The ancient city gate opening tradition, dating back to 1721, will be reintroduced this weekend.
The first full ceremony begins after the St. Mary’s bugle call, around 10:15 AM, on Sunday 10th May, including a procession from St. Mary’s Church to the Barbican.
After playing, the 10 am ‘Hejnał'”, the fireman will descend the 239 steps of Mariacki church tower. Outside the church, he will be joined by officers of the city guard (Straż Miejska) and a Kraków Museum staff member in traditional costume.
They will then walk in procession, with a bell ringing, to the Barbakan. At the Barbakan, there will be a ceremonial opening of the city gates, whilst the trumpeter plays a fragment of the 15th-century melody, Cracovia Civitas.
The video introduces the ancient ceremony, explains the new format, and includes the Cracovia Civitas melody being performed on historic Hejnał trumpets from the 18th century and 1920, during the agreement signing ceremony.
Based on a 1721 city ordinance, this unique ceremony will recreate the tradition of ceremonially opening the Kleparz Gate at the Barbican to the sounds of the historic “Cracovia Civitas” melody.
A beautiful way to bring Kraków’s living history back to life!
On Thursday, I was invited to attend the official signing of an agreement between the Kraków Museum, the Municipal Police, and the Municipal Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Kraków to revive the historic City Gate Opening Ceremony.
During the event, historical Hejnał trumpets were displayed, including instruments dating back to the late 19th century and 1920, as well as one of the most recently retired trumpets, removed from service just last month.
