Though inconspicuous on a daily basis, the noble sausage dog ruled the streets of Kraków over the weekend.
Dozens of the dogs also known as Dachshunds congregated in the city's main square from all corners of Poland and even the world.
The annual parade, which first took place in 1973 was not well received by the then Communist authorities, as it was considered with suspicion and deemed anti-Communist.
The first event was organised by a cultural magazine, Przekroj, meaning 'Cross-section' and held on May 1st - a bank holiday put aside to celebrate the glory of the nation's one party rule; it's workers and farmers.
The march was banned as it was thought that supporters of the magazine and its event were trying to ridicule the message behind the bank holiday's intended purpose.
The organiser of Sunday's event, Agnieszka Kuczynska explained how the authorities came to misunderstand the parade's meaning.
"The first march was very unusual. The Sausage Dogs arrived at the parade in carriages and waiters served sausages on silver trays. It's true that the editor in chief of Przekroj Magazine, Mieczyslaw Czuma, who initiated the event, could have faced serious consequences. He was held accountable for provoking the authorities and ridiculing the May 1st parade. Of course this was not his intention but in those days the authorities were not ready for this kind of event, so it was banned. In 1994 it was brought back again," she said.
After several years and the fall of Communism in Poland, Kraków’s local radio station decided to bring the parade back and give the tradition a second lease of life.
The dress code for this year's march was 'medieval battle dress' in acknowledgement of the 600th anniversary of The Battle of Grunwald'.
The battle, which took place in 1410, between the Polish Crown and The Army of The Teutonic Order, gave inspiration to the owners of the Sausage Dogs and saw dogs and owners marching about in various coats of arms.
A young girl, who was dressed up in a home made costume said: "My mum and I designed these clothes and it took us a month to make them".
The Sausage Dog lovers proudly exhibited their beloved Dachshunds and one lady, Marzena Dziwisz described why the breed was her favourite.
"They are usually very calm dogs, recommended by dog handlers and breeders. They're good for living with and playing with kids, that's why we're here. Besides that it's great fun," she said.
Apart from the most original costume competition there were also titles given for the most interesting dachshund portrait and the most endearing poem.
Reuters