One of Kraków’s most idiosyncratic Christmas traditions is the popular creation of 'szopki' or 'Christmas cribs' as they are sometimes called in English. Something of a strange cross between a nativity scene, gingerbread house, and dollhouse, these unique 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. Each year dozens of locals - ranging from master artisans who labour all year long over their creations, to primary school children who make them together as class projects - submit their szopki to the annual Kraków Nativity Scene Competition in early December. Once they are judged and awarded in a wide range of categories, the szopki go on display in Krzysztofory Palace for the duration of the winter holiday season. The amount of time, effort, detail and creativity that goes into these colourful constructions is truly something to behold, and visiting the popular szopki exhibition is an essential winter tradition for most local families. Don't miss it!
To learn more about this colourful Cracovian tradition, read our full article on Kraków Nativity Scenes / Christmas Cribs (Szopki Krakowskie).
