Page 56 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Krakow

54  INTRODUCING KR AK OW

KRAKOW THROUGH THE YEAR

Steeped in history, Krakow is a city festivals and celebrations throughout
where old traditions are maintained. the year. In addition to these perennial
Embraced by the Planty, which replaced events, Krakow’s large student population
the medieval walls, the Old Quarter helps to ensure a constant buzz of exciting
remains at the heart of the city. At cultural activity. There is something for
hourly intervals, a bugle call from the everyone here. Press listings and other
tower of St Mary’s Church echoes across local media, as well as tourist agencies,
Market Square, the location of many are good sources of information.

May
3 May Constitution Day
celebrates the first Polish
Constitution of 1791 with a
Mass said in Wawel Cathedral
followed by the laying of
wreaths at the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier.
Afterwards, there are fairs
and picnics.
Procession from Wawel
to the Paulite Church
“On the Rock” (first
Sun after 8 May, Feast of
St Stanisław). The Primate
and bishops lead the
procession and carry the
relics of the patron saints
of Poland, joined by the
A bouquet of traditional Polish Easter palms for sale on Palm Sunday faithful in regional costumes.
Photomonth (mid-May).
Easter Sunday is the most Contemporary photography
Spring
important Catholic feast. is celebrated with exhi-
At the foothills of the Tatra Easter Monday. The bitions in various locations
Mountains, vast fields of Emmaus Fair takes place around town.
crocuses announce the arrival in Zwierzyniec and people Juvenalia. Krakow is ruled
of spring. In Krakow, the new are splashed with water by students for a couple
season is heralded by people (Śmigus-dyngus) throughout of days.
spilling onto the city’s the city. Krakow Film Music Festival
pavements, all enjoying the (late May). Movie soundtracks
warmer weather, splendid April performed by full orchestras,
sights and al fresco dining. Paka Cabaret Festival. featuring many international
A varied programme where guest musicians.
Easter amateur and professional Krakow Film Festival (May-
Palm Sunday (Sun before satirical performers, Polish Jun). The oldest film festival
Easter). The blessing of palms and foreign, all take part. in the country.
in churches. A competition
for the largest and best
decorated palm takes place Archconfraternity of
in Lipnica Murowana village, the Passion
41 km (25 miles) east Since 1595 the Good Friday pro-
of Krakow. cessions of the Archconfraternity
Misteria Paschalia (Easter of The Passion have taken place
week). This popular music in the Franciscan Church. The
festival celebrates sacral Brothers wear black habits with
classical music. hoods covering the face. The ritual
Holy Saturday is a day when has remained unchanged for
baskets with food are taken centuries. The Archconfraternity
to the church for a blessing, had the right to pardon those
and symbolic tombs of condemned to death. Brothers in Procession
Christ are venerated.