Best time to go to Krakow

Great Dragon Parade 2023

Krakow still has its own dragons. Usually they hide in their cages, but once a year everyone can see them flying around the city. Look up!

Dates: June 3–4, 2023

Great Dragon Parade
Great Dragon Parade
Great Dragon Parade

All the old cities have their special legends. According to a tale, a wild dragon lived in a cave under the Wawel Castle for centuries. He scared and hurt the inhabitants until the local shoemaker freed Krakow from the fire-breathing beast.

Nowadays the citizens have warm and nostalgic feelings for their dragon. That’s why they organise the annual Great Dragon Parade in late May or at the beginning of June. On this day, beasts of different kinds and sizes can be seen flying over the Vistula river, not far from Wawel Castle.

The Dragon festival procession goes to the Main Square of the Old Town the following day. The joyful carnival atmosphere and numerous wooden, paper, and plastic dragons will lead you to the good old times of Krakow, full of magic and adventures.

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin