POLAND-KRAKOW/NATIVITY Colourful nativity models fill Krakow central square with Christmas spirit

Record ID: 734989

  • Title: POLAND-KRAKOW/NATIVITY Colourful nativity models fill Krakow central square with Christmas spirit
  • Date: 4th December 2014
  • Summary: KRAKOW, POLAND (DECEMBER 4, 2014) (REUTERS) KRAKOW SQUARE WITH ST MARY'S CHURCH IN BACKGROUND VARIOUS OF PEOPLE CARRYING THEIR HOMEMADE NATIVITY SCENES TO THE SQUARE CHURCH TOWERS / PEOPLE IN SQUARE PEOPLE LOOKING AT NATIVITY SCENES / NATIVITY SCENE BEING CARRIED OVER CROWDS' HEADS VARIOUS OF COUPLE BRINGING AND SETTING UP NATIVITY SCENE VARIOUS OF NATIVITY SCENES ON DISPLAY (SOUNDBITE) (Polish) NATIVITY SCENE MAKER STANISLAW MALIK SAYING: "The tradition of Krakow's nativity scenes was started by my grandfather, then it was passed onto my father, now I'm making them, and together with my son." VARIOUS OF CROWDS ADMIRING NATIVITY SCENES (SOUNDBITE) (Polish) NATIVITY SCENE MAKER MACIEJ MOSZEW SAYING: "Today it is my 54th time, here on Main Square, continuously since 1964. I have made around 100 nativity scenes altogether." DETAIL OF NATIVITY SCENE CHILDREN STANDING AROUND THEIR NATIVITY SCENE DETAIL OF CRIB (SOUNDBITE) (Polish) NATIVITY SCENE MAKER MARYSIA SAYING: "We made this nativity scene to take part in the competition... And so that our crib will be the winner." NATIVITY SCENES SET UP COUPLE HOLDING THEIR NATIVITY SCENE.
  • Embargoed: 19th December 2014 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Poland
  • Country: Poland
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA4M01KWI107MIXI1TV2JXYO4ZX
  • Story Text: Once a year Krakow's main square becomes awash with colourful churches, cathedrals and towers as hundreds of people gather for the Christmas nativity competition.
    Intricate towers and turrets bob across the square as proud competitors carry in their elaborate labours of love - sometimes having taken months to complete - from every corner.
    The models vary from amateur nativity scenes built by children to intricate works of art built by model makers who have a long history with the hobby.
    "The tradition of Krakow's nativity scenes was started by my grandfather, then it was passed onto my father, now I'm making them, and together with my son," one designer, Stanislaw Malik, told Reuters.
    "Today it is my 54th time, here on Main Square, continuously since 1964. I have made around 100 nativity scenes altogether," another entrant, Maciej Moszew, added.
    Younger contestants may not have as much experience on their hands but are no less confident of snapping up the prize.
    "We made this nativity scene to take part in the competition... And so that our crib will be the winner," primary school student Marysia said.
    The first Krakow nativity scenes were made in the middle of the 19th century and were a way for carpenters and bricklayers to make some extra money in the quiet winter months.
    The traditional scene is a colourful design styled on churches, towers and other historical monuments in Krakow. On each storey a different scene from the nativity is represented.
    Those models that are judged to be the best are exhibited to the public indoors by The Historical Museum of Krakow, which has been organising the event since 1937.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2014. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register