One of the most beautiful Cracovian traditions is the Lajkonik Parade: on the octave of Corpus Christi, the dancing rider on a wooden horse, in a bright Tatar outfit and surrounded by a noisy pageant, once again travels from Zwierzyniec to the Main Market Square where he collects a tribute from the Mayor of Kraków and joins him in raising a toast to the city’s residents. The custom dates back to the mid-18th century, but the popular legend on Kraków being saved from a Tatar raid by plucky raftsmen goes back even further.
Make sure you don’t miss Lajkonik's frolics, and don’t shy away from strikes of his mace – they will bring you luck in the coming year!
