Before Christmas, the annual Szopka (Nativity scenes) competition and exhibition is held on the main square. This tradition known as the Cracovian Szopka contest dates back to the time of St Francis.
Only five minutes’ walk separates the Main Market Square from the Collegium Maius, the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University established in 1364. Both the University and the Old Town are surrounded by the green Planty, a park arranged on the site of the former defensive city walls, with memorials, statues and garden sculptures. There are annual events held in Cracow: the Beethoven Music Festival, Festival of Short–Films, Festival of Street Theatre and the Music in Old Cracow International Festival. They all are highly regarded internationally and have the aura of Cracovian style about them. But what makes the Cracovian style? To find out, visit the Jama Michalika café with its Art Nouveau decorations, Parisian ambience, the smells of the Viennese breakfasts and the typical Cracovian discussions about art, poetry and women…
Christmas creches are world-famous. Made by folk artists and craftsmen, they combine the traditions of Baroque decoration with motifs from folk tales and legends. The most interesting creches are displayed in the Main Market Square around Christmas.
