Krakow Cribs

Kraków szopka (pron.: shop-ka), or nativity scene (crib, crèche) (Polish: Szopka krakowska) is a Christmas tradition originating from

Kraków, Poland, and dating back to the 19th century. Unlike traditional Western nativity scene. Kraków szopka portrays historical

buildings from Kraków.Nativity scenes, common in Christian cultures, originated with St.

Francis of Assisi in the 13th century and spread to Poland quickly afterwards.

During the Middle Ages a specific type of nativity scene based play, a Jasełka, developed in Poland.

Some performers displayed their szopkas together with puppets in a form

of a street theatre. In some, movable puppets were replaced by immobile

wooden figurines. At times subject-specific puppets or figurines were and are being added to illustrate elements of Polish culture, ranging

from historical figures like winged hussars and Tadeusz Kościuszko,

through legendary Pan Twardowski and Dragon of the Wawel Hill, to contemporary politicians or artists. In the 18th century the spread

of such non-religious content led to a ban on more extravagant nativity

scenes in some Polish churches; following the ban the performances evolved into a true

expression of folk art.

The szopka tradition dates back to the 19th century, when Kraków's craftsmen – masons, woodworkers – begun to make them as a

seasonal decoration in order to earn extra income during Christmas. The custom grew in

popularity, with people willing to pay to watch szopka collections – often carried

by door-to-door carolers – or to own them. Among the notable early

patrons of the custom was the magnate family of Potoccy.

After Poland regained independence in 1918, szopkas started to be made

and sold as souvenirs of Kraków. The city's municipal authorities decided

to support this tradition by announcing the first competition in December 1937.

Since then, with the exception of the Second World War years, a szopka presentation and tournament takes place on first Thursday

of each December, at the Main Market Square, Kraków, next to the Adam Mickiewicz Monument.

The best szopkas are displayed in the Historical Museum of Kraków in Krzysztofory palace.

Music - Krakowiak from ballet Ludomir Różycki „Pan Twardowski”Photos from web pages has chosen - Anna