Great Dragon Parade (May/June)

Among the many extraordinary tales from the history of Cracow, one of the most well-known is the legend of the terrible Wawel dragon which lived in a cave at the foot of the castle hill. Today the picturesque “dragon’s den” is open to sightseers. Though the dragon defeated by the brave shoemaker is history, his memory is kept alive by a spectacular parade held at the foot of Wawel Hill. After sunset the view is extraordinary indeed - huge fairy-tale creatures glide majestically over the waters of the Vistula accompanied by a fireworks display.

Lajkonik (June)

Corpus Christi is the time of the festival of Lajkonik - also known as the “Zwierzyniec Horse”. The festival is linked to the legend of a Tartar siege of Cracow, when the brave raftsmen from the city's district of Zwierzyniec defeated the attackers. This unique folk festival is one of Cracow’s great attractions, as well as being a valuable document of Polish folklore, with origins going back to medieval guild festivities. A rider in exotic costume on a wooden hobby horse parades along the traditional route leading from Zwierzyniec to the Main Square, where he drinks a toast to the success of Cracow and its residents. People say that a blow from his baton makes you lucky in love.

Jewish Culture Festival (June/July)

This festival invariably attracts crowds of people interested in experiencing authentic Jewish culture. The events, lasting about a week in Cracow’s Kazimierz district, bring Polish and Jewish culture closer together and show the links between the two. Traditionally the festival is inaugurated by a concert by world-famous cantors in the Tempel Synagogue. The final concert on Szeroka street is preceded by a number of additional cultural events, including theatre performances, exhibitions and lectures. It’s also possible to take part in Jewish dance or calligraphy workshops, or a brief cookery course.

Rozstaje (Crossroads) Festival of Traditional music (July)

The Rozstaje (Crossroads) Festival, which takes place in Cracow’s Main Square, presents ethnic culture and gives audiences the opportunity to listen to traditional music, often played on authentic instruments. The music played at the festival is inseparably linked to local customs, rituals, beliefs and magic. The festival was inspired by the richness of the folk culture of the Carpathian region, where different ethnic groups have co-existed through the centuries, and draws from the mutual heritage of Poles, Slovaks, Hungarians, Romanians, Ukrainians, Lemkos, Boykos, Gypsies and Jews.

Pierogi festival (August)

Pierogi - famous Polish cousine

Pierogi - that classic of Polish cuisine - very rightly have a festival organized in their honour. The tasting of pierogi (small dumpling-like creations with a variety of fillings) after a blessing at St. Mary’s Basilica, is accompanied by contests, games, stories about pierogi and musical performances. The tastiest pierogi are chosen by a panel of judges who grant the winning restaurant the title of Cracow Pierogi Champion. Pierogi with cottage cheese and onion, or meat, or cabbage, or mushrooms, or grits, or smoked bacon… With such a diversity and wealth of flavours, choosing a winner is no easy task!

Cracow All Souls’ Day Jazz Festival (October/November)

Autumn is an important season for Cracow’s jazz scene. In late October/early November, jazz lovers can take part in the All Souls’ Day Jazz Festival - one of the oldest European festivals of its kind. The festival traditionally ends with Holy Mass at the Dominican Church, celebrated for deceased jazz musicians.

Jazz concert

Cracow Nativity scene competition (December)

A unique attraction of the pre-Christmas season is the Competition for the Best Cracow Nativity Scene. The first presentation of the Christmas cribs takes place in the Main Square. The tradition is linked to the carol singers who used to visit the homes of wealthy merchants during the Christmas season and put on Nativity plays. Present-day artists use elements of Cracow’s historical architecture in their cribs, such as the tower of St. Mary’s Church, the Town Hall tower, or Wawel Cathedral. The cribs invariably delight the public with their originality, colour and warmth.