The contest is one of the most iconic customs of Poland's historic southern city. On the first Thursday of December contestants converged towards Adam Mickiewicz monument to present their handicraft to the public and in a celebratory parade set out for Krzysztofory Palace where the jury deliberated on the winners.
The winners of the 79th Christmas Crib Competition, were announced on Sunday by a 20 member jury composed of historians, ethnographers and architects. The Krakow Christmas Crib is a unique symbol that represents the Nativity of Jesus in the scenery of historical buildings of the city.
The tradition of making these colourful cribs, mixed with the characteristic features of Krakow architecture was conceived in the late 19th century. The most common background for Krakow’s scene of the Nativity of Jesus Christ are St. Mary's Basilica, Sukiennice trade hall, Wawel Castle, and other recognizable buildings.
The first contest was organised in 1937. After World War II, the contest was resumed and has been happening continuously ever since. Starting on December 6th, the cribs are on display at a special exhibition at the Krzysztofory Palace , the seat of the Historical Museum of Krakow.
The exhibition is to last until February 27, 2022.
Radio Poland's Agnieszka Bielawska has this report.
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