Page 58 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Krakow

56  INTRODUCING KR AK OW

Average Monthly Rainfall
mm Inches
100 4
75 3
Rainfall Chart
50 2 September is the wettest
month in Krakow. Storms
25 1 and cloudbursts may
occur in summer.
0 0 February and April are
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec the driest months.

September
Autumn Sacrum Profanum Festival
On dry and sunny autumn (early to mid-Sep). This annual
days Krakow is beautifully festival is devoted to 20th-
shrouded in colours; the century music of all sorts,
Planty chestnut trees turn whether classical, pop or
golden and market stalls avant-garde. It has previously
display baskets full of wild included appearances by
mushrooms from the the likes of Kraftwerk, Aphex
woodlands of the Twin and Sigur Rós. Important
mountain foothills. buildings in the city are A marching band celebrating national
Students return to Krakow adapted and tailored to Independence Day
by the end of September suit the festival’s needs.
to take part in the inaugural November
celebrations of the new October All Saints’ Day (Dzień
academic year. The hymn Unsound (early Oct). Held Wszystkich Świętych) (1 Nov).
G G in a variety of atmospheric Many Krakovians visit ceme-
Gaudeamus Igitur can be audeamus Igitur can be audeamus Igitur
heard sung at many colleges, spaces around the city, this teries to lay flowers and light
and in particular at the vibrant festival features candles on the graves. The
Jagiellonian University, electronic, experimental, views of the old Rakowicki
Poland’s oldest university, independent and club music Cemetery or of the beautifully
established in 1364. from around the world. located cemetery on the Hill
of the Holy Redeemer (św.
Salwator) are unforgettable.
It is an old custom of Krakow
to be able to buy, on this day
only, so-called Turkish honey
(caramelized sugar with walnuts
or pistachios) at the entrance to
cemeteries. Children, especially,
look forward to this event.
All Souls Jazz Festival
(Krakowskie Zaduszki Jazzowe).
Oldest jazz festival in post-
Communist Europe, with
concerts in the Philharmonic
hall and jazz clubs.
Independence Day (Święto
Niepodległości) (11 Nov). After
a Mass at the Wawel Cathedral,
wreaths are laid at the Tomb
of the Unknown Soldier by
the Grunwald Monument
in Matejko Square.
“Etude” International Film
Festival (Międzynarodowy
Festiwal Filmowy Etiuda)
(late Nov). This festival sees
Flowers and candles on top of tombs ahead of All Saints’ Day the screening of short