STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Dancing to “Niech żyje bal” (“Long live the ball”), members of St. Stanislaus Kostka R.C. Church in New Brighton opened the 17th annual Polish Festival with a sweeping waltz across the South Meadow at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens in Livingston on Sunday, June 14.
Led by pastor Rev. Jacek Wozny, participants moved in looping patterns across the lawn, their rhythmic skips and steps forming arched “bridge” formations that marked the ceremonial opening of the celebration.
The program included guest introductions and the traditional polonaise, a ceremonial Polish dance performed in red-and-white attire. Polish Consul General Mateusz Sakowicz danced alongside community and church leaders. Members of the Pulaski Committee of Staten Island and the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union saluted both the American and Polish flags.
Now in its 17th year, the event—organized by St. Stanislaus Kostka R.C. Church—has grown into one of the largest Polish festivals in the United States. Organizers say it rivals Chicago’s Taste of Polonia and drew an estimated 3,000 attendees last year.
The day wraps up at 8 p.m., a full afternoon of Polish culture, music and food. The Ino Dym Band is performing two sets, while Pol-Star DJs are keeping the energy going between acts…