Happy Dyngus Day, western New York!

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Everyone's Polish in Buffalo on Dyngus Day, so get out the pussy willows and get ready to polka.

Buffalo calls itself the Dyngus Day capital of the world, and it's hard to argue when you see the festivities that break out in the Queen City every year the day after Easter.

The modern Dyngus Day got started here in Buffalo back in the 60's thanks to celebrations held by the Chopin Singing Society, and it's been growing ever since.

"It turned out to be a hell of a party!" said "Airborne" Eddy Dobosiewicz, co-founder of Dyngus Day. " Dyngus day caught on for a number of reasons. First, dyngus is a funny word, it's spelled with a "y," people don't know what it means, there's all of these quirky little rituals"

The "quirky little rituals" include boys sprinkling girls that they fancy with water,,,and the girls striking back with a tap from a pussy willow branch. Combine that with the drinking that goes on at most Dyngus Day bashes and you get some crazy times. There's plenty more on the traditions here .

"It's just the right time of the year after the long, cold, dreary, days of winter," said Dobosiewicz. "The days are getting longer, getting warmer, and people are looking for an excuse to get out and have fun. You know what it is? It's Fat Tuesday on the other side of Lent. Instead of a party the day before Lent starts, it's a party the day after Lent ends."

So where can you go to join in the fun? There's a full day of events in Buffalo's Polonia district and you'll find a schedule here .

The main event is the big parade that steps off at 5 at Corpus Christi Church and ends at the huge party at the Central Terminal on Paderewski Drive. From there, you can check out events at a bunch of other churches within walking distance.

So have fun, happy Dyngus Day, and na zdrowie. And be sure to send us your best Dyngus Day Report It pictures here !