Weather forecasts called for heavy rain on Saturday, September 12, 2009, but that didn’t stop the crowds from celebrating Dozynki or the Polish Harvest Festival at Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Houston. Dozynki is a tradition that dates back for many centuries in Poland and symbolizes the end of the harvest for the farmers. It is a time of happiness, good food, folk dancing and live music. Fortunately, the weather forecasters were wrong and with the exception of a few sprinkles, the day turned out cloudy, but pleasant.
The entry to the festival was lined with booths selling raffle tickets, Polish t-shirts, ornaments, amber jewelery and lots of other nice items. There was a large area in the back with activities for the kids and a Bier Garden with covered tables for the adults. Delicious traditional Polish food such as pierogi, bigos and golabki was available as well as good Texas barbecue.
The most popular area at the festival was the large covered stage where the crowd was entertained by a variety of music, singing and folk dancing. The highlight of the afternoon was the Harvest Wreath ceremony followed by the Bread ceremony. At the end of the Bread ceremony, the children shared the bread with the audience.
Below are a few photos of the fun and there is a slideshow of many more photos on page 2.
Slideshow of many more photos on page 2
James Smock has always held an interest in his Polish ancestors and heritage. He is a native Houstonian with Polish roots in Bremond, Marlin and New Waverly, Texas.