The organizer of the festival was the Pulaski Parade Committee operating at Holy Cross Parish in Maspeth, whose pastor is His Excellency Bishop Witold Mroziewski. All groups operating at the parish were also involved in the organization of the event, including the Rosary Roses, Sweet Community, Bible Group, Hunting Club, St. John Paul II Polish Language and Culture School, and youth from among altar servers and volunteers.
The first day of the festival began on Saturday after the evening Holy Mass at 6:30 PM, presided over by Bishop Witold Mroziewski. The Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York, Mateusz Sakowicz, representatives of the Pulaski Parade from the Maspeth district, Maspeth District Marshal Ewa Gindorowicz, Miss Polonia Martyna Kuźma, and Jr. Miss Polonia Blanka Pałka participated in the liturgy.
A unique spiritual highlight of the evening was a concert by the instrumental-vocal group Totus Tuus (“All Yours”). The current lineup of the group consists of: Agnieszka Wysocka (vocals, violin, organ), Michał Wysocki (vocals, percussion, organ), and Mirosław Wysocki (guitar and band coordination). The artists performed traditional, occasional, and original sacred songs in Polish and English. Their reflective performances created an atmosphere of prayer and community, perfectly fitting the spiritual character of the festival.
The second day of the event, held on Sunday, June 14, gathered hundreds of participants eager to celebrate together, cultivate Polish traditions, and spend time in a family atmosphere. The rich program provided attractions for both the youngest and adults.
The official opening of the festival took place at 2:00 PM. The event was hosted by Dorota and Julia Iżak, who welcomed the gathered guests and invited them to join the fun.
From the very first moments, the band The Masters ensured an excellent atmosphere, getting the youngest dancing. Children participated in games and competitions prepared by Ewa Gindorowicz, the band’s vocalist and Maspeth District Marshal of the Pulaski Parade. Julia Iżak led the dances, enthusiastically encouraging the youngest to join in the fun. There was no shortage of smiles, joy, and small gifts for the participants.
At 3:00 PM, young artists from the Fryderyk Chopin Polish Music School in New York – Maria Czukiewska, Rosie Regula, and Khloe Kropiewnicki, prepared by Dominik Grzyb – performed on stage. The audience rewarded their performances with thunderous applause.
A special highlight of the program was a patriotic performance by students of the St. John Paul II Polish Language and Culture School titled “For Your Freedom and Ours.” Through recitation, singing, and historical elements, the young artists reminded everyone of the importance of freedom and cultivating national heritage, moving many in attendance.
Next, the official opening of the festival took place. Bishop Witold Mroziewski addressed the participants with words of welcome and gave everyone his pastoral blessing. During the ceremony, Maspeth District Marshal Ewa Gindorowicz, Miss Polonia Martyna Kuzma, and Jr. Miss Polonia Blanka Pałka were introduced.
After the official part, the Pulaski Parade Marshal 2026, Dr. Iwona Korga, arrived at the festival, accompanied by her daughter Aleksandra. In a warm speech, she invited everyone to participate in the Pulaski Parade, which will take place on October 4, emphasizing the significance of this unique event for the entire Polish community.
Pulaski Parade Marshal 2026, Dr. Iwona Korga, with her daughter Aleksandra, on the left.
An art exhibition curated by Teresa Rysztof was held in the John Paul II Hall. Father Andrzej Salwowski invited participants to view the exhibition and listen to an artistic program. Visitors could admire the works of painter Ela Milko, presenting portraits of women made in acrylic and oil techniques, abstract landscapes, and children’s books and coloring books illustrated by herself. Laura Battey also presented her works, whose watercolors depicted endangered animals, including African savanna elephants and white rhinos. Photographer Zosia Zeleska-Bobrowski, in turn, showed photographs from the “Mazowsze” Ensemble’s performance in New York, concerts by outstanding jazz musicians Adam Makowicz and Krzysztof Medyna, and a photo report from the Way of the Cross in Greenpoint.
The vernissage was enhanced by musical performances by Adela Grabowska, Emilia Wielgat, Maria Czukiewska, Rosie Regula, and Khloe Kropiewnicki, accompanied by Dominik Grzyb and Daniel Dąbek on piano, and Sławek Kalinowski on guitar, creating a unique atmosphere for an encounter with art.
On the main stage, the children’s art competition, organized by Krystyna Pituła, founder of the ART-oni artistic and educational program, was decided. This year’s theme was “Thousands of Flowers in the Meadow.” First place went to Maya Niedbała, followed by Amailia Pałka, Amelia Lanznia, and Mia Kurylak. The winners received prizes and cash vouchers funded by the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union.
The youngest attendees also enjoyed a colorful inflatable castle, cotton candy, and popcorn, which were very popular.
The festival’s raffle was also very popular. Lucky winners received attractive prize baskets funded by Holy Cross Parish, parish organizations, and the St. John Paul II Polish Language and Culture School.
As every year, the festival was also supported by the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union.
At the stands, visitors could learn about Thermomix, presented by Jolanta Truszkowska-Zajkowska, Mary Kay cosmetics presented by consultant Renata Kaszuba, and admire handicrafts by Monika Matuszek and handmade Christmas decorations by Kasia Tarala.
Rafał Jankowski, president of the NYPD Pulaski Association, encouraged participants to support the organization’s activities. Many visitors also stopped by the impressive motorcycles of the Iron Slavs MC club members, who offered commemorative rides to those interested.
Throughout the festival, participants could enjoy the richness of traditional Polish cuisine, prepared by parish volunteers.
The XXVIII Festival of Polish Culture in Maspeth concluded with a joint dance party with The Masters band, who once again got the audience dancing. The square filled with participants of all ages, and the music, joy, and shared fun created an unforgettable atmosphere, beautifully capping off another edition of this unique Polish community celebration.
