The legend of Krakow’s dragon, which once live in a cave beneath Wawel Castle and was vanquished by a quick-thinking shoemaker by way of a sheep carcass stuffed with sulphur is well known to Cracovians young and old. The shoemaker’s reward was the hand of the king’s daughter in marriage – and the story is celebrated each year in Krakow, with the annual Dragon Parade.
This year, the theme of the parade will be Poland’s neighbours, and will include competitions, fireworks, lasers, music… and huge dragons flying across the river, courtesy of the city’s Groteska Theatre. The theatre regularly wins awards for its innovative performances, visuals and puppetry, so you can expect something quite special. And, best of all, it’s free to enter. The main event will take place on the evening of June 2, with the river parade. Thousands of spectators are expected to line the river bank, which will get a carnival makeover for the duration. On the following day, June 3,there will be a courtly parade along ul. Grodzka to the Main Square in Krakow – with knights, princesses and more. All afternoon on both days, there will be puppetry and entertainment throughout the city.
Event Timetable
Saturday 2nd June
4pm – 9pm: Family picnic by the river
10pm-11pm: Dragon parade on the river
Sunday 3rd June
10am-7pm: Family picnic by the river
Noon-2.30pm: Parade of dragons, knights and ladies, along ul. Grodzka to the Main Square.
