This Thursday morning the Old Town will come to a standstill for the dazzling procession of Corpus Christi. Along with the festival of St. Stanislas (that of Poland's patron saint) Corpus Christi is the most important religious procession of the year.
The procession will begin as usual at Wawel Cathedral at about 9am. From there it will follow the so-called Royal Way along Grodzka street to the Main Market Square. As tradition dictates, four sizable altars will be erected, with one at each corner of the square. Masses will be held, and regardless of what the weather may bring, the square will fill up with crowds of the faithful.
It's quite a spectacle, and it would be a shame to miss it if you're in Cracow.
Corpus Christi (Boze Cialo) is in fact a public holiday, and many Poles will be taking a long weekend. However, if you're arriving in Cracow never fear as the overwhelming majority of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops will be open in the Old Town, both on Thursday and throughout the weekend. Some of the museums may be shut on Thursday, but those that are should open as normal again on Friday.
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