Whilst many of the grown-ups were in reflective mood this morning at the news of the Pope's failing health, younger Cracovians struck a lighter note when hundreds of schoolchildren descended on the Market Square to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Hans Christian Andersen.
School groups from across Cracow were taking part in the festivities, and a large stage was set up on the eastern half of the square. Cracovians have always been fond of fairy tales, and there are enough legends about Cracow to rival the efforts of the Brothers Grimm.
Throwing themselves into the spirit of the event, the young fans donned brightly coloured fancy dress costumes, with the Tin Soldier and the Ugly Duckling providing the most popular sources of inspiration. A flotilla of banners waved above the crowd, and the children joined in song, making the most of the Spring sunshine. The Pope, who served the Church for thirty years in Cracow and who was also a life-long fan of literature, would have been heartened by the scene.
|