Krakow Dragon Festival
The Krakow Dragon Festival in Poland includes the parade of giant, fire-breathing dragon puppets, accompanied by acrobats, musicians, and dancers.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, a major religious holiday in Poland, is celebrated with processions and elaborate floral decorations. Streets are adorned with banners, flowers and religious imagery. Each year on the Feast of Corpus Christi, communities across the country come together to create intricate colourful, fragrant floral carpets made from petals, leaves, and herbs. One of the most famous examples can be found in the village of Spycimierz, where this centuries-old custom was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021.
The floral designs often include religious symbols, geometric patterns, and images inspired by Polish folklore, reflecting both faith and creativity. This unique blend of devotion, community spirit, and artistry offers a fascinating glimpse into Poland’s rich cultural and spiritual life. The festivities provide a colourful and unique experience.
Wianki Festival, Kraków
Every June in Kraków a huge party called the Wianki Festival, or Festival of Wreaths celebrates the start of summer. The festivities include the tradition pf floating flower wreaths down the Vistula River along with concerts, plays, art workshops, lots of local food and a fireworks show at the end. Strawberry Festival (Truskawkobranie) Kaszuby, in northern Poland’s Pomerania region, hosts an annual local harvest festival celebrating the strawberry crop and rich cultural heritage. There are strawberry food and drink, local crafts, lively folk music and dance, The area with its traditional villages, can be an add-on from Gdansk.
Lajkonik Parade, Kraków
On the first Thursday after Corpus Christi, a man dressed as a Tatar warrior, called the Lajkonik, rides a hobby horse through the streets. The Lajkonik dances and playfully taps people with a mace for good luck. Locals join in, wearing costumes, for this fun street parade that celebrates victory over the Tatars. Visitors can join in the spectacle as it culminates in the city’s main market square
