29 May: Lajkonik Procession

Lajkonik, also called “konik zwierzyniecki” (Zwierzyniec Horse) or “tatarzyn” (Tartar), is one of the official symbols of Krakow. Who is not familiar with the small, swift stallion carrying the bearded rider in a characteristic pointed hat in its saddle? We owe its current appearance, designed at the beginning of the 20th century, to Stanisław Wyspiański.

Lajkonik has its special day only once a year. This is a specifically determined and observed date – the first Tuesday after Corpus Christi. The course of the procession has not changed for over 100 years. About 1pm, Lajkonik appears in the courtyard of the Convent of Norbertine Sisters in Zwierzyniec, to perform a traditional dance with a flag, but above all, to pay respect to the Convent’s Mother Superior. Then, Lajkonik walks along Kościuszki, Zwierzyniecka, Franciszkańska and Grodzka Streets to the Main Square. Accompanied by old-time melodies, it prances, visits shops and restaurants, generously patting people with a mace and collecting donations in a basket.

The event usually reaches its climax about 7pm, on the stage in front of the Town Hall Tower, where, watched by crowds of Krakow's residents, the City's Mayor pays the traditional tribute to Lajkonik, and they both drink to the well-being of Krakow and its inhabitants.