You were close, but not completely right


Yes, Tartars attacked Krakow province unexpectedly in XIII century. A brave young raftsman, having gathered a group of companions, defeated the invaders and returned to town wearing the colourful outfit of a Tatar khan. Lajkonik Parade proceeds on the first Thursday after the Corpus Christi feast


No, Turks attacks were later. The Polish king, Jan III Sobieski, stopped them from attacking Poland and other countries in Vienna in XVII century.