Organizations

Above: The moment on a Saturday in June when at the end of celebrations, the audience joins Wianki performers in a stately Polonaise near the Reflecting Pool.

Each year in the six decades of its existence, on the third Saturday in June, the Polish American Arts Association has been holding a traditional St. John’s Eve party, called Sobótki or Wianki (Wreaths) in Polish. Originally, the celebrations, which included singing and dancing to Polish folk melodies and a procession of young girls carrying wreaths made from fresh flowers to the lake or stream, were held on private properties in Virginia. In the early 80s, in cooperation with the National Park Service, Wianki Festival moved to the National Mall where it is held to this day at the Reflecting Pool by the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. In 1984, the festival was organized in conjunction with the American Council of Polish Culture Convention hosted by the PAAA and a meeting of the American Youth of Polish Descent.

This year, Wianki is being celebrated on June 20th, with additional features in the program to mark the 250th Anniversary of the founding of United States. All of Polonia is invited to join us in this most visible and central place in the nation’s capital, the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial. Happy Birthday, America! Long live Polish American friendship.

Please find more information at: https://www.paaa.us/upcoming-events

 

ACPC affiliates and supporting organizations

We invite you to add your organization’s name to this distinguished list of affiliates and supporting organizations.

*ACPC Affiliate Organization

** ACPC Supporting Organization