Colors of Krakow - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Local people are very sensitive to the customs of their ancestors. It’s hard to find such a large number of interesting traditions and national holidays in any other city in Poland. Every year in June locals celebrate the holiday called "procession of Lajkonik". A rider wearing Tatar national costume makes a solemn procession on the streets of the city. Local residents greet him with enthusiastic cheers, and escort to the Market Square. This is the way the Poles celebrate their victory over the Tatar-Mongols, who were defeated in 1241.

Puppet shows are very popular in the city. Not only children, but also adults come to see them. Often the presentations are devoted to religious themes. Puppet shows are usually organized in large urban areas. Most often such amusing performances can be seen on Christmas Eve, when all residents gather at Krakow’s Market Square. It should be noted that many fascinating stories are connected with this square. It is believed that a herald trumpet, who was on duty on the square, was the first person who warned the residents of the city of the approaching Tatar army.

During a year a huge number of festivals and important cultural events take place in Krakow. These events attract travelers from all over the world. So, on April is conducted the Festival of student songs - one of the most anticipated and funny events for youth. The festival entitled "Music in Old Krakow", which is usually held in late August, also attracts music lovers. Fans of dancing should not miss a popular festival named "Polonaise", which takes place in October. Also, local residents celebrate a huge number of religious holidays, each of which is related to numerous interesting customs. Thus, the feast of the Assumption is the time for interesting fairs and carnivals. Special culinary competitions have become one of the main attributes of holidays in this amazing city. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

During the year in Krakow, there is a huge number of festivals and significant cultural events, which are visited by travelers from all countries. In April, the Student Song Festival takes place - one of the most anticipated and happy youth holidays. Attracts music lovers and another celebration - a festival called "Music in Old Krakow", which usually takes place in the second half of August. Dancing lovers enjoy the Polonaise Festival, which takes place in October. Also, local residents celebrate a huge number of religious holidays, with each of which many interesting customs are associated. So, on the Assumption Day, there are a huge amount of interesting fairs and carnival processions in the city. The usual attribute of any bright holiday in Krakow is the culinary competitions.

At the beginning of June for two days a year, the old city of Krakow turns into the mysterious oriental place filled with numerous ancient mythical creatures, led by the dragon - one of the symbols of the former capital of Poland. According to the legend, the dragon lived in a cave under the Wawel Hill and, as usual, terrorized the City of Kings. This old city legend was staged for the first time by the local Groteska Theatre in 2000. The Great Dragon Parade or the Wielka Parada Smoków takes place in the historic area of Staré Misto and has quickly evolved into an annual tradition. The procession of giant snakes fills not only the streets but all the water and air space of the city. Fantastic creatures of various colors: snarling and fire-breathing, moving on stilts and wheels, floating and flying. The street parade is complemented by the masquerade of knights and court ladies, as well as games and mass folk dances. The festivities are accompanied by musical, laser and luxury pyrotechnic shows.

The month of June continues to gladden the tourists with the chain of bright events. The Lajkonik, which is considered an unofficial symbol of Krakow, obtained its own holiday - the Lajkonik Festival. It takes place on the first Thursday after the Corpus Christi. On this day, without reference to the weather, the rider in the bright clothes rides around the city on the wooden horse. The big company of people dressed in national costumes, gonfaloniers, and musicians follow the rider. The first stop Lajkonik does in the courtyard of the St. Norbert monastery, and then, along with his retinue, makes a circle through the city streets. The procession comes to the end at the Market Square, where the loud rider performs a dashing dance. The origin and the meaning of this custom remain unknown even for the local people. The most popular legend connects the festival with the latest, in the history of Krakow, the attack of the Tatars.