Parade & Party Coming To Parma's Polish Village

Every year for the last 76 years, with exception during the pandemic, there’s a parade in our area to celebrate the Polish Constitution. Over the years the parade was held in various locations in and around Cleveland. First held near the statue of Tadeusz Kosciusko at Wade Oval, followed by Euclid Ave., and onto Slavic Village. It moved to Parma in 2011. The parade was the catalyst for the formation of Polish Village, a business district on Ridge Rd. in Parma’s Ward 2, and soon after the 501(c)3 non-profit Polish Village Parma. 

The Polish Constitution Day Parade, which will be held this year on Sunday, May 7th, is the first annual parade of the year in Parma. The parade is held in partnership with the Polish American Congress, the City of Parma, and the non-profit Polish Village Parma. It’s brought to you by donations, and in part by a small grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture,(the cigarette tax) and lots of volunteer hours. The parade and after party are open to the public. Residents and visitors alike line the side walk and tree lawns on Ridge Rd from the Parma Circle to Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union to watch the parade of Polish dignitaries, politicians, high school bands, and an assortment of various units marching, including residents from the neighborhood and surrounding communities. Businesses, non-profits, clubs and groups are encouraged to march in the parade, at no cost. 

The after party is held in the parking lot of Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union, at Ridge & Alber Ave. Food, beverage and marketplace vendors set up prior to the parade. There will also be entertainment. In addition to a live Polka Band, there’s Polish folk dancers performing in traditional dress. This event offers the general public a free, safe, family oriented event, and familiarizes people with the sounds and tastes of the Polish cultural community. 

The weekend kicks off with a fundraiser at Rookie’s, 5513 Pearl Rd., Friday, May 5, 2023, from 6 to 8 pm. The proceeds raised will benefit events locally. Details will follow in the future. 

This event celebrates Poland’s May 3, 1791 adoption of the first constitution of its type in Europe, which is a milestone in Poland’s legal history, and the history of democracy. It parallels our own U. S. Constitution in approach and design. With Poland bordering Ukraine this celebration of European democracy is more important now than ever. In support of the furtherance of democracy in Europe our Grand Marshall’s for the parade are Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter, and representing the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio is Marta Leszczynski. 

Mark your calendars, save the date, and celebrate with us! Hope to see there. 

Follow Polish Village in Parma Ohio on Facebook for updates and details.