Whilst you wander around Krakow during the Christmas season you are sure to stumble across Polish “Szopki” or “Nativity Scenes”.
These szopki (pronounced “shop-kee”) are not like traditional nativity scenes depicting Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus in a manger, instead, Krakow’s version of the nativity incorporates Krakow’s famous architecture into the scene such as Wawel castle and cathedral or St Mary’s Basilica.
They are hand made, very intricate and often very colourful and are specific to Krakow only.
The tradition dates back to the 19th Century when craftsmen used to compete with each other to draw attention to their skills and wares.
The szopki started off being simple crib designs but evolved over the years into the colourful displays we now see.
On the 5th December 2024 (the first Thursday of every December) the szopki makers will bring their designs to the Main Square in Krakow and place them in front of the Adam Mickiewicz monument where they can then all be admired by the public between the hours of 10:00 to 12:00.
Then, after the trumpeteer plays his daily bugle call at 12:00 a procession sets off around the Main Square where they eventually are moved to a nearby palace to be judged.