| PolArt Sydney 2022 presents our mascot Lolek Lajkonik. He is part legend, part lore - with multiple origin stories based on real Polish historical events - Lajkonik is not just a hobbyhorse but a symbol of luck and prosperity.
Ten Lajkonik, nasz Lajkonik
po Krakowie ciągle goni,
Lajkoniku laj, laj, poprzez cały kraj, kraj,
Lajkoniku laj, laj, poprzez cały kraj.
While his origins are quite complex, the prevailing legend takes us back to the 13th century, when a troupe of Tartars had crept within striking distance of the city of Kraków.
They pitched camp on the river, planning to attack the Polish capital come daybreak. Discovered by rafters from Zwierzyniec, the raftsmen routed them in their sleep and snagged their belongings. The boldest of the heroes dressed himself up in the elaborate oriental garb to mimic a Tartar general. Adorned in their latest spoils, the rafters proceeded to perform a mock attack on Kraków and paraded themselves around town to great applause and approval.
The city was so grateful for its salvation that the mayor marked his calendar and made the procession an annual event. Thus ‘Lajkonik’ was born and an annual celebration in his honour has taken place on the first Thursday after Corpus Christi ever since.
Each year, the Lajkonik traverses the streets of Kraków, starting from the Kosciuszko Mound, and completing his journey at the Rynek Główny (the Main Market Square). Accompanied by a chorus of singers, dancers, and musicians in traditional Krakowski costume, Lajkonik collects tribute in the form of food and money from local shopkeepers, and then grants them good luck. At the Rynek Główny, the Lajkonik bestows the tribute money to the major, and the two lead the city in a toast to Kraków.
Lajkonik’s current attire and design dates back to 1904 when the city of Kraków commissioned one of Poland's greatest artists Stanisław Wyspiański to design it. Dressed in richly embroidered red robes, a tall pointed hat, and an embellished black bushy beard and eyebrows, the rider brandishes a golden mace which he uses to bestow spectators good luck. The complete costume weighs a sizeable forty kilograms. One must take a moment to admire the agility and strength of the performer in such an elaborate costume.
Join us at PolArt where the Lajkonik will ride in to toast and to wish all of Sydney good health, great fortune, and shared joy.
The Lolek Lakonik mascot of PolArt Sydney 2022 was designed by Polish craftsmen and made in Poland based on the 1904 design.
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