Enthronement Of The Fowler King
A host of proud, moustachioed fellows, decked out in the oriental styled noblemans outfits of old, will descend on the square tomorrow for a time-honoured ceremony - the Enthronement of the Fowler King.
In medieval times, Cracow's guilds helped to defend the city, and the Fowler KIng was the valiant chap who fired the best shot in the annual shooting contest. The prize is a magnificent silver fowl that is said to have been presented by the Renaissance King Sigismund II Augustus.
The Fowler guild is one of the oldest in Cracow, stretching back some 700 years. The members are the proud heirs of the merchants and artisans of old - shopkeepers, small traders and businessmen. They take part in most of the important processions in Cracow, such as that of St.Stanislas and also Constitution Day (3rd May).
Part of the guild's splendid neo-gothic seat (Cellestat) is now a branch of the Cracow History Museum and it can be visited at ul. Lubicz 16, just round the corner from the railway station.
However, if you're in town, don't miss the enthronement itself. This is set to take place at midday on the Main Market Square. A glorious spectacle.