On 6 January, the Cortege of the Three Wise Men walks through the streets of Kraków joined by Cracovians of all ages. As usual, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar set off from different places in the city to meet at the Main Market Square at midday to adore Baby Jesus.
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 Dębnicki 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)
