2017-12-10 19:23 update: 2018-09-30, 15:12
Nativity scene contest winners announced in Krakow Photo: PAP/Jacek Bednarczyk
Winners of the renowned nativity scene contest, held for the 75th time in Krakow, southern Poland, were announced on Sunday during a ceremony held at the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow.
The first place was awarded for a three-metre tall nativity scene created by Edward Markowski and his family.
The production of nativity scenes is a traditional handicraft, handed down over generations, in the southern city of Krakow. The lightly-constructed scenes usually depict the Nativity against Krakow's most prominent historical buildings. The figures, often movable, also show historical, cultural and social events in the city, Poland and the world. Each producer has his own style and technique.
Krakow has been known for its nativity scenes since the 19th century. The city has run nativity scene competitions since 1937, suspending them only during the years of World War II (1939-45).
Renowned nativity scenes from Krakow may find their way onto the UNESCO cultural heritage list. In late March, the Polish Culture Ministry passed a motion in the matter to the UNESCO Secretariat.
(PAP)
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