International Festival of Jewish Culture
This tremendous festival has been held in Cracow for over fifteen years now, and the former Jewish district of Kazimierz has itself steadily regained its colours during those years. Kazimierz may still be somewhat rundown in parts, but it's now one of the most spellbinding areas in Cracow, and the Festival of Jewish Culture is undoubtedly one of the brightest feathers in its cap.
Every year in June or July visitors are able to enjoy celebrated Jewish and Jewish-inspired acts from across the globe strutting their stuff in Kazimerz's synagogue, cellars, theatres and cafes. Amongst regular performers, hot names to look out for are Kroke, Brave Old World, The Cracow Klezmer Band and Ukrainian newcomers The Kharkov Klezmer Band.
On top of all this music, every year there is an interesting programme of book launches, lectures, tours of Jewish sites with international experts, and even introductions to the weird and wonderful world of Jewish cuisine - in short a unique insight into Poland's rich Jewish legacy. During the Renaissance and Baroque eras, Jews talked of Cracow as a 'Jewish Paradise', such was the extent of their freedoms and of the richness of cultural life in the city.
A key support player in the festival will be the Galicia Museum (ul. Dajwor 18). This recently opened enterprise deserves a special mention, not simply due to its programme of events for the festival, but also for its permanent exhibition, which could not come more highly recommended if you're curious about Poland's Jewish legacy. Their exhibition is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Every year the festival culminates in a huge open air concert on the picturesque Szeroka Street (the aptly named Wide Street). It's a lot of fun and there'll be plenty of dancing and merry-making to round things off.
You can pick up a printed copy of the festival programme from the Cultural Information Office just off Cracow's Main Market Square at ul. sw. Jana 2. Or if you want to keep tabs on the latest news online, check out the Cracow Life events section, where you'll find up to the minute information on what's going on.
Jewish Culture Festival 2011
This year's festival will take place from 24 June to 3 July.
|  Please tell me the dates of the festival in 2012. Will there be a basic course of Yiddish language in English (or German)? 
|
reviewed by Sigrid from Germany on Oct.31.2011 |
| What are the dates of the 2012 festival? Does someone have a recommendation of a tour? |
reviewed by Tzippy ronen from United States on Oct.10.2011 |
| We are a Male voice choir centered in Jerusalem. We have been active for some thirteen years and have appeared before the President of Israel.We have had concert tours to England in 2005,2007,2010 and participated in the International Eisteddfod in Wales in 2005. Our choir, the Ramatayim Male Voice Choir has broadcasted on the BBC in in England and on Israeli Radio.We would be interested in the possibility of performing in Krakow in June 2012 |
reviewed by Michael Bar-On from Israel on Jun.14.2011 |
| I was carried away by the music and the temperament of the singers. What a rivetting event!In a couple of weeks I will savour it again. Am looking forward to going back to Kazimierz, although I can't deny a deep and bitter-sweet melancholy when I am there. hugs, j. |
reviewed by janne luna from Germany on May.21.2011 |
| I have been taking groups to this fantastic event for the last 15 years, the mix of Jewish music and the atmosphere of a once great Jewish district seeps out of the cobbled streets. |
reviewed by Marcel Manson from United Kingdom on Apr.11.2011 |
| looking for good orgeniser including klezmer festival krakow 2011.party up to 8 in thair 60,s.
|
reviewed by a.a.ryan from Australia on Aug.29.2010 |
| do you have the dates for 2011? Thanks. |
reviewed by joan ominsky from United States on Jul.30.2010 |
| go and eat meat wiv milk suckers |
reviewed by from United States on Jul.13.2010 |
| Would you please recommend one or more reasonably priced tour services, from the United States to Krakow, that focus only or mainly on the Krakow Jewish Culture Festival, June 26-July 4, 2010? On the Internet, I found the PolandJewishHeritageTours.com, but it is too expensive for me. Thank you. Larry Rosenberg, in Arizona, USA. larryros@gmail.com |
reviewed by Larry Rosenberg from United States on May.01.2010 |
| Sounds like an awesome festival! |
reviewed by Jen from United States on Mar.30.2010 |
| Had an amazing time at the festival, and yes, the closing party was fantastic. Balkan Beat Box especially good. Got bthe whole crowd going! |
reviewed by Al and Kate Powell from United Kingdom on Jul.31.2009 |
| Enjoy the festival. you must go to the 'Shalom on the Szeroka' party on the last day. Great party and unforgettable atmosphere. |
reviewed by Marek from Poland on Jun.30.2009 |
| Thanks for the new festival dates and link (in English!!!). Should be a good show this year. |
reviewed by rob from United Kingdom on May.30.2009 |
| I take a group [non profit] each year for Jewish festival and organise Stehtl trip and Krakow city Jewish tours and take over a a hotel in Jewiosh quarter and should contact me by e-mail if you wish to join this years trip |
reviewed by Marcel Manson from United Kingdom on Apr.24.2009 |
| What are the dates for the 2009 festival? |
reviewed by Rennie Cohen from United States on Feb.16.2009 |
| This page is really helpful in telling me what goes on. |
reviewed by Rennie Cohen from United States on Feb.16.2009 |
| what are the dates for the Jewish cultural festival in 2009? |
reviewed by vered from Netherlands on Dec.23.2008 |
| What are the date for next year 09? Is Klezmer music festival a constant of this festival. Where I can get more information on this specific topic?.
Thanks a lot.
Mauro |
reviewed by Mauro from Italy on Dec.19.2008 |
| What are the dates for the 08 festival. Please let me know as soon as possible. Why is this not on the internet? Everyone in the world is looking for this? |
reviewed by giella from United States on May.02.2008 |
| 2008 dates appear to be June 28-July 6, according to the festival's website at www.jewishfestival.pl/ |
reviewed by Mindy from United States on Oct.10.2007 |
| When are the dates for the 2008 Jewish Festival, please?
Thanks. |
reviewed by Sarah Krakauer from United States on Sep.28.2007 |
| Please give me the dates of the Cracow Jewish Culture Festival 2008. - Hiermit bitte ich um das Datum des Krakauer Jiddisch-Festivals 2008. - Hob a dank! |
reviewed by Juergen Paschke from Germany on Sep.27.2007 |
| Are there dates for 2008 set yet? |
reviewed by Dan from United States on Sep.06.2007 |
| Excellent site with very good and useful information! I have a question: Do you know the dates of the Jewish Festival in 2008? Please send dates to me if you have them! Thank you so much...I have saved your site to 'my favorites' |
reviewed by Sue from United States on Aug.20.2007 |
| I just learned about this festival! Can I please find out the dates for 2008? |
reviewed by Marlene from United States on Jul.14.2007 |
| Jewish Culture Festival that has been an annual fixture in the city's cultural agenda since 1988. |
reviewed by Tom from United Kingdom on Apr.25.2007 |