Highlights

2011
Hungary hungary.com

3rd–8th MARCH (MAIN DAY: 6. MARCH) MOHÁCS, PANNONIA, SPRING-RITES FESTIVAL

€
MARCH

Since 2009, at the event of “busójárás”, part of the UNESCO intellectual world heritage various groups enter the
main square through the main street at the bang of the busó cannon where an open street carnival starts. The people of
Mohács celebrate the carnival also on the Tuesday of the carnival week saying good-bye to the cold season by burning and
dancing around the bonfire placed at the main square where they burn a coffin symbolizing the winter.
Information: mohacs@tourinform.hu, www.mohacs.hu

12th–15th MARCH, SOPRON, PANNONIA, LISZT-FESTIVAL

€ The annual Liszt Festival represents a real delicacy in music where the works of the world famous composer can
be heard by the music fans in the interpretation of Hungarian artists. The concerts take place in a compelling environment, in
the concert halls of Sopron and in churches. • Information: info@lisztfestival.hu, www.lisztfestival.hu

18th MARCH – 3rd APRIL, BUDAPEST, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS,

BUDAPEST SPRING FESTIVAL
Budapest Spring Festival has been the greatest cultural festival of Hungary for 30 years. This series of events is also
a significant international event In the last two weeks of March, at 50 to 60 venues all over the Hungarian capital,
approximately. 200 events take place . The festival offers classical music concerts and jazz nights, as well as theatre
performances, open-air concerts and other festival-like events.
Information: +36-1/486-3300, +36-1/486-3310, info@festivalcity.hu, www.festivalcity.hu

24th–25th APRIL, HOLLÓKŐ, EGER-TOKAJ WINE REGION,

€
APRIL

HOLLÓKŐ EASTER FESTIVAL

Since 1987, Hollókő has been part of the UNESCO world heritage. The revival of Palóc folk traditions, the village life of past
times takes place in the air of Easter folk customs. One can try painting eggs, jiggering and many other handicrafts. Easter can
certainly not pass without the real sprinkling of the girls by the boys from buckets of water.
Information: +36-32/579-010, +36-32/579-011, hollokozal@mail.datanet.hu, www.holloko.hu

29th APRIL – 2nd MAY, KUNMADARAS, THE PUSZTA AND LAKE TISZA,
€ INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE AND STREETFIGHTER COMPETITION
This event is the highest ranking European drag championship in the country and the region, also accepted by MAMS,
where several ten thousands of horse power of motorcycles gather together. The objective is to struggle oneself through
402.33 metres as fast as possible. Famous foreign stars perform at every contest with their unique machines, and the only
motor stunt contest in Hungary takes place here, as well.
Information: +36-30/965-4435, hajoe@t-online.hu, www.kunmadarasmotorsport.hu
JUNE MAY

27th MAY – 11th SEPTEMBER, FERTŐD, PANNONIA, CASTLE CONCERTS OF ESZTERHÁZA 2011
€ From the end of May until September, almost every day there is some real musical delight in Fertőd and its
surroundings. Open-air concerts in the courtyard of the Bishop’s castle in Fertőrákos every Sunday.
Information: +36-1/413-7565, +36-1/413-7574, www.klassz.org

11th JUNE, 2nd–3rd JULY, HORTOBÁGY, THE PUSZTA AND LAKE TISZA,
HERDSMEN‘S FESTIVAL – NATIONAL HERDSMEN‘S COMPETITION AND MEETING
HORTOBÁGY EQUESTRIAN DAYS
Every Pentecost Saturday, herders of grey cattle and cowmen arriving from various corners of the country gather in the Animal
Park of Puszta to compete with each other and to show off their festive outfits. Visitors can soothe their hunger with meals prepared
at the cookery contest (“slambuc”, goulash, pörkölt-stew, mangalica stew) and choose from the goods of region’s craftsmen.
On the first weekend of July, herdsmen, horsemen, the best craftsmen, dancers and musicians from the area are invited to a
competition in order to demonstrate their skills.
Information: +36-52/589-110, +36-52/369-108, info@hortobagy.eu, www.hortobagy.eu

8th–12th JUNE, ALSÓÖRS, LAKE BALATON, INTERNATIONAL HARLEY-DAVIDSON-FESTIVAL

This is Hungary’s largest bike meeting where, during the five days of the event, there is also a quality music
programme offered as well as the motor show. There will be a spectacular Harley-Davidson fashion show, stunt show and
other breath-taking bike programmes, and of course fireworks shouldn’t be missed either. The highlight of the festival will be
the Saturday bike demonstration. • Information: +36-1/323-0766, info@hungaroparty.hu, www.hog.hu

