It’s difficult to imagine that Krakow has even more to offer than its architectural masterpieces, complex history, vibrant nightlife and breathtaking surroundings. The culture of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship and Krakow is yet another important element that can be discovered through the many cultural festivals that the region has to offer.
The biggest festivals cater to different interest – theatre, music, dance, local legends or Jewish heritage. I’m sure you will be able to find a fascinating event that will make your visit to Krakow even more memorable.
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Jewish Culture Festival
I particularly enjoy the Jewish Culture Festival as it plays into the cities past and the efforts to revive a culture that was once an important part of Krakow.
As the largest Jewish festival of music and culture in Europe it attracts people from all over the world. The festival includes a diverse selection of both traditional and modern music performed by bands from Africa, the USA, and the Middle East, among others. Apart from live music the festival offers tours, parties, cooking classes, workshops for children, art exhibitions and much more. You can easily spend the entire week getting acquainted with this amazing culture.
You can learn more and see the programme of events here.
The Great Dragon Parade
The dragon of Wawel is to Krakow as the little mermaid is to Copenhagen or the bear and the strawberry tree is to Madrid. Legend has it that many tried to slay the dragon who was terrorizing the city and devouring livestock. A clever tailor, however, outsmarted everyone by feeding a sulfur stuffed sheep to the dragon which led to the dragon consuming so much water that it exploded into a million pieces.
The parade is extremely popular due to the significance of the dragon as the cities symbol to the local population. Floats constructed by locals and giant puppets made by Teatr Groteska bring the dragon to life in a spectacular parade as well as an amazing spectacle on the river where colourful dragons battle it out on a background of fireworks, music, and lasers. It can get very crowded so I always make sure to get there early to secure a good spot.
ULICA International Festival of Street Theatre
Big and small shows on outdoor stages, streets filled with clowns, acrobats and lyrical performers from around the world, this variety of forms is typical of the festival. It has been running since 1988 making it one of the oldest festivals of this type in Central Europe. This year we can expect new additions to the already busy schedule, dance theatre performances will take place across the region as well as interactive performances and workshops led by Spanish artists. So, whether you would like to sit back and enjoy the artistry of the talented performers or take a more active role in interactive events, ULICA street festival is sure to keep you happy and amused and enthralled.
Wianki –Fête de la Musique
Wianki music festival celebrates the midsummer night with live music, fireworks, and presentations of ancient pagan rituals. The name of the festival translates to “wreath” sending them down the river is part of the midsummer night’s tradition in the region which is why the festival also organizes a competition for the finest wreath. With six stages catering to different tastes, the focus of the event is definitely on music rather than wreath making.
The Hard Rock Café stage offers mainstream crowd pleasers; it mainly hosts Polish artists so if you are interested in Polish pop this is a good place to find out more about it. The Debut Stage is a place for new artists to show off, it’s a great place to discover new sounds. The third stage, named after the hosting city is dedicated to local artists. The jazz stage hosts world acclaimed and award-winning artists who will take you through many dimensions of jazz, while the smaller Showcase stage allows non-commercial artists to share their talent and love for music. The night ends with an amazing firework show that you are sure to remember for years to come.
Click here for a full a list of artists and more information
Life Festival Oświęcim
Taking place in the town which housed Auschwitz-Birkenau, the biggest Nazi concentration camp, the festival aims to change the association people have with Oswiecim. The themes of this festival are life, peace, and music as it propagates peaceful intercultural relations without racism, xenophobia, and anti-Semitism.
The festival has attracted some pretty big names in the past, among which were Elton John, Queen & Adam Lambert, Eric Clapton, Sting, James Blunt and Manu Chao. Apart from these international chart-topping celebrities the lineup also consists of popular artists that represent a variety of cultures and cultures. Classical concerts and theatre spectacles are nice if you are looking to take a break from the big crowds, another attraction is a mural that was designed especially for the event by worldly acclaimed Polish artists. Entry is not free so make sure to buy your tickets in advance.
Click here for more information on the next Life Festival.
Theatrical Reminiscences
Taking place in October, Theatrical Reminiscences is a lively, creative event that is constantly evolving to find the most original and innovative approaches to theatre. In 1975 when the festival first took place, the interests were focused on the student theatre movement which had a large impact on the theatre scene of the 70’s and 80’s. Now the festival has changed into a showcase and examination of the achievements of Polish and global alternative theatre. Each year over 100 artists from around the world gather to create an immersive theatrical experience for their audience. Dozens of events are hosted around Krakow including, exhibitions, lectures, workshops, performance art shows, concerts and more.
Since 2003, each edition of the festival has revolved around a different theme which creates a platform for performers to express themselves while maintaining a coherent aesthetic whole throughout the different approaches. The shows which sometimes pose difficult questions are captivating and interactive. It is the perfect place for someone interested in contemporary performing arts as well as for those seeking new experiences. This year’s theme “The Land of Happiness” is sure to amaze everyone.
Krakow Live Festival (Coke Live Music Previously)
II could not forget about this extraordinary festival with big names and amazing vibes. 2016 was a great year for this event as it attracted over 25 thousand people with its concerts and amazing attractions. Are you coming to the next edition? August 18-19.2017.
Tell me if you are planning to go to any of these events and let me know if you are coming to Krakow:).