Every year the inhabitants of Krakow uphold a traditional ritual, in tribute to local folklore.

In an ancient festival that dates back to pagan times, the people of Krakow gather on the banks of the River Vistula to celebrate the festival of Wianki, which literally means "wreaths".

On this day in June, wreaths are presented as part of a competition to find the most beautiful, and are then floated down the river, to remember the pagan ritual when maidens floated wreaths of herbs on water to predict when they would get married and to whom.

According to folklore, the girl would not marry if the wreath returned to the shore and if it sunk, it would be an indication that she would die young. Only if it flowed down the river would she be married and happy.

The midsummer event is also marked by the lighting of huge bonfires and a host of entertainment around the city with musical performances, fairs, fireworks and speeches.

Krakow is Poland's second largest city and is home to more than 800,000 residents.