Last year there were over 35,000 people in attendance. This is not bad given that according to the census there is about 32,000 Polish born in Victoria. But then you need to add second and third generation and also the want to bes.

But then you could see a cross section of Australias multicultural population there – turbans, hiyabs, sarees, yarmulkes.

The queues for the pierogi (Polish dumplings), placki kartoflane (potato pancakes), kielbasa and bigos (sausage and hunters stew) and paczki (Polish donuts) were longer than a Bollywood film.

I didn’t have half a chance to have an intake of any calories.

The Okocim beer tents had large crowds as well.

Even the Australian cafes at Federation Square got into the spirit selling Polish beer.

I ended up with a red nose from the sun and swollen ankles from walking around the stalls.

There were performances from all the Polish folkloric groups in Melbourne plus Lajkonik (from Sydney) which specially came to Melbourne to perform at this event.

Pupils from the Polish Saturday schools performed as did the Polish scouts, girl guides and zuchy (cubs).

There were choirs, even capellas playing sentimental music.

It was wonderful to see three generations of some families all in attendance. I even bumped into friends I hadn’t seen in years.

The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Cllr Soo was amongst us as was the Consul General of the Republic of Poland.

All of this proves that the Victorian Polonia knows how to hold a great party. It was an excellent promotion of Polish culture and community.

If you didn’t go – see you next year.

More photos by Lucyna