The Wianki festival, a cherished national Polish tradition tied to the annual summer solstice, is celebrated along the banks of the Vistula River. In Krakow, the festivities center around music, while traditional wreath weaving remains integral to the celebration. Girls create exquisite and aromatic wreaths during this cultural event using magic herbs, flowers, and dreams.
Music Festival
The celebrations are centered around music, with multiple stages featuring artists presenting various music genres, street music performances, live entertainment on the main stage, and a concert on the festival's second day. The Music Festival encompasses stars and newcomers across diverse genres like classical, jazz, rock, folk, and pop, along with club sounds and even a silent disco experience. All concerts are free of charge.
Activities
Typically, the Festival also includes a Picnic, a Competition for the most beautiful wreath, and wreath weaving. Krakow's Wianki celebration also includes St. John's Fair, located near the Wawel Castle. There are plenty of handmade crafts, wreaths, and traditional foods, as well as folk dances and music to entertain visitors. The night ends with a glorious fireworks display of the Vistula River.
History of the Festival
Wianki originates from a pagan fertility festival honoring the Slavic goddess of love, Kupala. During the night, called Kupalnocka, people participated in wreath-floating and bonfire-jumping ceremonies, which were supposed to ensure fertility. Every flower or herb in a wreath has its special meaning. However, when Poland became Christian, the holiday was dedicated to St. John's Eve. Kupala's wreath floating ritual became associated with the baptism ceremony. Thus, pagan Midsummer was incorporated into the Christian practice. But despite these efforts, some pagan customs survived.
The legend says if one puts a lit candle inside the wreath and lets it float down the river, one's dream may come true. This custom was popular in Warsaw as well. It came to Krakow in the middle of the 19th century. Nowadays, it is a colorful show with fireworks and music. If you have a dream, you should come to the river bank on this day!
