Celebrate Polishfest: Keeping Our Traditions Alive In A World Of Change beginning Sunday, November 14th, through Sunday, November 21st! Welcome to this family-oriented event featuring Pittsburgh's Polish - Witamy, Lithuanians - Sveiki, and Carpatho-Rusyns - Vitaj Celebrate a variety of Polish, Lithuanian and Carpatho-Rusyn traditions, including folk music, folk dance, culinary demonstrations with recipes, historical, religious, and folk-art offerings. These presentations were created to remember something old, discover some ething new, keeping alive our traditions alive in an ever-changing world.
Polishfest 2021
Polishfest Media
Welcome - Witamy
Annette Yauger, University of Pittsburgh Polish Room Scholarship Awardee
Polish Paper Cutting - Wycinanki
Maria and Stella Zarod, Polish folk artists, introduce you to the art of Wycinanki, Polish paper cutting.
Additional Materials
Polish Donuts - Paczki
Maria Ejzak Zarod demonstrates the culinary art of pacziki, Polish drop Galician donuts, using the following recipe:
No Yeast Polish Galicia Drop Donut Recipe
- 1 cup flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Gated orange or lemon rind (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Granulated or powdered sugar (for dusting)
Mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder & sugar) together. Blend in wet ingredients (milk & vanilla), stiring well. Drop dough by spoonful into hot oil. Fry till browned turning donuts to brown on both sides. Drain oil from donuts and sprinkle with granulated or powdered sugar.
Additional Materials
Polish-American Easter Palm Weaving - Tkanie Palm Wielkanocnych
Margory Gowaty, local folk artist and Secretary of the Polish Room Committee, demonstrates the craft of tkanie palmy wielkanocnych, the weaving of Easter Palms.
Additional Materials
Polish Falcons of America - Polskie Sokoly
A greeting from Timothy Kuzma, President and CEO of Polskie Sokoly, the Polish Falcons of America.
Additional Materials
Polish Bow Ties - Chrusczki
Mrs. Betty Kolano, life-long member of the Polish Falcons of America, demonstrates how to make pastries called Chrusczki, also known as "bow ties" or "angel wings".
Additional Materials
Polish Honey Cakes - Pierniki
Lawrence Kozlowski, folk artist and Cultural Commissioner of the Polish Falcons of America, demonstrates the baking of piernink, traditional Polish honey cakes.
Additional Materials
Polish Names - Polskie Nazwy
James Clark discusses aspects of Polish names.
Additional Materials
Lajkonik Polish Folk Dance Ensemble
A performance by Lajkonik Polish Folk Dance Ensemble.
Performance Bookings & Membership
Contact Frank Pociask, 724-861-0759
Additional Materials
The Shrines of Pittsburgh at Christmas
Koscioly Sanktuarium W Pittsburghu
Most Holy Name - St. Anthoiny Chapel - St. Nicholas
St. Patrick - St. Stanislaus - Immaculate Heart Of Mary
Additional Materials
- "Celebrate the Birth of Christ"
- Mercy of God Procession - Immaculate Heart of Mary, Polish Hill
- Midnight Mass with Polish Carols - Immaculate Heart of Mary, Polish Hill
For more information, events, holiday mass and sacramental schedules, please consult our shrine bulletin for complete information at https://www.parishesonline.com/find/shrines-of-pittsburgh.
Lithuanian Room Kugelis
Lithuanian Potato Pudding - “Kugelis”
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 9 large white potatoes
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- Pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion, grated
- Sour cream and/or applesauce
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F
- Open can of condensed milk, leaving the lid on and set in a pan of hot water off the stove to warm. The water should be about halfway up the can. Leave for about 5 minutes.
- Cut bacon into small pieces and fry till almost crisp.
- Grate potatoes into a bowl, draining off all the liquid into a small bowl.
- Aunt Judy's Tip: Leave the above liquid to sit, then drain off just the clear liquid .Save the thick liquid at the bottom. Return this thick liquid to the bowl of grated potatoes.
