It's not just the beer, but perhaps the kielbasa

Many outside of Milwaukee view the city as a society of beer guzzling, brat binging cheese heads. While beer is what made Milwaukee famous and quite frankly the brats are fantastic (with grilled onion, ketchup, and sauerkraut), I'll tell you that the essence of Milwaukee isn’t just about tailgating and breweries. It’s the diversity of everyday people and their cultures that makes Milwaukee unique.

Milwaukeeans are so diverse that we unite our different customs and heritage at ethnic festivals held summer-long. Whether Irish or Italian, Hispanic or Polish, African-American or German, the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan becomes packed with people looking to learn about a different heritage or celebrate their own by sampling food, dance, music and experiencing part of what makes Milwaukee great, its diverse culture.

I’m from the Polish-Italian heritage, which is why I love the festivals that celebrate my background. Polish Fest is an event I attend annually (with a last name like Cinpinski, it’s a sin to miss it!). There you’re cultured in the art of Polka, sounds of the accordion, sites of babushka wearing women, and tastes or smells of traditional pierogi and kielbasa. (Polish Fest vendors have pierogi recipes comparable to Grandma Cinpinski’s, which are the best hands down, but I'm a bit biased!)

You don’t have to be Polish, you don’t even have to like Polka music. It’s not about that. It’s a gathering of teens looking for nightlife, families spending a fun afternoon together, and adults experiencing the sights and sounds with friends. On the other hand, maybe you desire to binge on multiple Polish sausages or learn Wisconsin’s state dance to keep pace with the seasoned dancers stomping along to the oompahs of the brass bands. Either way, you’re sure to leave with Polkas ringing in your ear and a full belly whether you like it or not!
 
While no single event can demonstrate the full Milwaukee experience, by learning the customs of Milwaukeeans, you’ll begin to understand what Milwaukee is truly about. Milwaukee’s ethnic festivals have begun and will continue all summer-long, so grab your grandpa’s lederhosen, your ma’s babushka, some luck of the Irish or your Salsa dancing shoes and head to the fest that celebrates your favorite heritage.

Remember, it’s our different cultures that make Milwaukee great, not just the beer.

Comments

[Alison]

I love Polish food! My grandpa has his own smoke house and makes homemade kielbasa for family gatherings!