The Gwarkowski procession passed through the streets of Tarnowskie Góry. This year, in reference to the 340th anniversary of Jan III Sobieski’s visit to the city, the part commemorating this legendary event was particularly emphasized. This year’s parade featured new characters and new costumes. Beautiful costumes were created, among others, for Queen Marysieńka, the Premonstratensians from Rept and for the representatives of the townspeople. Of course, there were also real stars of the procession, such as the peasant Rybka, with whose discovery the history of Tarnowskie Góry began, the Founding Princes, miners and miners, and Johann Sedlaczek. More than 300 people played the role of former residents, famous guests and figures of great service to the region. They looked amazing! See the photos.
As every year, the most recognizable figures of the procession were present. The peasant Rybka was obligatory to appear, after all, it was with him that the history of Tarnowskie Góry began. Legend has it that while working in the field near today’s Stare Tarnowice, he allegedly plowed the first lump of silver-bearing ore, which initiated the extraction of this raw material on a massive scale and gave the impulse to found Tarnowskie Góry.
During the procession, we could also see the parade of the Founding Princes, miners and Sedlaczek. There is an urban legend associated with this hero. During the feast, which allegedly took place in the buildings at the Tarnowskie Góry market square during the times of Augustus II the Strong, the king asked his guests a riddle…
“Which of my brands is most valuable to me?” – he was supposed to ask his companions. Whoever answered this question correctly would receive from the king the house where the feast took place.
Legends give two true answers. According to one, the king was referring to the coins that were minted by the rulers of that time, while according to the other, it was about the brand of his favorite wine.
There were various answers, but none satisfied Augustus II the Strong. Until Sedlaczek spoke up. He stated that the king’s most valuable brand was Countess Koenigsmark, who accompanied the ruler during the feast.
The reaction of the revelers is described in Hildebrand’s poem:
And the circle of courtiers was terrified
And many a face turned pale;
But King Augustus said cheerfully:
“Yes, Sedlak, you’re right.”
To this day, the locals believe that the king obviously meant something completely different, but in the company of the countess he could not answer otherwise. Thanks to his cleverness, Sedlaczek received a property in the very center of the city.
According to Jan Nowak’s pre-war chronicle, in order to receive the king with dignity, four houses were prepared for the feast, and special passages were carved in the walls for convenience.
The historical part featured 42 characters. The treasurer, the peasant Rybka with his family, King John III Sobieski with Prince Jakub Sobieski and a hussar. This year, over 300 figures associated with the city appeared in the procession.
At the procession we could see the Premonstratensians from Rept, Piotr Wrochem and Jan Blacha with heralds, Count Lazarus II Henckel von Donnersmarck with his family, King Augustus II the Strong with Countess Esterle and Hetman Stanisław Jan Jabłonowski and voivode Jan Stanisław Jabłonowski, Walenty Roździeński with metallurgists, Empress Eleonora Gonzaga with Archduchesses Eleanor of Habsburg and Maria Anna of Habsburg and Christoph Kraker, King Augustus III with Queen Maria Josepha of Habsburg, pioneers of modern industry, among others. Count Friedrich Wilhelm von Reden, Friedrich Anton von Heinitz, Salomon Isaac, August Boscamp-Lasopolski, August Holzhausen, Johann Friedrich Wedding, Ephraim Abt, Rudolph von Carnall, Hugo Koch.
In addition to the historical part, the Procession includes: the Regional Part, Youth, Enthusiasts and Associations, and Advertising.
The Historical Parade of Gwarków has a chance to be included on the list of intangible cultural heritage. The Municipal Office in Tarnowskie Góry submitted an application in this regard on the 66th anniversary of the march. We will find out what decision will be made on this matter later this year. The colorful procession presents the rich history of this amazing city.
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2023-09-10 20:42:57
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