The Three Kings and their pageants take to Kraków’s streets for the seventh time (the Kings driving by in classic cars), and at high noon on 6 January meet at the Main Market Square. The annual Cortege of the Three Wise Men is watched by around 30,000 people, mainly kids and families.
The Red Cortege – symbolising Europe – walks from Wawel Castle along Grodzka Street to the Main Market Square (start around 11am). The Blue Cortege – symbolising Africa – gathers at Matejko Square after Holy Mass at St Florian’s Church and around 11:30am walks along Floriańska Street. The final Green Cortege – symbolising Asia – leaves the Sikorski Square around 11am.
The organisers of the event, the Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar Foundation, stress that it is a charity event and hope to encourage participants – especially children – to get involved in campaigns, for example helping the homeless. They also hope everyone enjoys the celebrations during which anyone can become a king (last year, they gave away 22,000 paper crowns, and they promise there will be more this year!). (bf)
