Discover Pucheroki, a centuries-old Krakow tradition celebrated on Palm Sunday, blending poetry, comedy, and rural customs.
Pucheroki, a tradition rooted in Krakow’s history, dates back to the 16th century. Originally performed by Krakow’s students, the custom faced ecclesiastical scrutiny due to its irreverence. Consequently, it shifted to rural areas.
On Palm Sunday, boys dressed as pucheroki visit houses reciting poetic speeches. Clad in fur-lined coats, cone-shaped hats, and soot-smudged faces, they carry baskets for offerings and laski pucherskie (hammer-shaped sticks).
Pucheroki blend elements of Lenten songs, carols, and comedic dialogues. This tradition, once prevalent in over 50 villages, now survives in a handful, notably Bibice and Zielonki, where annual showcases celebrate its endurance.