PHOTOS: Croatian Picnic held in Mala Chorwacja Park in Krakow
- by croatiaweek
- in News
The Podravka stand at the picnic (Photo: Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Krakow)
The inhabitants of the Polish city of Krakow had the opportunity to participate in a two-day Croatian Picnic on the last weekend of May at Mala Chorwacja (Little Croatia) Park.
Mala Chorwacja Park was opened last year, located near a lake almost in the center of Krakow, and this area as a recreational area is extremely popular among Krakow residents.
This park was established on the initiative of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia in Krakow, Paweł Włodarczyk. Inside the park there is a main avenue running over the water and among the greenery known as the Croatian Promenade, and the avenue is known as the Avenue of Croatian Stars.
From the morning, 14 Croatia-related stands awaited visitors in Krakow (Photo: Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Krakow)
Various events organized in this park by the consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Krakow gather numerous groups of Croatian supporters.
During the picnic, a dozen or so institutions related to Croatia presented themselves at prepared stands, music bands performed on the main stage, and a sailing competition for the Ambassador and Consul Cups was held on the lake. This year, the sailors were helped by the wind. On that day, several dozen sailing boats appeared on the water.
(Photo: Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Krakow)
In Mala Chorwacja Park, thanks to the efforts of the Honorary Consul, an avenue was built, called the Avenue of the Croatian Stars, dedicated to the famous Croatians who influenced the development of Croatia, as well as those who had connections with Krakow and Poland.
According to information, it is the only such Avenue of Croatian Stars in the world, which was established in another country. Last year, during the Croatian Picnic, the first 4 Croatian stars were unveiled.
On the first day of the picnic, 6 new stars dedicated to famous Croats were unveiled – the star of the first president of Croatia Franjo Tuđman, writer Julije Benešić (he translated Polish literature), bishop Ivan Štafilić (he was at the castle in Krakow as papal legate), general Stanisław Maczek (his grandfather was a Croat), the inventors Slavoljub Eduard Penkala (his father was Polish) and Zlata Bartl (the famous creator of Vegeta, adored by Polish housewives).
Star for Zlata Bartl unveiled (Photo: Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Krakow)
During the unveiling of the stars, Polish soldiers were on guard, the trumpeter played the bugle call on the trumpet, emphasizing the importance of the moment. Many notable guests took part in the ceremony.
The star dedicated to president Franjo Tuđman is unveiled by Ambassador Tomislav Vidosević (right) and Honorary Consul Paweł Włodarczyk (Photo: Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Krakow)
One of the interesting events was the release of 30 balloons in Polish and Croatian colors by the children gathered at the picnic on the second day of the picnic. 30 balloons is a symbol of the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Croatia and Poland.
(Photo: Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Krakow)
The second day of the picnic was dedicated to the Opatija Riviera. The Tourist Board of Opatija, Matula and Lovran presented the tourist attractions of their region, and the music group Duo Trend presented the music and singing of this region. For hundreds of people walking from the early hours of the morning, numerous proposals have been prepared for both adults and children.
(Photo: Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Krakow)
“The 2nd Croatian Picnic is now history and we are already waiting for the next one and the unveiling of a few more Croatian stars,” the Consulate of the Republic of Croatia in Krakow said.
