The Lajkonik Procession Route in 2024
Note that year, due to construction works in Salwator, the procession route has been altered from its usual course. Beginning at 13:00 at the Waterworks (where the actor portraying Lajkonik and many in his merry band are employed), the procession will head down ul Senatorska through Plac na Stawach, collecting tributes from local merchants. From 13:45 to 14:30, Lajkonik will perform his first traditional dance in the yard of the Secondary School Complex No. 18 at ul. Senatorska 35, which is probably the best place to head this year if you want to introduce young children to this tradition. The procession then crosses ul. Kościuszki at ul. Flisacka and heads to the river boulevards where there will be some kind of silly clash between Lajkonik's band and some river riff-raff (14:45-15:15). The procession then heads to Dębnicki Bridge, Lajkonik Square (15:30) and Abecadło Antique Shop (15:30-15:45), before taking a rest at Smil'y Tavern (16:45-17:15).The band of misfits will then follow ul. Podzamcze to the Planty and perform a second dance near the Philharmonic (ul. Zwierzyniecka 1) from 18:00-18:15. While Lajkonik rests near Plac Wszystkich Świętych, performances of traditional Tartar folk dances will take place on the market square from 19:00-20:00, preparing the crowd for his arrival. From 19:30 the Lajkonik will head down ul. Grodzka, arriving at the market square at 20:00, where he will be greeted by the mayor and perform a final dance on the large stage there before parading around the square. Huzzah!
Watch the website of the National Museum in Kraków for full details about the route closer to the event date.