Assembly Resolution No. 1118
BY: M. of A. Chludzinski
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 6, 2026, as Dyngus Day in the State of New
York
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
proclaim April 6, 2026, as Dyngus Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, A Polish-American tradition, Dyngus Day celebrates the end
of the observance of Lent and the joy of Easter; over the decades,
Dyngus Day has become a holiday to celebrate Polish-American culture,
heritage, and traditions; and
WHEREAS, Many Polish customs date back to pre-Christian, Slavic
practices; the custom of pouring water is an ancient spring rite of
cleansing, purification, and fertility; the same is true of the
complimentary practice of switching with pussy willow branches; and
WHEREAS, Since 966 A.D., Dyngus Day has been associated with the
baptism of Prince Mieszko I; tradition states that Prince Mieszko I,
along with his court, were baptized on Easter Monday; and
WHEREAS, Dyngus Day and its rites of sprinkling with water have
become a folk celebration which gives thanks for the fact that the first
king of Poland was baptized into Christianity, bringing Catholicism to
Poland; and
WHEREAS, In the modern era, the tradition continued when farm boys
in Poland wanted to attract notice from the girls of their choice; it
was customary to throw water and hit the girls on their legs with twigs
or pussy willows; and
WHEREAS, The ladies would reciprocate by throwing dishes and
crockery, with Tuesday being their day of revenge, imitating the same
tactics, however, at modern Dyngus Day parties, it is common practice
that both men and women trade water and pussy willow taps equally; and
WHEREAS, Buffalo, New York is officially the Dyngus Day capital of
America, hosting the largest concentration of festival locations, polka
bands and Polish traditions in the nation; and
WHEREAS, This year marks the 20th Annual Dyngus Day Parade in
Buffalo's Historic Polonia District which will feature some of the
biggest names in polka and authentic Polish folk music, bands like
Maestros Men, and performers like 18 time Grammy award winner Jimmy
Sturr with special guests IPA Hall of Fame members Johnny Karas and Al
Piatkowski, Chris Caffery of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, along with dozens
of other bands, entertainers and folk dance troupes; and
WHEREAS, The Dyngus Day Parade consists of floats resembling
medieval ships, fire trucks with sirens blazing and hoses squirting,
polka bands blaring, and families sharing memories and laughter as they
stroll through the neighborhood tossing candy and beads to the families
gathered on the curbs; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the parade, numerous venues throughout the
region, including church halls, family-owned restaurants, taverns,
social clubs and tented festival grounds will be offering traditional
live entertainment, delicious Polish cuisine, Tyskie polish beer,
colorful folk troupes, and of course, plenty of polka dancing; and
WHEREAS, The City of Buffalo and its suburbs are home to the
greatest concentration of Polish-Americans in the nation, showcasing the
rich cultural heritage and pride that is synonymous with the identity of
America and New York at large; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 6, 2026, as Dyngus
Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York.