- Add the eggs to the grated potatoes, mixing well
- Add the evaporated milk, salt and pepper and the grated onions and mix well.
- Pour into a greased, flat pan with sides. The height of potatoes in the pan should not be over 1-1/2 inches high.
- Bake in pre-heated oven for 1-1/2 hours.
- Cut into squares to serve. We like it with sour cream , and or applesauce. It can be cut and fried with eggs and bacon/ham/sausage the next day!
Additional Materials
The Lithuanian Citizens Society of Western Pennsylvania
“Vakaru Pensilvanijos Lietuviu Pilieciu Draugija” - A photo essay of the Lithuanian-American Citizens’ Society of Western Pennsylvania. “Through These Many Years ... The Pittsburgh Lithuanian Story”
Additional Materials
Lithuanian Cultural School - Lietuvos Kulturos Mokykla
Educator and Historian Robert Medonis introduces the Lithuanian Cultural School.
Pittsburgh Lithuanian School
728 Shady Lane
Pittsburgh PA 15228
412-613-5582
pghmokykla@yahoo.com
Additional Resources
Potato Pancakes - Rusyn Nalesniky
Maryann Sivak, president of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society of America demonstrates how to make nalesniky, Rusyn potato pancakes.
Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized baking potatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 tbsp four
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp white vinegar
- Oil, for frying
- Peel potatoes and onion.
- Using a star-shaped grater, grate potatoes and onion into a large bowl, taking turns and mixing grated mixture. Onion juice will keep potatoes from browning.
- Add flour, egg, and mix well.
- Add 1 tsp of salt and some black pepper, batter should be still liquid enough so you can easily ladle it.
- Heat skillet with 1/4 inch of oil over medium/high heat and add ½ tsp vinegar. When the oil is hot, add 1 heaping Tbsp of the
- mixture and spread to form a pancake. Fry on one side until golden brown in color, then flip to other side and fry for the same amount of time. Repeat the same procedure for the rest of the batter.
- Season with salt while hot if desired, garnish with sour cream or apple sauce.
Additional Resources
Carpatho-Rusyn Easter Egg Decorating
Carpatho-Rusyn folk artist Jurika Dancikova demonstrates the creation of traditional and contemporary decorated eggs for Easter.
Additional Materials
The Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Center
Maryann Sivak, president of the Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Center of America presents a history of the Center.
Additional Materials
Polish Christmas Customs
Dr. Neil Stahurski - accomplished church organist and noted Polish folklorist
Additional Materials
The Origin of Names
Accomplished folklorist, artist, lecturer, genealogist, and Irish Nationality Room chairperson Jack Webber talks about the origin of names.
Additional Resources
Frania's Polka Celebration
Frania's Polish Polka Christmas Special
Kolendy - Carols - Traditions
Saturday, December 25th - 2 pm. to 4 pm.
WEDO 810 AM Radio
Frania Urbaniak Yakima - “Pearl Of Polonia” and program hostess
Additional Materials
Full program of the 2020 Polishfest video
A special note of appreciation, thanks and recognition to:
- Frania Urbaniak Yakime, local polka radio hostess for 36 years on radio WEDO 810 AM - Western Pennsylvania. Join her every week!
- The University of Pittsburgh Nationality Rooms & Intercultural Exchange Programs officers and membership for their valuable support of Polishfest
Support the Nationality Rooms
Help to keep the spirit of Polishfest alive! Your generous donation can support programming and the upkeep of the rooms that embody the customs and traditions of Poland and Lithuania.
Polishfest - Thank You From the Nationality Rooms & Intercultural Exchange Programs
Polishfest Virtual Marketplace
Polishfest Marketplace
Please consider patronizing these stores and artisans who bring a special Polish, Lithuantian, or Carpathian flavor to their lovingly crafted wares.
Brother Tom’s Bakery, Restaurant & Deli
Offering a variety of breads, cookies, cakes, pastries, bread, assorted home made pierogies, and Br. Tom’s famous old world paska bread. Let us do your holiday baking!
