The Nativity in Kraków
Throughout the world, Nativity scenes tend to have a similar composition. They are usually a small replica of a stable or cave, with the figures of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus lying in a manger, surrounded by angels, wise men, shepherds and animals. However, the Nativity scenes built each year by craftspeople in Kraków have a rather different design.
"It seems that in Kraków, Christ was born not in a run-down stable but in a fabulous palace," says Anna Szałapak from the Kraków Historical Museum, where scenes designed and built by Krakovians for the city's annual contest are on display. "However, this marvelous architecture is not imaginary. In every Nativity scene, we can find elements of old Kraków buildings," she adds. Building such Nativity scenes is a Kraków tradition going back to the middle of the 19th century.
Even those unfamiliar with Kraków's architecture looking at these colorful, shiny models, will easily recognize the two characteristic towers of St Mary's Basilica or Wawel's cloister.
The selection of figures appearing in these scenes usually diverges a tad from the traditional cast as well. Often, the Holy Family is placed on an upstairs floor of the building, upon which a heavenly scene is depicted. On the ground floor, secular life is shown. There, people who can be found on Kraków's streets every day are portrayed - a flower seller, a priest, a chimney-sweep, as well as famous people connected with the city.
All of the Kraków Nativity scenes - which measure from as small as 30 centimeters to as large as three meters in height - are made of cardboard, colorful paper and, most importantly, tinfoil chocolate wrappers. The unusual construction materials make building the scenes very time-consuming.
"The craftspeople spend from a few hundred hours to even a whole year constructing the Nativity scene. All of them are individually handcrafted, and there are no copies," says Szałapak.
The Nativity scenes will be on display at the Kraków Historical Museum until February 11.
