Krakow’s annual events

Krakow is a city of culture. Unlike Warsaw – the capitol of the government and the center for business, Krakow truly is the place known as home for artists, and for magnitude of cultural events.

Here is the list of annual events.

January

The New Year celebration in Krakow is always a big event in the Main Square. Concerts and fireworks light up the sky. It’s loud and crowdy but, on the plus side, very energetic and you can always meet people and simply have fun. Polish cities always try to invite the hottest bands and you can count for high quality music. For more demanding public there could be a Philharmonic concert, or a theatre play. Also, most of the pubs, clubs organize whole night parties.

February

Not the liveliest month of the year – it’s usually cold and gloomy. There are events though – International Shanty Festival. Also there is something called and Fat Thursday. Good excuse to eat as many doughnuts as possible – if you’re up for that kind of fun feel invited.

March

The month for classical music fans – the Bach Festival and the Organ Festival. Another one could be Easter with its classical music festival – Misteria Pashalia.

April

Well … not much is happening. But we’ll be back with more information.

May

The city gets into its stride this month, not least with the Krakow’s Marathon. The Krakow International Film Festival is a longstanding feature, joined by a newcomer, The Krakow Month of Photography. For music lovers, there is the Encounters with Orthodox Church Music Festival.

June

The most internationaly known is the International Festival of Jewish Culture. Also late June is marked by the ancient Wianki (Floating of the Wreaths) custom, nowadays backed up by a major concert on the River Vistula. Finally, there’s the International Festival of Military Bands.

July

There are festivals galore this month. Here are the main runners for your perusal:

The Summer Jazz Festival
International Street Theatre Festival
Crossroads Festival of Folk Music
Summer Organ Festival

August

An August highlight is the Music in Old Krakow Festival, which draws classical acts from foreign shores. Staying on the musical tip, Krakow’s Academy of Music organises its own shindig. Finally there’s the festival of Court Dance.

September

The Sacrum-Profanum Music Festival offers more musical delights. This is backed up by another classical number, the International Competition of Modern Chamber Music. And of course, the legendary Dachshund Parade brings a welcome dose of silliness.

October

The International Festival of Early Music is a regular this month. Lovers of literature might check out the Krakow Book Fair, nationwide event most interesting for books lovers.

November

The last flickers of Autumn are taken to magical heights by the All Saints and All Souls Vigils (November 1st and 2nd). The Zaduszki Jazz Festival lightens the melancholic tone. November 29th is the Polish celebration of Andrzejki, when you can read your future, especially regarding your marital plans and possibilities, in wax.

December

The Christmas Market starts promptly (stalls are usually up by the end of November). And on the first Thursday of the month, the time-honoured Christmas Crib competition begins. This is complimented by a range of yuletide customs. Lately, the Opera Viva Festival has also been a December feature.

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