NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES | Wigilia: Polish Christmas tradition lives on in Minneapolis

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“Wigilia” is a wonderful Christmas Eve celebration well-known and beloved by Twin Citians of Polish descent. “Wigilia” derives from the Latin verb vigilare, “to watch”, and literally means ‘eve’. The feasting traditionally begins once the First Star has been sighted, usually by children, in the heavens at dusk.

There are several options so I’m focusing on just one, the Wigilia Dinner sponsored by PACIM, the Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota on Sunday, December 11, 6:00 p.m. at the Gasthof Restaurant, 2300 University Avenue NE. It’s a fundraiser for Polish orphanages – and tickets are still available!

The celebration features breaking of oplatek, traditional foods and singing of koledy.

Tickets are $35, mail to Paul Rog, 1213 Monroe Street NE, Minneapolis 55413 – include the names of the people attending; if you have questions contact Paul at 612 789 7972.

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