Krakow Nativity Scene or Krakow szopka (also called crib, creche, Polish: Szopka krakowska) is a Christmas tradition originating from Krakow, town in S. Poland, and dating back to the 19th century.
Christmas creches are portable theaters for traditional puppet Nativity plays. The ornate structures can be two meters high and three meters wide.
Those colorful, richly decorated creches take fantastic shapes inspired by historical buildings of Krakow, the bizarre spires of the church of Virgin Mary's in the first place.
Other popular choices include the Wawel Castle, Sukiennice trade hall and the Barbican of Krakow.
The Bethlehem is often shown on the second floor, as the first one is used for a display of historical figurines.

Every year since 1937 (with exception of the 2nd World War years), there is a szopka presentation and contest on first Thursday of December, at the Krakow Main Market Square.
The cribs can be six inches high, or six feet. Some have mechanisms, or lights.
There are two elements which are the same they all are covered in coloured foils, and they all have the same architectural structure of the Cathedral.
The winners are kept in the Museum of Ethnography, the rest are sold in a gloriously colourful marketplace.

Images for "szopka krakowska"
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This gallery collection was displayed in The State Etnographical Museum in Warsaw, at "Krakow Nativity Scenes" exhibition, 08.12.2009 - 24.01.2010.