Rękawka

Tradycja Rękawka or the 'Sleeve Festival' takes place every year just after Easter. It takes place on the Kopiec Krakusa, which is one of the four 'mounds' of Kraków. This mound is in the Southern part of the city and his named after the Polish king Krak. Legend has it that the Poles loved their king so much, that when he died, they built a burial mound for him by carrying dirt in their sleeves and dropping it on the spot where the current mound sits. 

Kopiec Krakusa

Village Folk

The festival once had religious ties, but today it simply demonstrates what life was like in the middle ages. A small medeival village is set up around the kopiec. People dress in traditional clothes, and sell goods such as swords, primitive jewelry, traditional food, etc. There are tents everywhere and little fires set up every few feet in the snow. Goods are sold from makeshift carts and tables. There are axe and sword fights that take place as well as several ceremonies. 

Swords, Shields, Bows & Arrows

I got to see part of the opening ceremony and then another ceremony that took place on the top of the kopiec. All the 'warriors' made their way to the top and some brush was lit on fire, they sang a few chants and then paraded back down again. Usually, everyone is allowed on the kopiec, but it was way too icy this year. It was unusual that it was so cold and snowy. But at least the sun was shining so it took awhile before we were all thoroughly frozen. 

Tents and firewood

I went with my teacher and classmates, even though we were on Easter Break. My teacher gave us a tour of the area and surrounding churches and talked about the history before leading us to the festival. 

Tents and a snowman

The view from the kopiec is striking and very different from that of any other part of the city. From one side you can see the entire city from the SouthWest corner. The view is completely unobstucted. From the other side, you can see what remains of the old factories where the Jews were 'employed' during WWII. It is a desolate and abandoned scene that is overgrown with a few remaining buildings standing alone. The spot is revered in Kraków. While I was standing at the fence, looking out over the Schindler Factory and other buildings, someone was playing the trumpet on the adjacent hill. The melody spread eerily across the little 'valley' and sounded like some type of commemoration. 

Looking Down at the Factories

The Kopiec

In order to reach the kopiec, you need to cross a bridge and of course, climb the hill. Apparently, the bridge was not necessary originally, but the gaping hole resulted from WWII and the bridge and road underneath were built to remedy the break. On the wall along the road are a series of murals depicting important events and figures in Polish history. It's almost a shame that it is along the 'expressway' because it can only be seen by pedestrians from a distance. 

Wall with Murals Depicting Polish History