A Dash of Winter Magic
A sprinkling of seasonal magic will descend on the Market Square tomorrow morning (Thursday 1st) as the annual Christmas Nativity Scene competition gets underway.
The much-loved tradition of making szopki (cribs) has been a part of Cracovian culture since time immemorial. These fantastical confections, which resemble the sort of castle that you'd find on a Russian lacquer box, were especially popular during the nineteenth century. When snowfall stalled construction projects in town, masons would make a bit of extra cash by selling nativity scenes to well-to-do families. A charming wooden example of the old kind can be seen at the art nouveau Jama Michalika Cafe (ul. Florianska.)
The modern counterparts are finished with coloured foil, and each year on the first Thursday of December, entrants for the competition place their designs on the ledges of the Mickiewicz statue.
Anyone is free to enter the competition, and the results are often stunning. As early at 8 tomorrow morning, competitors will make their way to the square. Around midday, the cribs will be spirited away to the Historical Museum on the other side of the Plaza (Rynek 35). Judgement Day is on Sunday December 4th, and the best szopki will then be exhibited at the museum until mid February.