Koziolki Poznanskie (Poznan Goats), Poznan

The Poznan Goats' mechanical butting display is a cherished daily tradition in the city. This delightful spectacle takes place at noon and is a must-see for both locals and tourists. The performance is preceded by the striking of the clock and the playing of a traditional bugle call known as "hejnał." It marks the beginning of the daily display and adds a cultural touch to the event. The hejnał is also played on a carillon installed in the tower between 7 am and 9 pm.

The legend behind the addition of the goats to the clock mechanism is both charming and whimsical. According to the legend, a cook once burned a roast deer while preparing a banquet for the voivode (a local dignitary) and other important guests. In a panic, the cook attempted to replace the burnt roast by stealing two goats from a nearby meadow. These goats escaped and found their way up the town hall tower, where they began to playfully butt each other. The townspeople were amused by the spectacle, and the voivode pardoned both the cook and the goats. In recognition of this entertaining incident, the voivode ordered two mechanical goats to be incorporated into the new clock being made for the building.

Another legend associated with the Poznan Goats is related to the hejnał. According to this legend, Bolko, the son of the tower's trumpeter, once nursed a wounded raven back to health. In gratitude, a gnome wearing a crown and purple cape appeared to Bolko, thanked him for his kindness, and gifted him a small gold trumpet. The gnome instructed Bolko to blow the trumpet when he was in danger. The gnome then transformed into a raven and flew away. Years later, when Bolko had taken over as the tower's trumpeter, an enemy army was scaling Poznan's walls. In a moment of peril, Bolko remembered the golden trumpet and played it. Dark clouds suddenly gathered on the horizon, revealing an enormous flock of ravens that swooped down upon the attacking army, forcing them to retreat. Although Bolko dropped the trumpet in astonishment, the call he played is still performed today as part of the hejnał tradition.