Budapest Spring Festival
Second week to end of March
Pulling together the best in classical music, opera, and folk performances, this festival is the largest of its kind in Hungary. For further information contact: 1081 Budapest, Rákóczi út 65. VI. 66, Tel: (36-1) 210-2795, 133-2337
March 15 (Public Holiday)
On this day, 1848, Sándor Pétõfi recited the Nemzeti Dal (national song) in front of Budapest's National Museum. This event is generally regarded as the spark leading to the revolution against Habsburg Austria. Flags fly throughout the country.
Easter
This holiday begins innocently enough, with eggs and traditional costumes. Things can get wild, however, when the pagan fertility custom of locsolkodas is practiced, during which men repeatedly spray women with perfume in return for a shot of apricot brandy with each application.
May Day
1 May
May Day used to mark International Labor Day in a rather stoic way. The current non-political celebrations are more festive and center upon activities in the city park of Népliget and on Margit Island.
Buda Castle Fun Day: International Children's Day
Last weekend of May
For further information contact: the Budapest Magyar Kultúra Alapítvány, (The Hungarian Culture Foundation), 1014 Budapest, Szentháromság tér 6, Tel: (36-1) 355-0122.
WOMUFE (World Music Festival)
July
This ever-changing program of
cultural music brings together creative and innovative artists from all over the
world. The list of performers is usually released in April
Pepsi Sziget (Island) Festival
Mid August
This fesitival was first
held in 1993, with over 40,000 people attending the week of music and
entertainment. Pepsi and MTV teamed up to present the hottest groups of the day, such
as David Bowie, the Asian Dub Foundation, Goldie, Chumbawumba and the Prodigy.
In 1999, 170,000 people attended the event, and it continues to grow. For further information contact:
Óbudai-sziget Sziget Kulturális Menedzseriroda Kft, ('Island' Cultural
Management Office Co.), 1117 Budapest, Orlay u. 5-7, Tel: (36-1) 372-0650.
Budafest Summer Opera and Ballet Festival
August
Budapest traditionally holds its concert season between September and June, but August is the best time to see some world-class opera and ballet during Budafest. Both Hungarian and foreign acts converge in the Opera Houseto perform for locals and tourists holding insanely low-priced tickets. For further information contact: V.I.P. ARTS Management, 1065 Budapest, Hajós u. 13-15, Tel: (36-1) 302-4290
St.Stephen's Day
20 August
Magyars celebrate their patron saint (Szent István), who was coronated on this day in 1000AD, thereby establishing the Magyar State. The city hosts numerous events, including folk dancing on Castle Hill, and a fireworks display on Gellért Hill.
