One of Poland's most famous events is changing its face. It's a victim of its own success.

• The name day of Święty Marcin Street will take place in a new formula this year - without the traditional procession.
• The decision is due to safety requirements and growing attendance, which forced a change in the nature of the event.
• The matter has sparked considerable emotion among Poznań residents. One councilor has also become involved, claiming that the police did not suggest that the organizers cancel the parade.

The "Zamek" Cultural Center has been organizing the Saint Martin Street Name Day celebration since 1994. The street, where the "Zamek" is located, celebrates the vibrant St. Martin's Day tradition in Poznań. It features numerous croissants and organizations that, following St. Martin's example, focus on helping others. It's also noted that the day dedicated to St. Martin is Poznań's version of Independence Day. Poznań residents are proud of their celebrations, and the event attracts larger crowds each year, including visitors.

Although its course varies from year to year, the program has always featured several recognizable elements: most notably, the Procession of St. Martin in Roman legionary garb, who, surrounded by stilt walkers, musicians, machines, and floats, traverses the street, culminating in the "Zamek" Cultural Center. There, on an outdoor stage, the Mayor of Poznań presents St. Martin with the key to the city gates, signaling the beginning of the joyful celebration.

This year, however, there will be no parade . The street's name day celebrations became a victim of their own attendance success. As the castle explains, police requirements have forced the event to change its character. For safety reasons, it will now be a mass event.

The decision to cancel the parade is causing a lot of emotions

This decision sparked strong reactions. Councilor Przemysław Plewiński (Polska 2050), a candidate for mayor in 2024, commented sharply. He wrote that, as chairman of the Public Safety and Order Committee, he contacted the Poznań City Police Commander to clarify issues related to the St. Martin's Day parade and was told that the police had not recommended canceling the parade at any stage of the negotiations.

Discussions regarding security for the event have been ongoing since the beginning of the year, and police suggested that, given the increasing number of participants, the organizer should implement new measures. These included separating the parade route, expanding the scope of the mass event, and establishing a temporary security management center.

- informs the councilor.

He announces that due to the commander's statement, he will ask CK Zamek to clarify the matter.

The reaction was quick. The Castle management issued a special statement regarding the matter, stating that they wanted to respond to "fake news with credible information."

CK Zamek assures that the Saint Martin Street Name Day celebration will take place on November 11th, lasting from morning until evening . The celebration will include a St. Martin's croissant fair, attractions for the entire family, entertainment, performances, and concerts. At the same time, as usual, the Mayor of Poznań will present the keys to St. Martin. Angels, Pegasi, Bamberki, and other figures from the procession, associated with the celebration of this holiday, will also be waiting for guests and guests of the name day celebration.

The lack of a parade is a result of the growing attendance each year . And there won't be any more space on the street.

The world is changing, and the Saint Martin Street Name Day celebrations are changing with it. This year, for safety reasons, the police have expressly recommended organizing the event as a mass gathering. Consequently, it is not possible to safely organize the procession in its current format.

- we read in the statement of CK Zamek.

The mass event format means that a special name-day town will be created, accessible through special gates. This will allow organizers to better manage the safety of the thousands of participants.

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