Krakow

Kraków Nativity Scene Competition

Thursday Dec 5 10:00–12:00       Rynek Główny
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One of Kraków's most idiosyncratic Christmas traditions is the popular creation of szopki krakowskie. Something of a strange cross between a nativity scene, a gingerbread house, and a dollhouse, these unique handmade structures more resemble colourful, foil-covered castles or cathedrals than cribs and are the bizarre result of a folk tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Re-popularised in 1937 with the first official Kraków Nativity Scene Competition, 2024 marks the 82nd edition of this contest in which local masters compete to have their meticulous labours of love recognised in a number of categories, and displayed in the Kraków Museum.
You don't have to be an awesome craftsman to make a szopka...

Locals will begin gathering at the Adam Mickiewicz monument on the market square with this year's entries on December 5th at 10:00, and you can expect large crowds admiring their work and snapping photos until noon, when the szopki will make their way around the market square in an official procession preceded by a folk band, before disappearing for judging. If you can, put yourself on the market square that morning to witness this unique folk tradition; if not, don't miss a visit to the subsequent Szopki Exhibition at Krzysztofory Palace, which runs from December 9th to March 2nd, 2025.
...you just have to be awesome.

To learn more about this colourful Cracovian tradition, read our full article on Kraków Nativity Scenes (Szopki Krakowskie).

 

Date

Venue

Dec 5 2024 10:00–12:00

Price/Additional Info

Admission free

Website

muzeumkrakowa.pl www.facebook.com/muzeumkrakowa
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