It’s Dyngus Day in Cleveland, the Polish celebration that says farewell to Lent

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - The 9th Annual Dyngus Day celebration kicked off in Cleveland on Detroit Ave. between 57th and 59th Easter Monday.

The festival officially takes place the Monday after Easter, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Polish tradition of Dyngus Day observes the end of Lent of the joy of Easter.

“I’m Polish so I love it, the beer, the food, the environment,” Dana Wegzynowski said. “Every year to see it grow is amazing, I love it, I love Cleveland and I love being Polish.”

There’s certainly no shortage of food and drink for the 40,000 guests that are expected to attend the festival.

A reading of the “The Night Before Dyngus Day” opened Dyngus Day 2019.

From beer to pierogies to pussy willows and polkas there is food music and food for everyone who wants to be Polish for the day.

“We are excited to transform once again the Gordon Square Arts District into the ‘Polish Triangle’ for the 9th Annual Dyngus Day celebration,” said Councilman Matt Zone. “Our culturally diverse, culinary rich, and artistic community welcomes you as we celebrate everything polish, Cleveland Style!”

Founded in 2010 by Justin Gorski and Laura Ross the annual Wet Monday features Polka bands from morning to night.

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