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Christmas in Krakow
Thanks to its climate, spectacular architecture
and rich traditions that enliven the festive season, Krakow may well aspire to the title of
the world's capital of white Christmas.
Also,
the Yuletide lasts longer in the Krakow region
than anywhere else–Christmas trees glitter
and carols resound here till the end of January.
Warming-up
to Christmastide
starts at the outset of
December. Seasonal street decorations and
window-dressing, omnipresent noel tunes, shopping
spree, universal well-wishing, etc.–it may look
alike elsewhere but the fairyland scenery of
Krakow’s numerous Gothic churches and
Baroque palaces is unique. And Santa Claus keeps
on visiting every kid in the city early, i.e. on
December 6, his name day, to return later on the
Christmas Eve. Another highlight comes on the
first Thursday of December with the yearly
contest of famous Krakow
Christmas cribs on the city's central Grand Square (Rynek Glowny).
Christmas Eve
celebration
begins
when the first star appears in the sky, with
sharing an ‘oplatek’ wafer with
everybody present and wishing him nice things to
happen in the next twelve months. Then comes
traditional 12-course common dinner of
time-honored meatless dishes (fish, and notably
carp, being a must), an additional cover always
laid for an unexpected guest and a handful of hay
put under the tablecloth for good luck. After the
meal is time for caroling and unwrapping
Christmas gifts. The faithful pack into the
beautiful Krakow churches at midnight when the
special ‘Pasterka’ mass is said in
remembrance of shepherds adoring newly born
Christ. And on the Christmas Eve immediately
after midnight animals allegedly can speak their
minds.
Christmas Day
and notably the
following holiday on December 26 are popular
occasions for family reunions visiting friends.
Christmas
market.
Krakow’s
Christmas market takes place on the city’s huge Rynek
Glowny central square, amid the Old
Town historic district, every year. It starts in
the last days of November and lasts through December.
Wooden
stands sell a wide range of Christmas decorations and sweets
as well as other goodies. And open-air eateries offer hearty
meals and mulled wine. Plus there are additional attractions
such as shows, folk dances, concerts of carols, etc.
Christmas tree
It is obligatory at
home and at work. The more so that everyone
expects to find a Christmas gift under it. And
Krakow’s hand-painted glass decorations are
known worldwide. But watch out for mistletoe
hanging–now rarely–from the ceiling: those
standing under it cannot refuse a kiss.
Krakow's szopka creches are fabulous, colorful and
glittering portable theaters for the traditional Nativity puppet plays, and building them
remains a fairly popular hobby. At the same time
amateur and professional companies of players
stage the Nativity live shows in the holiday
season. And seeing the Nativity various scenes in
numerous Krakow churches also is a popular family
activity.
Polish carols
Poland
knows hundreds of native carols, often centuries-old. Apart from
sweet lullabies they sound pretty lively as most rely on traditional
dancing tunes.
Traditional ‘oplatek’ Christmas
greetings.
The
Polish Christmas oplatek wafers are wallet-size, paper-thin and crisp leafs of bread,
white or colored, with an impression of the
Nativity scene. In Poland before the Christmas
Eve dinner those present approach one another
with an ‘oplatek’ wafer in hand and offer
wishes. When approached, everybody listens to
wishes, says wishes in return, breaks off a bit
from the other person’s wafer, eats it, and kisses
him or her on both cheeks.
‘Oplatek’
also means popular December and January social
gatherings in Poland where invited guests, even
perfect strangers, practice the ritual among
themselves in addition to regular cocktail-party
socializing. And it is usual to visit friends and
family before or over the Christmastide to share
the ‘oplatek’ wafer with them and
exchange wishes.
‘Kolednicy’ carol singers
Carolers
still go from door to door during the Yuletide but nowadays schoolchildren
have replaced expert adult performers of old. Nevertheless,
for their efforts the minors expect small change rather than
sweets.
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Krakow's szopka
Nativity scenes
Krakow
Festivals
Hardly a month passes in Krakow without some
time-honored occasion for common festivities or
colorful celebration
Easter
in Krakow
The paramount Christian feast has a
special meaning and a distinct quality in
springtime Krakow with its rich Catholic
traditions and abundance of beautiful churches.
Krakow
Folk Traditions
Krakow region has always been rich in colorful
folk traditions, handed down from generation to
generation.
Events
Updates on upcoming cultural events in Krakow.
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