Detrioit Free Press staff

About 150 dancers from 15 different Polish dance organizations were thanked for their work to preserve Polish heritage at the 15th Annual Blessing of the Detroit Area Polish American Dance Ensembles, a special Mass held Sunday at Saint Hyacinth Catholic Church in Detroit.



Included were dancers as young as 3 years old, on up to dancers in their 60s, all dressed in colorful, authentic costumes representing different regions of Poland. The Mass included a special offertory of gifts reflecting the Polish heritage and faith.

Each year, a different element of Polish heritage is highlighted as a learning opportunity. This year's special Mass highlighted the Easter custom of Swieconka — the blessing of the Easter baskets — one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions of Holy Saturday.