Christmas cribs: traditions of szopka art and craft in Cracow

Intangible cultural heritage plays an immeasurable role in the existence, continuation and development of communities. Intergenerational transmission helps to strengthen the bond between people. The first legally binding act of international law concerning this issue is the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage of 2003. This article discusses the role and the significance of Cracovian nativity scenes for the local community, for whom they represent a ‘living’ tradition. Cracovian nativity scenes, inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018, are the first Polish entry on the List. The issues discussed include perspectives on the principle of sustainable development in the cultural sector and present the challenges of safeguarding intangible heritage in the context of increasing commercialisation and globalisation.