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Traditional Easter markets in
Krakow, Poland.
Every year the traditional
Easter market takes place on the Rynek Glowny central square
of Krakow’s Old Town historic district. It starts ten to
fourteen days prior to Easter Sunday, lasts throughout Holy
Week, and ends on Easter Monday night. Several dozen stalls
sell various Easter essentials, decorations, assorted
handicrafts, and foods.
In 2023 the Easter market in Rynek Glowny
central square takes place from March 30th through April
10th with stalls open from 10 am to 9 pm.
Goods
available at the Krakow Easter markets.
Stalls of the Easter market on
the Krakow central square overflow with affordable
merchandise, mostly miscellaneous decorations traditionally
associated with the festival. In Poland eggs are
particularly emblematic of Easter, notably in the form of
colorful ‘pisanka’
– brightly painted and richly ornamented. So egg-shaped
decorations, usually made of either of wood or ceramics,
remain most popular items.
Close second as the symbol of
Easter is the lamb. Unlike pagan-smacking eggs, the lamb
represents Christian values being an emblem of Jesus Christ.
An eatable figure of a lamb – those larger made of pastry or
the smaller ones of sugar – on the dining table is a must at
every Polish home at Easter.
Other popular seasonal
decorations are bunnies, yellow chicks, and hens.
As other markets on the central
square of Krakow, the Easter one is a good occasion for
purchasing handicrafts. Colorful pottery usually
predominates but there is no shortage of sundry other arts
and crafts as well.
Some stands trade in foodstuffs
of independent producers. Most conspicuous are sweets, more
or less exotic: fancy-shaped chocolates, ornamental
gingerbread cookies, variously spiced nuts of all sorts,
etc. At the same time, gourmets may get traditional products
no supermarket dares to sell, such as farmhouse loafs,
village cheeses and cured meats. And anybody hungry enough
can enjoy simple meals, takeaways, and sandwiches.
Amusements at the Easter market in Krakow.
On the day of the official
opening of the Easter market a couple of folk bands perform
village tunes, songs, and dances. Gigs may happen
sporadically also on other dates. On Palm Sunday, one week
before Easter, the contest of Easter “palms” takes place
with a parade and live performances in the early afternoon.
Before noon on Holy Saturday there is an exhibition of
traditional Easter foods from various regions of Poland. On
Easter Monday the “Siuda
Baba” folk pageant goes on.
As regards everyday attractions,
usually some craftsman – a blacksmith, a potter, a wood
carver, etc. – demonstrates his/her skills to encourage
sales.
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Easter in Krakow
Krakow Festivals
Hardly a month passes in Krakow without some
time-honored occasion for common festivities or
colorful celebration
Christmas in Krakow
Why the ancient capital of Poland
deserves a title of the world capital of
Christmas.
Christmas market in Krakow
Krakow Folk Traditions
Krakow region has always been rich in colorful
folk traditions, handed down from generation to
generation.
Travel to Krakow
Hotels in Krakow
Restaurants in Krakow
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