A popular area brewery might already be hosting “Karbachtoberfest,” but parishioners at Our Lady of Częstochowa Roman Catholic Church in the Spring Branch District are still celebrating a Polish festival traditionally held in September.
The Houston Polish Harvest Festival, known as Dożynki, kicked off Friday night and continues through 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at 1731 Blalock Rd.
The Polish celebration usually begins with a ceremony and procession, as people carry harvest wreaths and bread through the community. From there, they celebrate with music, folk performances, dancing and, of course, plenty of Polish food.
Details may change from place to place, but the idea at the heart of Dożynki is always simple: give thanks for what the land provided, honor the work and share what you have.
On Friday night in Houston, organizers of the local Polish Harvest Festival welcomed community members — many of whom were trying Polish food and experiencing Polish traditions for the first time.
Aude Faugere of Bellaire arrived soon after the festival opened, secured a prime parking spot and waited in virtually no line for drinks and food — a good strategy for next year for anyone who’d like to get in, park close and eat and drink without a wait.
Sauerkraut is a Polish staple but not a favorite of Faugere’s, so she was pleasantly surprised to learn she loved sauerkraut and mushroom pierogis, one of three types of pierogis (dumplings) on offer at the festival this weekend.
“The mushrooms really make the flavor. I’m a fan,” she said.
Faugere also praised the Polish doughnuts — or pączki — filled with raspberry jam available at the dessert table.
Others nearby were feasting on generous slices of Polish street pizza called “zapiekanka,” as well as Polish sausage on a stick and enormous stuffed cabbage rolls. The list of Polish foods available is extensive and, compared to other large events, relatively affordable. The portions are definitely big, and parish volunteers cook everything using family recipes.
All food and drinks are sold via tickets, and ticket booths sit at the main entrance and beside the food tent. A ticket costs $3.50, and a full Polish Plate runs 6 tickets — the most food for your money. If you’re 21 or over, two tickets will get you a cold Polish beer.
Poured only at the festival: a Polish recipe beer brewed by Baa Baa Brewhouse in Brookshire, Texas. Also available for the first time at the festival — the popular Polish beer brand Żywiec, along with wine and soft drinks.
Sunday, the festival wraps up with a special Catholic Mass, followed by performances and activities that honor Polish traditions and, of course, more food and drink.
Free parking and shuttles are available off-site, including at Memorial Assistance Ministries, 1625 Blalock Rd.
For shopping aficionados, the festival’s most popular attraction is the Silent Auction, featuring a varied collection of handmade porcelain, jewelry, art and costumes. It’s a chance to take home unique treasures made by artisans, many brought over to Houston from Poland by parishioners, including vintage and more modern pieces. The auction space also features “buy it now” items, including pieces priced as low as $5.
Established in 1982, Our Lady of Częstochowa Catholic Church is the spiritual and cultural center for Houston’s large, vibrant Polish community, with an estimated 55,000 people of Polish descent living in the area.
If this weekend is already booked for your family, the Polish Food Store at 1780 Blalock Rd. is open year-round and stocked with traditional and authentic Polish cuisine, including fresh and smoked meats, sausage and ham, herring, cheeses, frozen pierogi, soup mixes, sauerkraut, condiments, candies and more.
For more information about the Harvest Festival, visit https://houstonpolishfest.com/
— Dorothy Puch Lillig
