Folk art was largely appreciated for the first time in Romanticism in the 1st part of the 19th century – at the time the folklore was seriously explored. Romantic artists were inspired by folk ballads, music, dance as well as elements of material culture such as clothes, plastic arts or construction. In 1846 William Thoms introduced the term “folklore,” which was first commonly used in Europe and then all over the world. The next wave of the interest in folk culture happened at the turn of the 20th century – in Poland this phenomenon was called the peasant-mania.
Today, at the time of globalization when many things undergo unification, the folk art feels like the only original, real thing which many people miss. The folk products are even more attractive because they bring connotations of our grandparents or aunts whose homes in the village where filled with carved wooden spoons hang on the walls and beautiful needle-lace table-cloths. All of those who like such folk design, which has become very popular nowadays, should definitely visit the Fair of Folk Art. The event starts on 21st August and takes place on the Market Square where stalls have already been installed.
This year much attention is drawn to Cepelia, a company which traditionally deals with folk art in Poland, because it has its 60th anniversary this year. Not many people know that Cepelia apart from selling folk products also functions as a foundation which promotes Polish folklore in shops, galleries but also by associating folk music ensembles.
During the Fair in Krakow, however, it will be possible to admire not only the Polish handicraft but also folk art from other countries of the world. It definitely will be a unique chance to buy something special for friends and family. The organizers have also thought of an interesting music to accompany the Fair – on the stage will appear ensembles from Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Belarus or Russia.