The clank of swords was to be heard echoing over the spires of Podgorze this Tuesday as medieval warfare had returned to Cracow.
Dozens of knights in chain-mail clashed by the pagan burial mound of Prince Krak, founder of the city of Cracow. However, no arrests were made by the police nor was any blood spilled. Indeed, the merry sword-hacking antics were instigated not by some mysterious modern day cult, but by good honest citizens who were celebrating the much-loved festival of Rekawka.
For many centuries, Rekawka was one of the most cherished festivals in Cracow's calendar. It echoed a ancient pagan tradition, but by the nineteenth century the festival had evolved into a sort of jolly fair to round off the Easter holiday.
Rekawka always took place on the stretch of upland above Podgorze, which lies to the south of the city centre. Here lies the splendid burial mound of Prince Krak, which boasts a magnificentl view over the city. It is said that the ancient Cracovians built the mound with earth that was carried in their sleeves (Rekawki) but there is no factual information to shed light on the origins of the title Rekawka.
The festival faded away during the Cold War era but it has been revived in recent times and it has since become a great hit with local children. All kinds of medieval capers are organized, from cake-rolling shenanigans to musical performances.
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