CHICOPEE, Mass (WWLP) – The City of Chicopee came together to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day.

A student from Saint Stanislaus School in Chicopee helped to raise the Polish flag at City Hall. Saint Joseph’s Day celebrates the Patron Saint of Poland, known in Western Christian traditions as the husband of the Virgin Mary and the legal father of Jesus.

Chicopee Mayor John Vieau told 22News he is proud to celebrate his Polish heritage … and what people in Poland are doing for Ukrainian refugees.

“They’re reaching out to them, giving them citizenship, and allowing those refugees to have a safe haven to go to. Hopefully, it’s temporary. We pray for peace in Ukraine and we are proud to celebrate Polish heritage here in Chicopee today,” said Vieau.

In the Polish tradition, families celebrate the day with a meat-less feast, known as a “festive fast” because it is Lent season.