CHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The vibrant traditions of Poland’s mountain communities will take center stage in downtown Chicago Monday, October 19, as Polish Highlanders Culture Day brings a celebration of Polish heritage to Daley Plaza beginning at noon.
The outdoor celebration will be followed immediately by a reception open to the public in the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, 118 N. Clark St., Room 112, directly across the street from Daley Plaza. During the reception local community leaders will be recognized with Certificates of Excellence.
Known in Polish as Górale, the Polish Highlanders are a distinct cultural community whose roots lie in southern Poland’s Tatra Mountain foothills near the border with Slovakia. Their heritage reflects generations of life in the Carpathian highlands and is distinguished by colorful traditional clothing, intricate wooden craftsmanship, rollicking folk music, vibrant dances and a strong sense of regional identity.
For Polish Highlanders living in the United States, maintaining these traditions is an important way to preserve their roots while sharing their culture with future generations.
Chicago has been a major center of Polish Highlander life in America for nearly a century. The Polish Highlanders Alliance of North America was founded here nearly a century ago and continues as a hub for preserving and promoting Highlander culture and traditions.
Polish Highlanders Culture Day takes place during Polish American Heritage Month, observed each October to recognize the history, accomplishments and cultural contributions of Polish Americans.
“The more than half a million Polish Americans in Cook County have helped make Chicago and the surrounding area one of the largest Polish population centers in the world,” said the Cook County Treasurer. “With their soaring cathedrals, crowded parishes and schools and thriving business corridors, Chicago’s Polish population has left an indelible mark on our city. I’m honored to recognize that proud tradition and some of the people who continue to help shape it across Cook County and beyond.”
Honorees: Stanisław Kulawiak; Zofia Ustupska-Bobak; Daniel Pogorzelski; commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Kapelmistrz Marek Bukowski; Jan Król, president, Polish Highlander Alliance of North America, (ZPPA); General Krzysztof Żółtek, ZPPA secretary; Beata Firek, ZPPA treasurer; Jozef Fryźlewicz, ZPPA recording secretary; Marzena Kostelic Prędki, ZPPA vice president; Karolina Strzelec-Stafiera, ZPPA vice president of cultural affairs; Malgorzata Helegda, media correspondent; Helena Studencka, media correspondent; Renata Marusarz, Royal Court member; Karolina Rafacz, Royal Court member; Marysia Jakób, Royal Court member; Filip Janik, Royal Court member, Darek Kwak, Royal Court member; Andrzej Błachuta, Royal Court member
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SOURCE Cook County Treasurer’s Office
