Festival of Wianki（Garlands）

Kraków’s Magical Night of Flowers and Music at the Summer Solstice

2026/06/19 - 2026/06/20

Every June, the banks of the Vistula River in Kraków are transformed by the enchanting lights and blossoms of Wianki, the Festival of Garlands. On the night of the summer solstice, families, friends, and couples gather to weave flower crowns, enjoy music and traditional rituals, and marvel at fireworks that light up the night sky. Rooted in ancient Slavic tradition, this is one of Kraków’s largest open-air events, welcoming everyone from children to adults.

Wianki is perfect for anyone who wants to celebrate nature, love, and hope, and to fully experience the beginning of summer. The scent of flowers by the river, music, and laughter unite the entire city in a joyful atmosphere.

Main Attractions

Garland Weaving, Floating Crowns, and Enchanting Night Rituals

The symbol of the festival is the colorful garlands woven from flowers and herbs. People of all ages eagerly create their own crowns, with a contest for the most beautiful designs. As night falls, participants light candles on their garlands and float them down the Vistula River in a traditional ritual. The sight of countless glowing crowns drifting on the water is breathtaking. This custom, believed to predict love and luck, creates unforgettable memories for all involved.

Live Music, Dance, and Fireworks Show

On the festival’s main stage, popular artists from Poland and abroad perform live music, along with traditional folk and dance groups. As night deepens, fireworks burst above the Vistula, blending music and light in a spectacular finale. The riverbank fills with food stalls, workshops, and picnickers, making the summer night a feast for all five senses.

Folk Costumes and Traditional Decorations

Many participants wear beautifully embroidered Kraków folk costumes, flower crowns, ribbons, and colorful scarves, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere. The venue is decorated with natural materials and flowers, picnic blankets, candles, and banners along the riverbank.

Traditional Food and Summer Flavors

Food stalls offer pierogi, grilled sausages, fresh-baked bread, local honey and fruit, cold lemonade, and beer-perfect summer treats. The aroma of sweet pastries and fruit wafts through the air as people enjoy picnics and garland-making along the river.

Cultural and Historical Background

Wianki traces its origins to the ancient Slavic solstice festival “Noc Kupały” (Kupala Night), which honored the powers of the sun, fire, water, flowers, and love, and prayed for fertility, luck, and purification. After Christianization, it became known as “St. John’s Night” (Noc Świętojańska), with customs like floating garlands, fortune-telling, and jumping over bonfires.

By the 19th century, Wianki was celebrated in Kraków and Warsaw on a grand scale, and in the 20th century, patriotic themes were added. After interruptions during World War II and the communist era, the festival was revived in 1992 as a major cultural event organized by the city of Kraków. Today, with live music, fireworks, and garland contests, it’s a beloved summer tradition blending old and new.

Participant Voices

At my first Wianki, I became completely absorbed in making garlands. A local grandmother taught me how, and I was surrounded by the scents of herbs and wildflowers as I wove. When I floated my wish-lit garland on the river that night, the magical scene nearly brought me to tears.

Fun Facts

Wianki garlands are symbols of wishes and love fortunes. If your garland floats far down the river, it is said your wish will come true.
The festival’s fireworks finale lights up Kraków’s night sky for 10 to 15 minutes.
Traditionally, each flower and herb in the garland has a special meaning, such as protection, health, or love.
Wianki is celebrated not only in Kraków, but also in Warsaw, Gdańsk, and other cities across Poland.