89th Pulaski Parade – Sunday, October 4, 2026, Fifth Avenue, New York
The largest manifestation of Polish culture and national pride in the USA. The 89th Annual Pulaski Parade will march down Fifth Avenue on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 12:30 PM, from 39th to 51st Street. 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 march down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan – the largest manifestation of Polish culture and national pride in the United States. The organizer is 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 freedom and yours! General Kościuszko and General Pulaski – Soldiers of Freedom for Poland and America. In tribute to the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States."
This year's celebrations hold special significance as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of independence. The parade will honor the historical contributions of General Kazimierz Pulaski and General Tadeusz Kościuszko – two Polish heroes who fought for America's freedom and whose legacy symbolizes the enduring friendship between Poland and the United States.
Celebration Program
Friday, September 18, 2026
– 6:30 PM – Annual Pulaski Parade Banquet, The Venetian, 546 River Drive, Garfield, New Jersey. The evening will feature performances by Andrzej Piaseczny and Simone Band.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
– 9:00 AM – Holy Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral (Fifth Avenue, New York). The main celebrant will be Bishop Witold Mroziewski.
– 10:30 AM – Pulaski Parade Breakfast at 3 West Club, 3 West 51st Street, New York. During the breakfast, Honorary Marshals will be officially decorated with sashes.
– 12:30 PM – Start of the 89th Annual Pulaski Parade – Fifth Avenue, from 39th to 51st Street.
Marshals of the Parade 2026
Grand Marshal: Honorable Dr. Iwona Korga – President of the Józef Piłsudski Institute in New York. 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.
Holy Mass and Choirs from Rzeszów
During the Holy Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Jutrzenka Choir will perform together with choirs from Rzeszów, uniting Polish and Polish-American voices in a shared celebration of faith, national heritage, and unity. This year's celebrations will feature a delegation of approximately 53 musicians and choir members from Rzeszów.
Who is Marching
The parade will feature over 60 contingents and organizations, including:
– Polish organizations from across the region,
– Saturday Polish schools and supplementary schools,
– youth and scouting organizations,
– Miss Polonia and Junior Miss Polonia,
– veterans and veterans' associations,
– marching bands,
– cultural groups and folk ensembles,
– delegations and special guests from Poland.
The diamond sponsor of the parade is the Polish-Slavic Federal Credit Union, which is celebrating 50 years of service to the Polish community this year.
Route and How to Get There
The parade will march down 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 the day of the parade, expect Fifth Avenue and cross streets in the marching area to be closed. It is advisable to arrive early and plan your return considering traffic changes.
History of the Pulaski Parade
The first Pulaski Parade took place on the streets of New York in 1937. Its initiator was Francis J. Wazeter, then president of the Polish American Congress chapter in the southern part of New York State. Since then, the parade has been held annually – except for 1942 when it was interrupted by World War II, and 2020 when it was canceled due to the pandemic. It is one of the oldest ethnic parades in New York.
The parade traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of October and coincides with General Pulaski Memorial Day, an American day of remembrance observed on October 11 – the anniversary of the general's death from wounds sustained during the Siege of Savannah.
Who Were Pulaski and Kościuszko
General Kazimierz Pulaski (1745–1779) came to America with a recommendation from Benjamin Franklin and became known as the “father of the American cavalry.” He died from wounds sustained during the Siege of Savannah in 1779, giving his life in the fight for the independence of the United States. His legacy symbolizes the historical friendship between Poland and America and the shared commitment of both nations to freedom and democracy.
General Tadeusz Kościuszko (1746–1817) was a military engineer in the Continental Army. He designed the fortifications that ensured American victory at Saratoga and oversaw the construction of the defenses at West Point. Upon returning to Poland, he led the insurrection of 1794.
Invitation
The General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee cordially invites the entire Polish community, all 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 and Information
General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee, Inc.
– Phone: 908-656-5167
– Email: emiliakopala.pulaski@gmail.com
– Website: pulaskiparade.org
Contingent registrations, banquet tickets, and participation details – directly with the organizer.