Juvenalia in Krakow is an annual student festival that includes a carnival, folk festivals, various competitions, and concerts. It takes place in early May in Krakow (Poland) for several days (the festival usually begins on the first Friday of the month, on this day for students many universities have a day off).

Students walk along the streets of Krakow

The first Juvenalia was held in the center of Krakow in 1956. Today, students of Krakow universities, as well as ordinary citizens and tourists, take part in this bright holiday.

Juvenalia’s program

Juvenalia begins on Friday at 10 am, when a crowd of students dressed in various carnival costumes gathers near the Mining and Metallurgical Academy. After this, a column of people, accompanied by music and dancing, begins to move towards the historical center of Krakow and the main city Rynok Square. Many of the march participants are dressed in wigs, homemade costumes, and some are moving on strange homemade vehicles.

On the square, according to tradition, the mayor of the city hands over the keys to Krakow to students, and folk festivities and concerts begin. Tens of thousands of people take part in the festival every year.

Students walk along the Market Square in Krakow