Brother Tom’s Bakery, Restaurant & Deli
808 Main Street
Sharpsburg, Pa. 15215
412-781-2253
Bakery Hours: 8AM - 4PM Mon - Fri / Sat & Sun Til 3 PM
Web Site: http://www.brothertomsbakery.com
S & D Deli, Restaurant & Gifts
Located in the Strip District, S & D offers a variety of Polish and European imported foods, meats, spices & and unique gift items. We ship nationwide!
2204 Penn Avenue (corner of Penn & 22nd St, two blocks from Penn Mac toward Lawrenceville)
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222
412-281-2906
Deli Hours: Monday 10:00 am.- 4:30 pm, Tuesday-Sunday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
On Line Store: http://www.polishfoodandgifts.com/
Web Site: http://sdpolishdeli.com/sdpolishdeli/index.php?id=27
Vibo’s Bakery
Vibo’s family owned bakery in Brackenridge is known for a variety of “old world” breads (Italian long & round) rolls, dinner rolls, pepperoni bread, hot cross buns, raisin bread, pizzells, fried dough and paczki.. Place your holiday orders early for pick-up!
881 Brackenridge Ave
Brackenridge, PA 15014
(724) 224-0250
Hours: 9 am. - 2 pm.
Web Site: https://www.facebook.com/Vibos-Bakery-109451749093748/
Email: Breadandchaiguy@gmail.com
Krakus Polish Deli & Bakery
Offering a variety of homemade Polish favorites including: pierogi, halusky, stuffed cabbage, soups, hunter’s stew, paczki, kolache, makowiec, sernik, babka & chrust. A wide variety of imported lunch meats and sausage are also available. Enjoy a wide variety of Polish gift items.
7050 Market Street
#108
Boardman, Oh. 44512
330-758-8333
Hours: Tuesday - Friday - 10 am. - 6 pm; Saturday - 10 am - 3 pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
Web-Site: http://www.krakuspolishdeli.com
Old World Folk Arts
Offers a variety of ethnic cook books highlighting, Polish, Slovak, Italian, Irish, Polish-Irish, Christmas & Easter recipes customs & traditions. Old country Christmas & Easter recipes, customs & traditions. Polish, Slovak, Italian books. Other books include Irish cook books, Irish-Polish cook books, pierogi cook book, christmas ornament book and the famous multi-ethnic, full-color Christmas cookies, cakes & pastries. A perfect way to shop for that perfect ethnic gift right from your home.
Polish Arts Center
We are the premier emporium for Polish imports including folk art, folk dolls, apparel, amber jewelry, Easter pisanki supplies, Christmas ornaments, Polish stoneware, amber jewelry, music CD's, cookbooks, calendars, Polish candies and foods, greeting cards, crystal and glassware and much, much more. View Our On-line Catalog with world wide shipping.
9539 Joseph Campau
Hamtramck, MI 48212
888-619-9771
Hours: Monday - Saturday - 9:30 am - 6:00 pm; Sunday - 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Web Site: http://www.polartcenter.com
Crafty Surprise
One of a kind handcrafted textiles & hand-etched glassware. All are created with that specialized ethnic touch. Find a perfect gift for the special person in your life. Only one word to describe these handcrafted items ---- awesome! Looking for a special gift for the special person? Crafty Surprise has the answer. A Polish design, emblem, pattern, initial or just something personalized? Crafty Surprise can handcraft it for you! Etched drinking glasses, baking dishes, crystal ornaments, custom tea towels, aprons, bags christmas ornaments and decorations.
Contact: craftysurprise@gmail.com
Facebook: @nitzascraftysurprise
Amber Gems And More
Explore The collection of Baltic amber jewelry, Polish pottery, salt lamps and handcrafted ornamented glassware available in-line from Amber Gems & More. We offer a wide range of unique, one-of-a-kind items that you won't find anywhere else. A great online site to do your holiday shopping.
