Palm Sunday in Lipnica Murowana every year attracts crowds of tourists. They admire the traditional palms elaborately made of wicker twigs, decorated with colourful flowers and ribbons which, because of their size, are widely known. The longest ones reaching record lengths, even over 30m long.

Since 1958 a contest has been organised in Lipnica Murowana to make the largest palm. The only condition is that it has to be put up using human strength alone without the use of cranes or any other equipment. The current record is 35.1m. On Good Friday the local tradition dictates that crosses are made of the dismantled blessed palms which the landowner then places in various locations on his land to ensure a good crop and health for the rest of the year. The contest is organised by Municipal Cultural Centre.

The palm contest is accompanied by shows and performances by folklore bands, exhibitions of works of folk artists, music by brass bands, food tasting of regional dishes and an Easter Bazaar where Easter decorations and craft products can be purchased. On this day Lipnica is teeming with life as countless tourists converge here from all over the country.

Municipal Office Lipnica Murowana (woj. Malopolskie)

www.lipnicamurowana.pl