Even thought Easter Sunday is over, they're still celebrating in Buffalo, New York. What are they celebrating?

Dyngus Day. That's right, it's Dyngus Day in Buffalo today, and there are plenty of festivities to go with it. What's Dyngus Day? According to dyngusdaybuffalo.com:

"Historically a Polish-American tradition, Dyngus Day celebrates the end of the often restrictive observance of lent and the joy of Easter.

HOW DID IT START?

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. 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. Thus, Dyngus Day and its rites of sprinkling with water have become a folk celebration in thanksgiving for the fact that the first king of Poland was baptized into Christianity, bringing Catholicism to Poland.

Dyngus Day, the annual post-Lenten bash, attracts tens of thousands to Buffalo, New York to celebrate spring, show Polish pride, flirt with pussy willows and listen to the best polka bands in the nation."

Here's a brief video all about Dygus Day in Buffalo:

 

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