From 12 to 13 September, Kraków will become a unique place on the map of Poland. It is in the heart of Krakow that will be held – the central celebration of the Festival of the Land Army. This event, connected with the anniversary of Victoria Vienna, will have a peculiar dimension – during the ceremony on the Main marketplace Square there will be an authoritative award of the flag of the Command of 2nd Polish Corps – Command of the Land Component, which is located in Krakow.
The celebrations will have a peculiar dimension: during the Saturday rotation call at the Main marketplace Square there will be an authoritative award of the flag of Command of the 2nd Polish Corps – Command of the Land Component, formation with a large heritage and key to the safety of Poland and NATO. Many distinguished guests are planned to participate – both the state authorities and the highest commanders of the Polish Armed Forces or the Allied Army. Their presence underlines the state rank of the event and gives it a historical dimension. Celebrations are announced as 1 of the most crucial military events in 2025 – not only for soldiers, but besides for the inhabitants of Krakow, Małopolska and all those who are close to the traditions of the Polish weapon.
During a solemn appeal at the Main marketplace Square, you will see subdivisions of many military units from all over the country, among others:
• 11th Armoured Cavalry Division;
• 12th Mechanized Division;
• 16th Mechanized Division;
• 18th Mechanized Division;
• 6th Airborne Brigade;
• 5th Command Regiment representing D2KP-DKL.
There will besides be a number of banners of military units from the structures of the Land Army:
• 23rd Artillery Regiment;
• 2nd Reconnaissance Regiment;
• 4th Bomber Regiment;
• 5th Chemical Regiment;
• 18th Anti-Aircraft Regiment;
• Centre for Artillery and Armed Forces Training;
• 25th Air Cavalry Brigade.
Victoria Viennaska – origin of inspiration, symbol of victory
The festival of the Land Army refers to Vienna Victoria on September 12, 1683, erstwhile the Polish Hussars under King John III Sobieski stopped the march of the Ottoman Empire under the walls of Vienna. This victory, a symbol of the determination and valor of the Polish soldier, besides becomes the spiritual foundation of this year's celebrations. Today, almost 350 years later, the modern Polish Army cultivates the same values – honor, courage and readiness to defend the Homeland.
Kraków – office of 2nd Polish Corps
It is in Kraków, at Rakowicka Street, that the Command of 2nd Polish Corps – Command of the Land Component (D2KP-DKL). In the NATO structure, this formation functions as the 2nd Polish Corps, and in the national strategy it will command all tactical unions of land troops in the event of a crisis or war – divisions, brigades, regiments – which would be subordinate during operational operations. On a regular basis, the unit supports the modern 5th Command Regiment, liable for the improvement of the D2KP-DKL command post and its security. D2KP-DKL inherits arrogant historical traditions of 2nd Polish Corps of General Władysław Anders, who was celebrated for his triumph at Monte Cassino, among others. Today's structure is interoperable with NATO and cooperates, among others, with the American V Corps in Poznań and the Multinational North-East Corps in Szczecin as well as the Multinational ARRC fast consequence Corps in the UK or the French fast consequence Corps in the CRR-FR.
Flag – a symbol of readiness and identity
Giving the flag is simply a peculiar minute for each military unit of the highest rank. It symbolizes full readiness to act, membership of the Polish Army community and an inextricable bond with the Homeland.
The banner for Command 2 of the Polish Corps – Command of the Land Component was founded by the president of the City of Krakow. His appearance is rich in symbolism:
• Main page: in the mediate of a cavalry cross, in a red ellipse – a wreath of laurel embroidered with a golden head, and in its center – a white eagle facing a tree, embroidered with silver with a crown, a beak
and golden claws.
• The reverse: the same wreath with the slogan “ GOD HONOR FATHER” in 3 poems embroidered with a golden head.
• The horns of the flag adorn 4 crucial symbols:
• The icon of Our woman of Czestochowa
• Herb of the Capital City of Krakow
• Herb of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship
• Commemorative badge of Command 2 of the Polish Corps – Command of the Land Component.
Funders' Committee – a community beyond divisions
The formation of the flag is the consequence of a joint action of the Founders Committee, which is formed by representatives of local authorities. He was chaired by the Provincial of Małopolska Krzysztof Jan Klęczar, and the Marshal of the Małopolska Voivodeship Łukasz Smółka and the president of the City of Krakow Aleksander Miształski were besides included.
This cooperation – over political and organization borders – is an expression of pride and support for the presence of D2KP-DKL in Krakow.
Ceremony program:
Friday 12 September 2025.
18:30 – Solemn Mass for soldiers of the Land Army in Mariacka Basilica
20:00 – performance “The Bridge to Homeland” performed by the Air Force Representation Orchestra (also in Mariacka Basilica)
Saturday, September 13, 2025.
09:30 – Solemn appeal and flag ceremony for D2KP-DKL
Place: Main marketplace Square in Krakow, between St. Wojciech's Church
a monument to Adam Mickiewicz
11:00–16.00 – Cultural and Educational and Promotional Event in Błonia Krakowskie:
• static demonstrations of modern military equipment;
• promotional stands for military units and institutions;
• military gastronomy region with conventional military peas.
The enthusiasts and lovers of the military will be able to see, among others:
• Abrams, Leopard and K2 tanks;
• Wheeled Armored Transporter – KTO Rosomak;
• Self-propelled Armatohaubica – AHS Krab;
• Self-propelled Multiway Rocket Launcher – Langusta.
This is only part of the equipment that will be seen live in Krakow.
Invitation to celebrate together
The celebrations in Krakow are not only a military event, but a real vacation of the inhabitants – Krakówns, Małopolskans, tourists and everyone who wants to experience something special. It is besides an chance to bring troops closer to society and to manifest common values that unite generations of Poles.
We invitation all families, past lovers, youth, seniors and anyone who wants to feel pride in being part of the national community. Meet us at the Main marketplace Square and Krakow Błonia to experience these unique moments together – in the spirit of patriotism, tradition and modernity.
Today we invitation the media to participate in the celebrations and broadcast of the event – details for all media representatives will be given in a separate release and military social media (e.g. fb and X D2KP-DKL).
See you in the Main marketplace Square and in Krakow Błonie – let us honor those who stand defender on our safety and freedom!
Text: Colonel Robert Białowolski
