Many Western New Yorkers made their way to the Buffalo Central Terminal to enjoy Dyngus Day festivities Monday. The Polish-American celebration that marks the end of the restrictions of the Lenten season and is filled with kielbasa, pussy willows, polka music, and dancing.
Dressed in her Dyngus Day red, Amanda Arnon said she’s 100% polish and she looks forward to the celebration each year.
“Just all the people, everyone has a great time and it’s nice to see everyone in Buffalo having something to look forward to even on a cold, ridiculous day,” said Arnon.
Arnon said the best part about Dyngus Day is seeing the Polish dancers and trying the traditional beer and pierogies. Wendy Sanders said her favorite part about the festival is seeing Western New Yorkers celebrate together.
“Buffalo’s always been a place where festivals and people getting together to celebrate their heritage is fabulous. I just moved out of the area to Pennsylvania, they have nothing like this, so we took the drive back in to come celebrate,” said Sanders.
Gregory Ercolino drove up from New York City for the large celebration. He said the trip was well worth it.
“We love Buffalo, we love Dyngus Day and we’d actually like to see Dyngus Day exported to cities like New York City and Chicago,” said Ercolino.
Ercolino said this is his fourth time coming to Buffalo for the celebration, and he plans to come back next year.