Freedom for Krakow (31st October, 2012)

Finally there is something meaningful about 31^st October. You know what I mean. Today is the 94^th anniversary of Krakow’s liberation from foreign rule. It marks the day it was released from its battle against Great Britain and many other European countries in the First World War.

There were celebrations for the anniversary, and a brass band and some men dressed in the soldier’s uniforms from the war. It was one of those moments when a little piece of Poland and the values attached to its history slipped into my consciousness. When I got to see the nation’s pride, and in the giant square of the centre of Krakow with the sun beating down and throwing shadows everywhere, and with a long Poland flag making its way down one of the chief buildings of the square, the magic of this place hit home once again.

People all over were weaving in and out of the police and the brass band and the men dressed as old fashioned soldiers to take photos. These folk didn't bat an eye lid. The moment was more important, and while I did occasionally see one soldier turn and talk to the one next to him, or two members of the brass band have a brief dialogue it clearly meant something to the people concerned, and the children from various schools holding all different flags. People were congregating to observe the scenes much as I was, and it was clear that tourists and others had uncovered something very Polish and fascinating. The music was great, there was a surprise shot fired from some cannon (half scaring the life out of some of us), and the freedom of the city rang loud and sounded out into the sky.