Enthronement of the Fowler King, and the Fowler Brotherhood

The city walls of Kraków were built in the 13th century as an answer to the threat from the Mongols (Tartars). The duty of maintaining and manning these rested on the townsmen; they, however, dealt with trade and crafts and not the art of war in their daily lives. For that reason, some training had to be organised, and the potential defenders had to be ready for battle. This was the reason for instituting the Fowler Brotherhood, this being a paramilitary organisation which was also known as the Sharpshooter Association or the Rifleman’s Confraternity.

The roots of the organisation extend most probably to the late 13th or early 14th century. Its best known customs that the Fowler brotherhood developed throughout the centuries include the election and enthronement of the Fowler King. A candidate for the king may only be a brother of seniority, who has impeccable credentials. Later, everything takes place in line with the age-old custom. Much like centuries ago, with the difference being that now firearms are used, as they successfully replaced bows and crossbows, candidates shoot at the wooden foul. It is the sure eye and ... a bit of luck that makes the king for the coming year, as the winner is the one to knock down the last piece of the fowl.

The official enthronement takes place in June but has no fixed date. The procession leaves Celestat, which is the seat of the brotherhood in Lubicz Street, and goes to the Main Square. It is extremely picturesque, as the Fowler Brothers parade in their traditional long and splendid robes – the żupany and kontusze modelled on bygone noblemen’s costumes. The king relinquishing the throne always carries the silver foul hanging from his neck on a chain, a copy of the one which according to tradition was presented by King Sigismundus Augustus (Zygmunt August). The ceremony proper – the handing over of the insignia of power – takes place on a stage in front of the Town Hall Tower.