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National Polka Month fills January with the lively sounds of the accordion and the joy of dance. This month-long celebration encourages everyone to embrace the genre’s rich cultural heritage. Find a local polka event, learn a new step, or simply enjoy the infectious rhythms.
Want to sponsor National Polka Month? Learn how
Expected National Polka Month Deals
Throughout National Polka Month, expect music stores and instrument retailers to offer promotions on accordions, sheet music, and other folk instruments. Dance studios may introduce special beginner polka classes or discounted rates for the month. Online music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music often curate special polka playlists, while local venues might host themed nights with drink specials. Keep an eye on regional cultural centers and German/Polish heritage societies for event-specific deals. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January approaches.
Platform Guide for National Polka Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalPolkaMonth. Share videos of your best polka moves or photos from local polka events.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPolkaMonth. Share community events, historical facts, or your favorite polka bands.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalPolkaMonth. Film short, fun tutorials on basic polka steps or showcase accordion covers of popular songs.
National Polka Month Hero
Frankie Yankovic
History of National Polka Month
Polka is a form of dance music that originated in Bohemia, an area in the Czech Republic. Polka music became popular in the United States, thanks to Eastern European communities who settled in the Midwest and Great Lakes region.
The International Polka Association or the IPA was instrumental in conceptualizing National Polka Music Month in 1968. The idea was to promote polka music in January, a relatively quiet month for music in Chicago. The rest of the year was usually chock-a-block with music events, and polka music was sure to fly under the radar.
In support of January being National Polka Music Month, polka musicians played at the Polonia ballroom in Chicago every Friday night. These Friday evenings featured different polka forms and, of course, the lively polka dances.
Polka is often synonymous with the German Oktoberfest, but it’s much more popular in the Czech and Slovakian regions. You’ll also find that European polka is far more traditional than American polka, which contains several influences.
The accordion is the star of every polka band. It brings much of the signature polka sound we love so much. Polka bands can also include clarinets, fiddles, guitars, bass, and percussion. Basic polka has a 2/4 rhythm that’s amazingly upbeat and perfect for dancing. Song lyrics often talk about love and loss, even food.
The United States has three mainstream styles of polka music: Polish, Czech, and German. The Polish style originated in Chicago and has two sub-styles: the Chicago Honky and the Chicago Push.
Despite the passage of time and changing music tastes, polka has survived. People all over the world appreciate it. Many bands have combined polka with other music styles and made it work beautifully. Every January, Polka Music Month preserves the cultural heritage of polka music and honors its musicians.
National Polka Month timeline
Anna Slazak, a Czech farm girl, creates the first 'polka step,' which she calls 'Madera' for its liveliness.
Anna dances the Madera to a folk song titled ‘Strycek Nimra Koupil Simla,’ or ‘Uncle Nimra Brought a White Horse.’
Polka music and dancing become popular in the ballrooms of Prague.
Musicians in Chicago celebrate the first Polka Music Month in January.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Polka Month
Local businesses can embrace National Polka Month by hosting themed events or offering special promotions. Restaurants and bars could feature ‘Polka Nights’ with live music, traditional Central European cuisine, and drink specials. Dance studios might introduce beginner polka workshops or offer discounts on lessons throughout January. Music stores can highlight accordions and other folk instruments, while community centers can organize family-friendly polka dances to foster local engagement.
National Polka Month FAQs
When is National Polka Month?
In 2027, National Polka Month will again run for the entire month of January, from January 1 through January 31. It’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in the genre’s rich traditions.
What are the origins of polka music?
The lively dance and music style known as polka emerged from the folk traditions of Bohemia in the 1830s. It quickly spread across Europe and to the Americas, becoming a beloved staple in many immigrant communities, particularly those of Central and Eastern European descent.
How popular is polka music today?
Polka enjoys enduring popularity among its enthusiasts, with numerous festivals, radio programs, and dedicated musicians keeping the tradition alive. It’s a vibrant niche genre that continues to attract new fans through its joyful and communal nature.
What instruments are typically used in polka music?
A traditional polka ensemble prominently features the accordion, which carries the melody and harmonic rhythm. Other common instruments include the tuba or bass guitar for the bass line, drums for percussion, and various brass and woodwind instruments to add texture and counter-melodies.
National Polka Month Activities
Attend a polka festival
Start the year with double the energy at a polka festival near you. The lucky folks in Chicago can look up bands performing as part of the IPA festival. Or, make your way to the Polka Festival in Ennis, Texas, featuring live bands, parades, dances, and more.
Learn how to polka
Polka dance is one of the liveliest forms there is. January’s a good month to learn basic polka. Sign up for polka classes or a polka event. You can even find an online video and learn the steps at home.
Listen to polka music
Begin your polka music education with the genre’s best musicians. Check out the music of Frankie Yankovic, Walter Ostanek, and Eddie Blazonczyk.
5 Facts About Accordions That Will Blow Your Mind
Officially the best instrument
Detroit, Skokie, and St. Paul have recognized the accordion as their official city instrument.
Accordions are valuable and very expensive
Most accordions are handcrafted by skilled artisans who have been making the instruments for generations.
Italy, the heart of accordion manufacturing
You can find the world’s leading accordion manufacturers in a town called Castelfidardo, located in the Ancona province.
It has a nickname
In the United States, musicians affectionately refer to the accordion as 'the squeezebox.'
A truly international instrument
Accordion music is popular in countries like the United States, Mexico, Europe, Brazil, Colombia, and Canada.
Why We Love National Polka Month
A celebration of Czech heritage
Polka music may sound effortless but is rooted in rich history and tradition. Polka Music Month offers insight into the genre and also to Czech heritage.
The energy
A month-long music festival is always fantastic. And when there’s polka music involved, celebrations reach ultimate levels. We love the energy and zest for life that polka brings.
January celebrations
You know how the festive spirit tends to fade away right after New Year's Day? Well, it doesn’t need to, thanks to Polka Music Month. We say it’s January, and the party’s just getting started.
Social Media Tips for National Polka Month
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