Poland Events: Lajkonik Festival

First the parade, then the drinking in the underground bars. This Polish celebration dates back to 1241, but is now an excuse to indulge in beer and vodka.

It is astonishing how traditional celebrations get passed down throughout the years, only to suddenly morph into a good excuse for a drinking session. This is pretty much the case with the Lajkonik Festival in Krakow, southern Poland.

The historic city, in which Pope John Paul II was born, was in severe danger during the 13th century. The Mongol hordes had crossed Asia, and had made their way into Europe.

There was a real danger that Krakow would fall in 1241, but the city managed to hold firm when the Mongols were at the gates. A short siege was followed by a resounding defeat, and the people of Krakow were saved.

A traditional event, held every year on June 1st, was created to celebrate this. It is called the Lajkonik Festival, and it generally involves a man dressed as a Mongol warrior and riding a fake horse being followed around the city. The big parade includes musicians and street entertainers as well as the local people.

However, despite all the festivities and family-orientated fun, the main reason that most people appear to love the Lajkonik Festival is that it’s a convenient excuse to hit the bars.

On the evening and night of the festival, Krakow is buzzing, whether it’s in the terrace bars of the city’s main square or the underground cellar bars that dot the city.

Let’s face it, though – the attempted Mongol invasion of 1241 is hardly relevant to the people of Poland these days. They can hardly be blamed for not treating things solemnly – and it’s as good a reason as any to indulge in plenty of Polish beer (such as the delicious Zywiec) and vodka.