Paczki

Eating paczki is the traditional Polish way to indulge before the fasting in observance of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Paczki have been known in Poland at least since the Middle Ages.

All ages love paczki!

Councilman Tony Brancatelli, Cleveland International Hall of Fame inductee Irene Morrow, Polish Cultural Garden delegate Connie Adams and others shared their favorite packzki traditions and memories. What are yours?

Learn more about paczki and read the memories 

Saint Pope John Paul II bust dedication

A statue of Saint John Paul II was dedicated on May 18, 2019 in the Polish Cultural Garden in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Dignitaries including Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley and Councilman Tony Brancatelli spoke as did the world-renowned sculptor of the bust, Andrzej Pitynski. 

Bishop Roger Griesand Father Jerzy Kusy blessed the new addition to the Garden.

Opera singer Dorota Sobieska performed as did the PIAST Polish dance ensemble.

Photos and videos of the John Paul II Dedication

Gene Bak, Kevin Kelley and Tony Brancatelli

PIAST Dancers

Sculptor Andrzej Pitynski

Solidarity

Polish Heritage in Slavic Village – Gene Bak and Tony Brancatelli

Cleveland Councilman Tony Brancatelli whose ward includes Slavic Village in Cleveland and Gene Bak, director of the John Paul II Polish American Cultural Center spoke about the significance of the Constitution of May 3rd and Polish history.  They also told of the importance of the new Polish Heritage Garden in the community.

More of the Polish Heritage Garden in Slavic Village