The Royal City of Krakow has very rich history and cultural heritage, boasts numerous unique traditions and educational practices. Krakow officially was a capital of Poland till 1795.
Cultural traditions
- Lajkonik tradition involves a procession featuring a man dressed as a Tatar warrior riding a wooden horse. It takes place annually on the Thursday after Corpus Christi and symbolizes the victory over the Tatars in the 13th century.
- Hejnał Mariacki, every hour, a trumpet signal is played from the northern tower of St. Mary's Basilica (Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) in four directions. It can be heard both day and night, and at 12:00 noon it is broadcast live by Polish Radio Program I. The melody abruptly ends, commemorating the legendary trumpeter who was shot while warning the city of a Tatar invasion.
- Siuda Baba, celebrated on Easter Monday, is a tradition involves men dressing up as an old woman covered in soot, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
- Rękawka, held on the Tuesday after Easter, is an event placed at Krakus Mound. It includes historical reenactments and the distribution of food and sweets, symbolizing ancient spring rituals.
- Wianki, associated with the summer solstice, is a pagan tradition involves floating wreaths on the Vistula River and is celebrated with bonfires and festivities.
Educational traditions
- Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, is one of the oldest universities in Europe and a significant center of learning and research in Poland.
- AGH University of Krakow, our host, is a leading strong engineering and technical university in Poland, contributing significantly to scientific advancements.
- Cultural Festivals hosts numerous educational and cultural festivals, such as the Kraków Film Festival, the Jewish Culture Festival, and the Conrad Festival, which promote learning and cultural exchange.
These traditions and institutions highlight Kraków's unique blend of historical heritage and modern educational excellence.
Let the words of the song be an invitation to visit Kraków:
Here, we walk around with the moon in our buttonhole
Here, the best poems are born in spring
And with a different rhythm, here, the hearts of people beat
Team "Pod Budą"
