Event: Poland - Krakow

Wianki - Floating of the Wreaths

When:	21 Jun 2008 (annual)
Where:	Old Town
Costs:	Free

Wianki is a paean to midsummer at which huge ceremonial bonfires - sobotka - are lit along the banks of Krakow's great river Vistula and the inhabitants of the city float magical wreaths downstream.

The festival traces its roots to a peaceful pagan ritual where maidens would float their wreaths of herbs on the water to predict when they would be married, and to whom. By the 19th century this tradition had become a festive event, and it continues today. Beautiful wreaths are presented (there is a competition to find the best) and then floated down the river by the light of the fires.

Apart from the official floating of wreaths, there are musical performances, dignitaries' speeches, fairs and fireworks by the river bank opposite the imposing Royal Wawel Castle. Poland's top pop stars are now joined by international acts to complete a day of celebration.

The festival is not only worth seeing, but is hard to avoid. Follow the crowds in the late evening to find lively bars and clubs that you never knew existed in Krakow's extensive underground cellar scene.