The celebrations featured banquets, cultural performances, concerts, and business forums, culminating in a march down State Street that showcased more than 100 Polish American organizations, civic clubs, businesses and local institutions tied to Chicago’s large Polish diaspora.
Seated on the reviewing stand, Mayor Brandon Johnson formally opened the parade.
“Chicago is proud to host the largest Polish community outside Poland, and the largest Polish parade in the world beyond its borders,” he said.
A delegation of Polish dignitaries attended, including lawmakers and members of the European Parliament, as well as Karol Nawrocki, the presidential candidate backed by the populist-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Organizers, however, barred speeches to keep the event nonpartisan.
Despite this, spectators displayed campaign signs supporting Polish presidential candidates as well as US President Donald Trump.
The parade route ended at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, where a special Mass was held to close out the observances.
(jh)
Source: IAR, Interia