The name of the festival, Rekawka, might go back to the times of a legendary Slavic prince, Krak (or, Krakus). The legend says that Krak was the founder of the city of Kraków, and a great ruler. After his death, the people of Kraków built a high mound in his honour. To build the mound, they were carrying up the earth in their sleeves (Polish "rekaw" – "sleeve") – and, that is why the festival is called Rekawka. 