Lajkonik is one of Krakow’s most colorful and lively customs — a procession led by a rider on a mock horse accompanied by standard-bearers and Tatars, traditionally marching from Zwierzyniec to the Main Market Square. It’s a great opportunity to show young people a local legend, see bright costumes and hear Krakow melodies outdoors.
For teenagers and children it’s not just a spectacle: it’s also a chance to take cool photos, feel the energy of celebrating crowds and take part in small rituals (for example, a symbolic tap with a mace that’s said to bring good luck). Live culture, movement, music and elements of street theatre connect with young people far better than dry history lectures.
In short: Lajkonik is an event for everyone — bring young people because it’s a sensory, educational and joyful experience.
A few practical facts: the procession takes place during the octave of Corpus Christi (in 2025 it was held on June 26), it starts near the Krakow Waterworks and finishes at the Main Market Square, where the official ending and the symbolic presentation of the "tribute" to the city take place.
Organizationally the event is one of the city traditions supported by local cultural institutions — so on the day of Lajkonik you can often find additional animations and presentations for children on squares and monastery courtyards along the route.
Morning: calm meet-ups and a short introduction. Before you head to the route, tell the group the Lajkonik legend in a few sentences — it’s a compact, engaging story that helps young people understand what they’re about to see.
Before noon: an outdoor lesson or workshop. Museums and cultural centers often offer short art workshops or costume displays — perfect for making a paper Lajkonik or learning a simple dance.
Midday (procession start): the procession usually appears around 12:30–13:00 (the start point is near the Krakow Waterworks on Senatorska Street). Plan to arrive at the route about 20–30 minutes before the procession to find a comfortable viewing spot.
Afternoon: finale at the Main Market Square. After the ceremony there are often additional performances and animations. It’s a good moment for a group photo, a short city-game or handing out small souvenirs.
Evening: a relaxed walk around the Planty, ice cream or pizza in a well-lit, safe part of the city and a debrief — what the young people remembered and what surprised them.
Start (Senatorska): a good spot if you want to see the procession’s entrance and first performances. Less crowded than the Market Square and convenient for school groups because there’s room to assemble.
Norbertine monastery courtyard: short performances and meetings with children usually take place there — a great place for a closer, more intimate experience than the crowded Market.
Tadeusz Kościuszko Street and surrounding areas: the procession stops at local points along the way — an opportunity to watch the banner dance and see interactions with residents.
Main Market Square (finale): the most spectacular but also the most crowded place. If you go with young people, pick a spot to the side of the main pedestrian area (for example near the town hall tower) — visibility will be better and it’s easier to keep the group together.
General rule: for groups with younger teens avoid the densest crowd in the middle of the Market — choose side alleys or a square near the route where you can see the orchestra and Lajkonik while still having some space.
Mini art workshop "Make your own Lajkonik": simple paper or cardboard templates, paints and decorations. This activity can be run at the meeting point or earlier indoors.
City game "In Lajkonik’s footsteps": several checkpoints (for example Krakow Waterworks, Norbertine courtyard, a local antiquarian, the riverside boulevard) with short historical and photo tasks. Works great with phones and teaches orientation in the city.
Short film/live report made by the young people: assign roles — photographer, short interviewer, commentary about the tradition — then edit a short video to watch together in the evening.
Dance and Polish melodies workshop: a quick lesson in simple steps you’ll see during the procession. It helps understand rhythm and the ritual character of the event.
Photography challenge: tasks like “most interesting costume detail” or “best motion shot” — perfect for creative teenagers.
Agree a fixed meeting point and time (for example by the fountain on the Planty or at the entrance to the Norbertine courtyard). In crowds it’s easy to get separated, so a quick reminder of a few basic rules before entering the crowd works wonders.
Clothing and weather: dress in layers. In June the weather can be changeable — umbrellas and light ponchos are useful, but have an emergency plan in case of heavy rain.
Food and drinks: bring water bottles (you can refill later) and small snacks. There are venues near the route, but queues can be long when it’s busy.
Toilets and first aid: identify the nearest toilets and pharmacy. It’s worth having a first-aid kit and basic dressings for larger groups.
Phone and contacts: write the guardian’s phone number on a card in each younger participant’s backpack. For older groups, set one contact entry in everyone’s phone with the guardian’s number.
Legends and facts: tell the legend about defending Krakow from invaders, then add that historical records show Lajkonik celebrations as early as the 18th century. This simple mix of myth and fact helps explain how the tradition survived through the centuries.
Symbolism: the tap with the mace is supposed to bring good luck — it’s part of the fun and interaction, not a threat. The Tatar costumes and colorful plumes come from theatrical convention and over time became a recognizable city symbol.
Between past and present: emphasize that Lajkonik is an example of living culture — an event that brings residents together, is part of local identity and continues to shape city customs.
Keep it short, engaging and without too many details — young people are more likely to remember an anecdote than a long lecture.
Worth adding: around the event there are often art competitions and workshops for children, so check local cultural institutions before you go.
Mini paper Lajkoniks or keychains with a horse as prizes for finishing the city game.
A group photo at the Market finish — printed or shared digitally as a keepsake.
Cards with a short description of the legend that young people can sign and take home as a “certificate of participation”.
Avoid expensive souvenirs for large groups — simple, handmade trinkets work best and feel more personal.
If you want to buy something, choose local stalls or small craft shops — you support residents and get a nice keepsake.
A short walk through Zwierzyniec and the boulevards along the Vistula: a pleasant place to rest after the procession, space for games and conversations about what happened.
A visit to a local antiquarian bookshop or a small gallery (if your schedule allows) — small cultural events are often organized there on the day of the procession.
City museums with exhibitions about Krakow traditions: a good place to deepen knowledge after the show and use prepared educational programs.
If the group likes physical activity, a short bike ride around the Planty is a nice change after standing in the crowd.
Choose attractions according to the group’s age and temperament — younger children need more breaks, while teenagers engage more with creative tasks.
1. Arrive 20–30 minutes early to find a comfortable spot and establish a meeting point.
2. Bring water, small snacks and a first-aid kit; dress in layers.
3. Choose a viewing spot suited to the group’s age — side streets and courtyards often work better than the Market center.
4. Prepare a short engaging task for the group (workshop, city-game, photo contest) — it helps focus attention and builds shared memories.
5. After the event give the young people a moment to reflect — what they liked and what surprised them. It’s a great practical lesson in local culture.
If you’d like, I can prepare a sample city-game “In Lajkonik’s footsteps” with checkpoints and tasks tailored to your group’s age and available time — tell me the age range and how much time you have.