(866) 415-0908
Website: http://ambergemsandmore.com
Carpatho-Rusyn Society Of America
A national organization, the Carpatho-Rusyn Society is to sustain, as worthy of preserving and perpetuation in their own right, the distinct culture, history, language, and heritage of the Carpatho-Rusyn people. We seek to nurture the expression of this knowledge and opportunity to learn, express, share, and enjoy the beauty and life affirming values of a living Rusyn heritage. Memberships available.
915 Dickson St.
Munhall, PA 15120-1929
412-567-3077
Web-Site: http://www.c-rs.org
Carpatho-Rusyn Store
The Carpatho-Rusyn Society Heritage Store provides both on-line and off-line (mail order) purchases. The Rusyn Store offers a variety of DVDs , language, history and culture books, magnets, pins and gifts. New items continue to be added.
Bonnie Burke
1101 Tanner Crossing Lane
Indian Land, SC 29707
https://c-rs.org/page-1827291
St. Anthony Chapel Gift Shop
The St. Anthony Chapel Gift Shop is open in conjunction with the daily hours of St. Anthony's Chapel. Many items are unique to the shop, including the St. Anthony's Chapel Rosary. Many other one-of-a-kind religious gifts can be found in the shop. Take some time to stop by and see us. We are open every day except Friday from Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Saint Anthony Chapel
1700 Harpster Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 999-4401
Website: https://pghshrines.org/chapel-gift-shop
Polish Falcons Of America - Fraternal Society
A national Polish founded fraternal organization. Upholding traditional Polish values by promoting financial security, active life-styles & social well-being. Many financial, social, cultural, athletic, sporting, scholarship and educational opportunities are available to its membership. For more information regarding the PFA , please contact John Denning at 800-535-2071 or by email at jdenning@polishfalcons.org.
PFA National Headquarters
1016 Greentree Rd.
Suite 201
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Phone: 412-922-2244
Toll-Free: 800-535-2071
Web-Site: http://polishfalcons.org
Skanumelis LLC - Homemade Lithuanian Food
Selling a variety of Skanumelis products: sakotis, treecake, smoked meats, homemade cheese, kibinai, bacon buns, lasinieciai, bow tie cookies, puff cookies. Experience the tradition of Lithuanian artisanship.
To place an order please call: 386-235-2839
Email: skanumelisnj@yahoo.com
Lithuanian Tree Cake Club Bakery
Baking and selling traditional Lithuanian Tree Cakes. The Lithuanian tree cake Sakotis (branched) or in Lithuanian community more popular as Raguolis (“spiked”) very popular desert that appears at most traditional Lithuanian weddings, birthday parties and/or other large parties.
To place your order just send your name, full address, phone number and size to lithuanianclub@gmail.com and we will ship cake to you next day or as soon we bake it.
Website: http://lithuanianshop.com/treecake
Nationality Room Scholarship Programs
The Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs began in 1926. As committees completed their rooms, they turned their attention to creating study abroad scholarships. The Nationality Rooms have awarded scholarships for summer study abroad annually since 1948. The purpose of the awards is to enable University of Pittsburgh students to have an in-depth immersion in another culture for at least five weeks. It is important that applicants choose a program that will maximize their contact with the populace abroad and be accepted by the University for credit. It is the farsightedness and generosity of the Nationality Rooms committees and their friends which have raised more than $3.5 million to provide these important intercultural exchange opportunities.
Nationality Rooms Programs & Intercultural Exchange Programs
Cathedral of Learning
4200 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-624-6100
Website: https://www.nationalityrooms.pitt.edu
Nationality Rooms Gift Shop
The Nationality Rooms Gift Center carries items from the countries our rooms represent and also from other countries. Our inventory of items is constantly changing based on availability. We celebrate international holidays with seasonal merchandise. Our mission is to educate the public to the traditions and history of the cultures of these countries.
Nationality Room Gift and Tour Center
Cathedral of Learning
First Floor - Fifth Avenue Entrance
4200 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412.624.6100
Website: https://www.nationalityrooms.pitt.edu