#176: Dyngus Day Preview

I've been staring at my computer for the past 10 minutes wondering what to write for this post. Not for lack of information mind you, but more for lack of clear instruction. We are "365 Things to Do in South Bend", but what exactly should I recommend that you do? For, as many of you reading this probably already know, Dyngus Day in South Bend is a particularly unique and important city tradition. So unique, in fact, that it almost defies explanation. I will, however, try my best. For those of you out there with more information and experience  (really all of you out there) please forgive any errors and send corrections/updated information/interesting facts our way!

Dyngus Day is the name given to the Monday after Easter. Easter Monday is celebrated most widely in Eastern Europe throughout Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. In those countries, it is alternately a courting ritual, a religious holiday, or a just a day for kids to pour water on each others heads. While our holiday here in South Bend originates from these traditions, the Northern Indiana version has turned political. Dyngus Day has been described as the "official beginning to the political primary season" and notable Indiana politicians as well as Robert F. Kennedy (in 1968) have turned up for the big day. And a big day it is. South Bend has even declared itself the Dyngus Day Capital of the World. Festivities are held all around town and feature appetites, both political and gastronomical. There's a rumor some start cooking the sauerkraut at 5:00am in the morning.

The celebrations continue all day at various restaurants, bars, and political meeting clubs so regardless of your political affiliation head out to one of those. Or you know what? Celebrate at home. Cook up some sausage and sauerkraut, put on some polka music, open up a friendly debate about local politics, and, well, that sounds like something to do on Dyngus Day in South Bend to me.