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Krakow Christmas Crib show opens

PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge 13.12.2013 11:37
  • Krakow's 71st Nativity Scene Contest
An exhibition of the winners of Krakow's 71st Christmas Crib contest has opened at the city's historical museum.

Photo:
Photo: Krakow.pl

“I think that it's important because many generations of families continue this tradition,” the museum's Anna Kandzior-Zug told Polish Radio correspondent Nick Hodge.

The city has hosted a crib contest since 1937, in a bid to help the custom to flourish.

In this audio report, fourth generation crib-maker Andrzej Malik tells us what it takes to make the ideal nativity scene (szopka).

His latest concoction is an eclectic mix of elements of the city's architectural landmarks, with a sixteenth century sorcerer thrown in for good measure.

Meanwhile, tourists share their thoughts on the colourful Krakow custom, and we hear about how craftsmen first started making the cribs in the 19th century.

As tradition dictates, the opening phase of the contest was held on the first Thursday of the month, when hopeful, yet decidedly exhausted contestants displayed their creations on the Main Market Square.

On Sunday 8th December, the winners were declared to a packed crowd during a special ceremony. As always, prizes were awarded in separate categories for adults, youths and children, taking in large, small and miniature cribs.

The exhibition of this year's winners runs until 14 February 2014 at the Krzysztofory Palace, a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow, (Market Square 1).

Cover photo: msz.gov.pl

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