This festival offers more than just a chance to sample traditional Polish cuisine; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, art, crafts, and traditions that shape the identity of Chicago’s Polish community, America’s third-largest city. Each year, it draws tens of thousands of guests eager to experience the authentic culture, food, art, and traditions of the Polish diaspora. For Chicago itself, the event serves as a significant cultural and tourist draw. More on chicagovski.
History of the Festival
The festival is organized by the Copernicus Foundation and has taken place annually since 1980 on Labour Day Weekend. Initially, the Taste of Polonia was a small, low-key charity event without the large stages and massive infrastructure seen today. However, over the years, it has transformed into one of Chicago’s most prominent ethnic festivals.
The event is traditionally held at the Copernicus Cultural and Civic Center in the Jefferson Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side of Chicago, which is the heart of the local Polish community’s cultural life. Taste of Polonia is the main charitable project of the Copernicus Foundation, helping to support cultural, educational, and social programs for the diaspora.
Format, Program, and Key Activities
The festival runs for four days and includes dozens of activities designed for various audiences—from families with children to music lovers and traditional craft enthusiasts. The main elements of the program include:
- Non-stop live performances across three stages;
- Traditional Polish cuisine, beverages, and festival beer;
- Cultural exhibitions and historical displays;
- Crafts, folk art, and souvenirs from local artisans;
- A Kids Zone with storytelling, contests, dance activities, and cartoons;
- The Merchant Row, featuring goods from local and international producers;
- Film screenings and events inside the Copernicus Center;
- A Sunday Catholic Mass held on the main stage.
Over 60 bands and artists perform across the three stages, covering genres from rock and pop to electronic music, folklore, and polka. The Copernicus Center Theater Stage holds a special place, hosting performances by legendary Polish artists and dance ensembles.
Audience and Scale of the Festival
Taste of Polonia is an event that extends beyond the Polish community. Each year, it attracts between 40,000 and 60,000 visitors from across Chicago and its suburbs.
The festival has become a significant social and civic platform where people from different cultures can learn about Polish traditions, cuisine, and art.
Notable Festival Guests
Due to its popularity, the Taste of Polonia is often attended by politicians, diplomatic representatives, and notable figures from the United States.
Among the guests in past years were:
- George H.W. Bush (US President in 1992);
- Dick Cheney, Tipper Gore, Hadassah Lieberman (2000);
- Newt Gingrich (2011) — who presented a documentary film.
Significance for the Polish Community of Chicago
For the Polish diaspora, Taste of Polonia is more than just a celebration—it’s a vital means of preserving cultural heritage. It’s a space where traditions are passed down, intergenerational ties are strengthened, and a shared identity is forged.
The festival acts as a cultural bridge, opening up Polish culture to members of other ethnic groups, making it an important part of Chicago’s multicultural life.
Taste of Polonia is truly more than an ethnic festival. It is a story, a community, a memory, and a tradition that has thrived for over forty years. Since 1980, the festival has brought together tens of thousands of people, uniting not only Polish Americans but also people of other backgrounds who appreciate the culture, music, food, and shared celebration. For anyone wanting to dive into Chicago’s Polish culture, the Taste of Polonia is the best opportunity to experience it wholeheartedly. Would you like me to translate another article or perhaps find information about the festival’s schedule for this year?