-American pride, the event quickly grew into a key moment of cultural affirmation for the Polish diaspora. In the postwar era, the parade formalized many of its traditions—beginning with a 9:00 AM Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, followed by a breakfast reception and then the procession up Fifth Avenue. Over the decades, the parade’s visibility grew with the participation of local politicians, visiting dignitaries from Poland, and national media coverage. The 85th anniversary celebration in 2022 featured Polish President

Andrzej Duda Andrzej Sebastian Duda (born 16 May 1972) is a Polish lawyer and politician who has served as the sixth president of Poland since 2015. Before becoming president, he served as a Member of the Sejm from 2011 to 2014 and before becoming Member of ...

, marking the first appearance by a sitting head of state from Poland.

Organizational structure

The event is organized by the General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee, Inc., a volunteer-run nonprofit organization. It is led by a president, longtime leader Richard D. Zawisny, and a board composed of delegates from Polish-American community groups across the Tri-State Area. The committee coordinates all parade logistics including city permits, fundraising, journal sponsorships, recruitment of marchers, and cultural programming. Members regularly meet at venues such as the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union headquarters in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. In addition to organizing the annual event, the committee honors individuals who exemplify outstanding service to the Polish-American community through appointments as Grand Marshals, Honorary Marshals, and youth honorees.

Cultural significance

The Pulaski Day Parade is both a civic and cultural occasion, showcasing Polish heritage to a broader American audience. Its participants include Polish-language supplementary schools, scouting groups, fraternal and veterans’ organizations, dance ensembles, and university student clubs. Dressed in traditional costumes, participants perform regional dances, display historical placards, and distribute cultural materials. Floats and banners often highlight key moments in Polish history and tributes to Pulaski’s legacy. The parade provides a multi-generational experience and is seen as a powerful expression of unity within the Polish diaspora. Onlookers line Fifth Avenue waving red-and-white flags, often cheering in both Polish and English. Religious elements remain core to the event: the morning Mass, often led by Polish clergy, features Polish hymns and blessings for the community.

Parade route and schedule

The parade traditionally begins at 12:30 PM, assembling between 35th and 38th Streets and proceeding north along Fifth Avenue to 54th Street. Each year also includes a pre-parade Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral and a breakfast at the 3 West Club.

Recent themes and marshals

Media coverage

The event garners coverage from both Polish diaspora media and mainstream U.S. outlets. In 2023,

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covered the parade due to the participation of Polish President

, highlighting the strengthening of Polish-American relations.

References

External links

Official website
Parades in New York City Culture of New York City Polish-American history Polish-American culture in New York City 1937 establishments in New York City Monuments and memorials to Casimir Pulaski {{US-festival-stub