Koziołki

Koziołki (plural of Koziołek) is a Polish word that translates literally to "little goats" or "billy goats." The term primarily refers to the mechanical goats that butt heads atop the tower of the Poznań City Hall. These figures perform a symbolic head-butting display every day at noon, a tradition that has become a major tourist attraction and a symbol of the city of Poznań.

The legend surrounding the Koziołki dates back to the 16th century. According to the story, after a fire destroyed much of the city, a banquet was planned to celebrate the rebuilding efforts. A young kitchen helper was tasked with roasting a deer for the feast, but he accidentally burned it. In a panic, he replaced the deer with two goats that he stole from a nearby meadow. As the goats were being presented to the guests, they escaped and ran up the City Hall tower, where they began butting heads in front of the gathered crowds. The mayor, amused by the spectacle, spared the kitchen helper and ordered that mechanical goats be made to perform the head-butting display every day at noon as a reminder of the event.

The Koziołki figures are intricately crafted and operate using a clockwork mechanism. The noon performance is typically accompanied by a trumpet fanfare. The tradition is deeply ingrained in Poznań's identity and culture, appearing in various forms of art, souvenirs, and local products. Beyond the mechanical figures, "Koziołki" can also be used more generally in Polish to refer to small goats or kids.