The tradition of building christmas cribs first appeared in Krakow in the XIX century among local workers and masons. Every year, around Christmas, groups of carol singers carrying small cribs would gather up in the main market square, and wait to be invited to wealthy merchant’s residences.

First Christmas Crib competition has been organized in 1937 and annually continued until outbreak of the World War II. Tradition,  had it’s rebirth in 1945 and lasts ever since. Every first Thursday of December local craftsmen bring their cribs to the square and present them to public on the footsteps of Adam Mickiewicz statue.

To be perceived as ‘Krakow’s’ each christmas crib must represent elements of the local architecture (defensive turrets, St. Florian’s gate, St. Mary’s church motives) as well as moving figures of famous krakowians and people related to the city (for instance – Pope John Paul II).

After the competion is over – cribs are presented on an axhibition in KRZYSZTOFORY PALACE Museum, Main Market square 45 – Rynek glowny 45.

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