Hundreds of festive carolers and musicians romped through the streets of Fells Point with Santa Claus last night, singing and playing traditional holiday songs -- sometimes in English, other times in Polish -- on the eve of Christmas Eve.
"What's this all about?" a man said as he stumbled out of Broadway Liquors in the 600 block of S. Broadway, succinctly summing up the look of puzzlement on the faces of bar patrons and some shop owners who happened upon the procession.
The curious display of pre-Christmas merriment was part of the 32nd annual East Baltimore Christmas -- always held on Dec. 23, and started in 1971 by former resident Frank A. Bittner. It is based on a Polish old-country tradition in which friends and families travel from village to village and farm to farm, bringing the glee of the holiday season.
The Baltimore version has been handed down to children and grandchildren of the original participants, ensuring its survival, said Steven Lesniewski, president of the Polish Community Association of Maryland.
"It [the tradition] means family and togetherness, something that everybody has lost, it seems," said East Baltimore native Bill Scarpo, 49, who flew from Florida with his wife, Rebecca, to take part in the caroling with his Towson in-laws, nephews and aunt. "You don't see this anymore. Neighborhoods are not as close-knit as they used to be."
Before the 7 p.m. march began, carolers and musicians lined up in front of the Polish Home Club on South Broadway to brush up on carols or warm up their accordions, trumpets and saxophones -- to say nothing of the instrument-less who partook of some vodka "antifreeze" to stay warm.
In years past, musicians in horse-drawn carts accompanied the carolers on their Fells Point-area rounds. But last night, a faded red Ford pickup trimmed with holiday lights -- and hauling a sleigh-bound Santa -- stood in for the steeds.
Marching behind a color guard from the Polish Legion of American Veterans -- Pulaski Post 209, the revelers gave a rousing version of "Here Comes Santa Claus," paying no mind that it was South Broadway getting the Christmas regards.
The gathering elicited cheers from passers-by surrounding Broadway Market, some onlookers being handed songbooks and joining in.
"Where have I been?" said Glenda Louis, co-owner of the giftware shop Pearl O'Dell, as she stood at the store entrance staring at the crowd. "This is great."
There was a brief halt to in the joviality at O'Donnell Square, where a tribute was paid to Officer Michael Armiger, a 21-year veteran of the Southeastern District who died of a heart attack in 1994, at age 41.
Carolers sang "Silent Night" as participant Marianna Frederick tied a wreath in Armiger's memory to a pole at the square. He was the Polish Community Association of Maryland's first Officer of the Year.
The procession wound its way back to the Polish Home Club, where Polish cabbage, pierogi and chruscki prepared by Barbara Ulsch, one of the original organizers, awaited.
Said Magda Rybinska, 19, who emigrated a year and a half ago from the Polish city of Radom: "It's been amazing."