The heart of Chicago turned into a sea of white and red as Polonia took over Columbus Drive on Saturday, May 3, to celebrate Polish heritage. The 134th Polish Constitution Day Parade included brass bands, folk dancers and patriotic singing and cheers.

For regular attendee Ignacy Niemyjski, the parade is an essential tradition. 

“We need Polish culture, and we need to nurture Polish pride,” he said.

The event commemorates Poland’s May 3, 1791, Constitution  — the first modern constitution in Europe and the second worldwide after the United States — seen as a symbol of progress, resilience and national identity.

Chicago’s Polish roots

Flag-waving spectators decked out in patriotic hats and scarves lined the streets to watch the procession, which gives people a glimpse into a culture that’s deeply woven into Chicago’s identity. An estimated 1.9 million Polish Americans called Chicago and its suburbs home in 2023.

“We feel that through gatherings like this, Poland lives on,” parade attendee Krystyna Nosek said.

More than 100 Polish schools, businesses, cultural groups, local organizations and political figures were featured, including members of the Consulate of the General Republic of Poland and candidates for the country’s upcoming presidential election.

Ewa Niemyjska, a long-time attendee, recalled coming to the city for the event 25 years ago when her sons were young.

“They loved dressing up and representing their Polish school,” she said.

Even with chillier weather this time around, the atmosphere stayed lively. 

“Years later, it’s still super good,” said Niemyjska, who was bundled up in Poland’s national colors. “It was beautiful — there were a lot of us, so lots of cheers and support.”

Honoring centuries of history

The parade motto was “1,000 Years of the Polish Kingdom,” alluding to the coronation of the first Polish king, Bolesław Chrobry, better known as Bolesław I the Brave, in 1025.

For many, including Monica Lebensztejn, a former Parade Queen and current parade executive committee member, this anniversary highlights “a huge milestone in our Polish history.” The king helped transform Poland into a major European state. 

Lebensztejn also noted the impact Poles have had on Chicago. 

“They’ve built it, influenced things like the architecture and obviously the culture,” she said. “So, it’s important for us to continue showing that we are an integral part of the city and that we are proud of our culture and heritage.”

During the parade’s opening remarks, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also lauded the contributions of Chicago’s Polish residents — “the largest Polish population outside of Poland.” This can be attributed to several waves of migrations, including ones that occurred after World War II and while Communism loomed in Europe. 

Students carry the torch

Among the many groups marching was DePaul University’s Polish Student Alliance, which has represented the institution at the parade for many years.

“The Polish community has paved the way for all of us in some way, shape or form,” Konrad Gostomski, DPSA’s president and DePaul senior, said. “We’re just trying to give back to it by spreading the culture and doing whatever we can to pay it forward.”

For the parade, the DePaul group collaborates with various other Polish clubs from schools like Northwestern and the University of Illinois Chicago. 

Isabella Kardasz, DPSA event coordinator and DePaul sophomore, has been going to the parade since she was a little girl. “It’s really good to be able to … actively support my country from the United States,” she said. Kardasz was born in the U.S. to Polish parents.

The club’s executive board feels that it’s important to keep Polish culture and values alive in the community.

“If we can do just a little bit to spread (Polish culture) to a few more people who have Polish ancestors — and (who) maybe don’t know much about their heritage — that’s the goal,” Gostomski said. “This culture and all these traditions were here long before us — and will be here long after us.”

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