Carousel and Shooting Range by the Church. Cardinal Ryś Intervenes in an Unclear Dispute
A carousel and shooting stalls were set up near a historic church in Zakopane, leading to legal disputes over commercial use of the public space.
In December 2025, a Christmas-themed carousel and several stalls, including shooting ranges, appeared in front of the Church of the Holy Family in Zakopane, a move that caught the attention of local authorities. While the parish priest rented the space to entrepreneurs, the city opposed this commercial use, stating that the area surrounding the church is a protected cultural site. The local Municipal Guard issued seven fines for this commercial activity, validating the city's objection to the stalls and attractions near the historical monument.
The situation escalated when the Municipal Guard mandated that the operators of these attractions be held legally accountable, as they had disregarded regulations regarding the use of the public space. Although the attractions were removed following the end of the carnival season, the legal disputes continued, with the Municipal Guard forwarding the case to court. This situation underscores a conflict between community celebrations and the preservation of historical sites in Zakopane, a town renowned for its cultural heritage and tourism.
Cardinal Ryś’s involvement adds a religious dimension to the debate, as his intervention implies a need for a balance between the enjoyment of public festivities and the respect for sacred and historical landmarks. The resolution of this case will likely have implications for future events around such landmark sites in Poland, as communities navigate the complexities of commercial activities while preserving their heritage and values.