Do you find yourself with a bit of free time on your hands? Whether you’re a local in Hungary or just passing through, we’ve got plenty of programme suggestions to keep you entertained! From a diverse selection of films and gastronomical festivals to carnival celebrations and art exhibitions, there’s something for everyone. What’s your favourite?
Busójárás in Mohács
Bid farewell to the gloomy winter days and welcome the first rays of sunshine of spring in a Hungarian way. Busójárás is probably one of the most special and unique celebrations in Hungarian culture. At the oldest and best-known winter carnival in Hungary, thousands of masqueraders, around 70 busó groups, will say goodbye to winter in Mohács. The time of the parade, a folk tradition known far and wide, is determined by the first full moon after the spring solstice. This year’s celebration will take place between the 8th and the 13th of February. It would be a shame to miss such a special event!
Films and more…
In the midst of winter, all we want to do is cosy up at home and enjoy a great film. Nevertheless, it could be a great idea to take a break from the comfort of your home and go to a local cinema. If you do not speak Hungarian, Uránia National Film Theatre is always a good choice. The theatre provides a great selection of films that you can watch in the original language with Hungarian subtitles. This week, you can watch films like Fallen Leaves, Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Poor Things, and Priscilla.
If you are looking for something more unusual and colourful, Cirque du Soleil is also performing this week in Hungary. You can tune in and enjoy the breathtaking OVO production between the 8th and 11th of February. OVO is the work of a hundred members from 25 countries, including 52 artists, and has been seen by more than 7 million people since its premiere in Montreal in 2009.
Gastronomic festivals
It is no surprise that the carnival (farsang) season in Hungary comes with seasonal delicacies. To celebrate the carnival, many towns all across the country organise sausage and doughnut festivals. For instance, the Sausage Festival of Fonyód, the largest and most popular gastronomic event on Lake Balaton in winter, awaits visitors for the 14th time. The festival will be held between the 9th and 11th of February and will feature the best Hungarian artisans’ products at the farmers’ market. However, meat lovers can enjoy further festivals in Jászberény, Kapuvár, Tokaj, Komló, Sellye, and Csepel.
Not a fan of meat? Worry not! Another notable festival happening this week is the Doughnut Festival in Nagykanizsa. The festival will be organised between the 9th and 10th of February. Visitors can enjoy a doughnut baking competition, doughnut tasting and shopping, and a fun carnival. The festival could be a fun gastronomic experience even for those who do not eat meat.
Snowdrop Festival – Alcsút Arboretum 2024
Visitors are greeted by a two-and-a-half-hectare field of snow-white flowers, a spectacular sight that is unique in the country. 24 varieties of Mediterranean snowdrops in seven species are on display for visitors to see. The special event will start in February, as snowdrops start to flower. The arboretum awaits visitors between 10.00 AM and 5.00 PM on every day of the week. The snowdrop blooming is expected to last 4–5 weeks.
Read also:
- PHOTO GALLERY: The Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience exhibition has arrived in Budapest
- This year’s Busójárás in Hungary promises to be bigger than ever – programme guide
Exhibitions
Replay. New Acquisitions Courtesy of The Circle of Patrons
This week is the last opportunity to visit the Replay. New Acquisitions Courtesy of The Circle of Patrons exhibition in the Hungarian National Gallery. The Replay exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Friends of Contemporary Art Non-profit Ltd., the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Hungarian National Gallery in Budapest. Established in 2021, the Circle of Patrons, comprising six dedicated contemporary art collectors, aims to enrich the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hungarian National Gallery, inspired by similar initiatives at the Tate Modern and Centre Pompidou.
Quotations 2: Glimpses of the 1990s
Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience
As we step into February this week, the long-awaited Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience opens its doors. The attraction conquered numerous cities worldwide before it arrived in Budapest. The exhibition provides you with a unique experience for diving into Van Gogh’s masterpieces with the newest 4k technology and visuals. The exhibition is located in the BOK Sports Hall, in District 14. For more information about the prices, you may visit the official website.