89th Pulaski Parade – Sunday, October 4, 2026, Fifth Avenue, New York City
The largest manifestation of Polish culture and national pride in the USA. The 89th annual Pulaski Parade will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 12:30 PM, from 39th to 51st Street on Fifth Avenue. Grand Marshal: Dr. Iwona Korga. Mass at 9:00 AM at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Event Description
On Sunday, October 4, 2026, the 89th annual Pulaski Parade will take place on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York City – the largest manifestation of Polish culture and national pride in the United States. The event is organized by the General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee, Inc. The parade will start at 12:30 PM from 39th Street and proceed down Fifth Avenue to 51st Street, passing St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Parade Motto 2026
"For our and your freedom! Generals Kosciuszko and Pulaski – Soldiers of Freedom of Poland and America. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States."
This year's events have special significance as the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary of independence. The parade will pay tribute to the historical contributions of General Kazimierz Pulaski and General Tadeusz Kosciuszko – two Polish heroes who fought for America's freedom, whose legacy continues to symbolize the enduring friendship between Poland and the United States.
Program
Friday, September 18, 2026
– 18:30 – Annual Pulaski Parade Banket at The Venetian, 546 River Drive, Garfield, New Jersey. The evening will feature performances by Andrzej Piaseczny and Simone Band. See the banket page →
Sunday, October 4, 2026
– 9:00 – Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral (Fifth Avenue, New York City). The main celebrant will be Bishop Witold Mroziewski.
– 10:30 – Pulaski Parade Breakfast at 3 West Club, 3 West 51st Street, New York City. During the breakfast, Honorary Marshals will be officially decorated with sashes.
– 12:30 – Start of the 89th annual Pulaski Parade – Fifth Avenue, from 39th to 51st Street.
Parade Marshals 2026
Grand Marshal: Dr. Iwona Korga – President of the Józef Piłsudski Institute in New York City. She will lead the Polish community, Polish organizations, youth groups, schools, veterans, marching bands, cultural organizations, and delegations from Poland.
Honorary Marshal: Dr. hab. Karol Polejowski – Deputy President of the Institute of National Remembrance in Poland. He will be honored for his contributions and commitment to preserving and promoting Polish history, heritage, and national identity.
Mass and Choirs from Rzeszów
During the Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Jutrzenka Choir will perform together with choirs from Rzeszów, uniting Polish and Polish-American voices in a celebration of faith, national heritage, and unity. This year's event will feature a delegation of approximately 53 musicians and choir members from Rzeszów.
Who Participates
The parade will include over 60 contingents and organizations, including:
– Polish community organizations from the region,
– Polish Saturday schools and supplementary schools,
– youth and scouting organizations,
– Miss Polonia and Junior Miss Polonia,
– veterans and combination associations,
– marching bands,
– cultural groups and folklore ensembles,
– delegations and special guests from Poland.
The diamond sponsor of the parade is the Polish-Slovak Federal Credit Union, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary of service to the Polish community.
Route and How to Get There
The parade will take place on Fifth Avenue from 39th to 51st Street in Manhattan. The nearest subway stations are:
– Grand Central – 42 St (lines 4, 5, 6, 7, S),
– 42 St – Bryant Park (lines B, D, F, M),
– 47–50 Sts – Rockefeller Center (lines B, D, F, M),
– 5 Av / 53 St (lines E, M).
On parade day, expect Fifth Avenue and surrounding streets to be closed in the area of the march. It is recommended to arrive early and plan your return considering traffic changes.
History of the Pulaski Parade
The first Pulaski Parade took place in New York City in 1937. Its initiator was Francis J. Wazeter, then-president of the Congress of Polish Americans branch in southern New York State. Since then, the parade has been held annually – with the exception of 1942 due to World War II and 2020 due to the pandemic. It is one of the oldest ethnic parades in New York City.
The parade traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of October and coincides with General Pulaski Memorial Day, an American memorial day observed on October 11 – the anniversary of General's death from wounds sustained during the siege of Savannah.
Who Were Pulaski and Kosciuszko
General Kazimierz Pulaski (1745–1779) arrived in America with a recommendation from Benjamin Franklin and became known as the "father of American cavalry". He died from wounds sustained during the siege of Savannah in 1779, sacrificing his life for the independence of the United States. His legacy continues to symbolize the historical friendship between Poland and America and the shared commitment of both nations to freedom and democracy.
General Tadeusz Kosciuszko (1746–1817) was an engineer in the Continental Army. He designed fortifications that decided the American victory at Saratoga and oversaw the construction of West Point's defenses. After returning to Poland, he led the 1794 insurrection.
Invitation
The General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee warmly invites all Poles in America, New Yorkers, and guests from across the United States and Poland to participate in this historic event. The invitation is also extended to media representatives, elected officials, community leaders, Polish organizations, and friends of Poland.
Contact Information
General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee, Inc.
– Phone: 908-656-5167
– Email: emiliakopala.pulaski@gmail.com
– Website: www.pulaskiparade.org
Parade contingent applications, banket tickets, and participation details – please contact the organizer directly.