Chicago Polonia: Shopping for Andrzejki (St. Andrew’s Day) Party
A guide to celebrating Andrzejki (St. Andrew's Day) in Chicago with a budget-friendly party.
Chicago Polonia: Shopping for Andrzejki (St. Andrew’s Day) Party
Andrzejki, or St. Andrew’s Day, is a Polish tradition that’s all about fun, food, and fortune-telling. Celebrated on the night of November 29th, it’s the perfect excuse to gather your friends and family for a festive party before the start of Advent. Here’s how to host a budget-friendly Andrzejki party in Chicago.
The Food
No Polish party is complete without a delicious spread of food. Here are a few traditional Andrzejki treats that are both easy to make and affordable.
- Pączki: These Polish doughnuts are a must-have for any celebration. You can find them at any Polish bakery in Chicago, or you can try making your own at home. Look for sales on flour, sugar, and oil at your local Jewel-Osco.
- Sałatka Jarzynowa (Vegetable Salad): This classic Polish potato salad is a party staple. It’s made with potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
- Śledzie (Herring): Pickled herring is a traditional Polish appetizer. You can find it at most Jewel-Osco stores or at a Polish deli.
- Bigos (Hunter’s Stew): This hearty and flavorful stew is the perfect comfort food for a cold November night. It’s made with a variety of meats and sauerkraut, and it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients.
The Fortune-Telling Games
The most unique part of an Andrzejki party is the fortune-telling games. The most popular game involves pouring hot wax through the hole of a key into a bowl of cold water. The shape of the hardened wax is then used to predict the future.
The Drinks
No Polish party is complete without a little something to drink. Polish beer is always a good choice, and you can also make a simple “szarlotka” (apple pie) cocktail with Polish vodka and apple juice.
The Music
Create a playlist of your favorite Polish music to set the mood for the party. From traditional folk music to modern pop, there’s a wide variety of Polish music to choose from.
This Andrzejki, embrace this fun and festive Polish tradition and celebrate with your friends and family. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season without breaking the bank.