polish people have been prevalent from the city's early history, but the largest waves of immigration were in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; they have been influential in the economic and social development of chicago. this is one of the most important centers of polonia. the taste of polonia festival in jefferson park celebrates polish culture annually on labor day weekend. the southwest side is home to the largest concentration of gorals (carpathian highlanders) outside europe. the southwest side is also the location of the polish highlanders alliance of north america. many polish churches are found in chicago, built in the polish cathedral style of architecture. some can be seen from the kennedy expressway, other roadways, and public transportation routes, as well as from the neighborhood streets.