City Gate Opening tradition returns

ANCIENT GATE OPENING CEREMONY RETURNS The tradition, dating back to 1721, returns from 10am on Sunday, 10th May. The first full ceremonial ceremony begins after the St. Mary’s bugle call, around 10:15 AM, including a procession from St. Mary’s Church to the Barbican. The video introduces the ancient ceremony, explains the new format, and includes the Caracovia Civitas melody being performed on historic Hejnał trumpets from the 18th century and 1920, during the agreement signing ceremony. 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. 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. During the event, several historical Hejnał trumpets were displayed, including instruments dating back to the late 19th century, 1920, and even one of the most recently retired trumpets removed from service just last month. A beautiful way to bring Kraków’s living history back to life!