8th–19th JUNE, MISKOLC AND SURROUNDINGS, EGER-TOKAJ WINE REGION,

€ „BARTÓK + VERDI“ - MISKOLC INTERNATIONAL OPERA FESIVAL
This series of events wishes to tempt the interest of opera goers with its unique and colourful programme. Besides the
annually repeated Bartók repertoire, well-known and less known masterpieces of Giuseppe Verdi are presented to the
audience. The festival presents stars and groups from the world’s greatest opera and concert stages. Music builds cities
Information: +36-46/504-061, +36-46/504-068, operami@t-online.hu, www.operafestival.hu
 10th JUNE – 28th AUGUST, BUDAPEST, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS,
JUNE
BUDAPEST SUMMER FESTIVAL 2011
The Open-air Stage of Margaret Island hosts premiers, musicals, operas, dance shows and concerts. At the Városmajor
Open-Air Stage, according to the tradition, “Pest moves to Buda”. At the ruins of Saint Margaret and at the Interactive Tale
Stage, Renaissance mornings, popular tales and interactive games await the youngest audience.
Information: +36-1/375-5922, info@szabadter.hu, www.szabadter.hu

15th–19th JUNE, BALATONFÜRED, TIHANY, LAKE BALATON, BALATON BIKE FEST

Lovers of cycling can choose among a dozen programmes, take part in contests, and enjoy professional tours
and demonstrations. Several times, the events are paired with water shows, such as mountain bike-kayak duathlon and
water jump. There will also be marathon, dirt, trial, national criteria, XCO, downhill, Balaton tour and rallies.
There is a nomination fee for the contest; free entrance for visitors.
Information: +36-20/934-3676, info@dakar.hu, www.balatonbikefest.com

29th JUNE – 2nd JULY, SOPRON, PANNONIA, VOLT FESTIVAL

€ The festival has one of the oldest traditions among Hungary’s provincial festivals, where both
Hungarian and international pop stars are invited. Apart from the music programmes, the festival offers a significant
cultural plus every year, with a free academy, theatre performances, and children’s and family programmes
in the mornings.
Information: +36-1/372-0650, www.volt.hu

1st–3rd JULY, BALATONFÜRED, LAKE BALATON, BLUE RIBBON REGATTA

JULY

The “Kékszalag” contest has the oldest tradition among the regattas around Lake Balaton, the first contest
having been organized in 1934. The 160 km route is the following: Balatonfüred – Balatonkenese – Tihany –
Keszthely – Balatonfüred. 300 to 350 boats participate in the contest with 1400 to 1700 sailors.
The boats will approach the start line directly in front of the viewers. There is a nomination fee for the contest; free entrance
for the visitors of the event.
Information: +36-1/460-6925, hunsail@hunsail.hu, www.hunsail.hu

1st JULY – 21st AUGUST, SZEGED, THE PUSZTA AND LAKE TISZA,
€ OPEN AIR FESTIVAL OF SZEGED
The magical site, the Dóm square evokes the atmosphere of the Saint Mark square in Venice From year to year, the
performances provide an ever more versatile picture; thus, the lovers of every genre can find their favourites here.
The foundation is operetta, which, by today, has become almost as popular as musicals.
Information: +36-62/471-411, titkarsag@szegediszabadteri.hu, www.szegediszabadteri.hu

7th–10th JULY, ZAMÁRDI, LAKE BALATON, HEINEKEN BALATON SOUND

€ World-famous DJs, performersand bands at the beach of Balaton with colourful accompanying programmes.
Entry is with daily tickets or with a four-day ticketand this is an outstanding experience not only for the fans of electronic and
dance music. At the launch of Balaton Sound, the organisers set the target of providing a new and unique type of music
festival to Hungary.
Information: +36-1/372-0650, +36-30/320-1111, info@balatonsound.hu, www.balatonsound.hu

8th–10th JULY, VISEGRÁD, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS,

27TH INTERNATIONAL PALACE GAMES OF VISEGRÁD
The Visegrád International Palace Games have been organised in order to evoke the Visegrád kings’ meeting of 1335.
Besides the tournament, historical music and dance, fair, comedy and puppet theatre performances, many exhibitions will
take place as well. At the sports field, horse and foot soldier battle; there is also a falconer and dance show, Italian guidons’
programme, pennon breaking and fortress battle.
Information: +36-30/933-7749, info@szentgyorgy-lovagrend.hu, www.palotajatekok.hu

8th–10th JULY, EGER, EGER-TOKAJ WINE REGION,

€ 15TH FESTIVAL OF THE WINE EGRI BIKAVÉR ON ST. DONATUS DAY
The festivities of one of the most famous wines of Hungary, Egri Bikavér. More than 30 restaurants and the same number of
wine cellars offer specialties with the Bikavér wines which have been chosen by the professional jury’s recommendations..
The programme is accompanied by concerts and cultural programmes.
Information: +36-36/411-943, egrihegykozseg@chello.hu, www.bikaverunnep.hu

27th–31st JULY, VESZPRÉM, PANNONIA, VESZPREMFEST

€ Veszpremfest is a music and cultural event presenting every year high quality Hungarian and international events
from Classical music through jazz to opera.
Information: +36-88/444-454, +36-88/444-453, info@veszpremfest.hu, www.veszpremfest.hu

30th JULY – 7th AUGUST, TISZAÚJVÁROS, THE PUSZTA AND LAKE TISZA,
€ TRIATHLON WEEK
The name of Tiszaújváros is bound to triathlon. The Triathlon Week preceding the great contest, however, also attracts
people who never wanted to become iron men. The events move everyone and, besides sports contests, a series of
entertainment programmes, concerts await the guests, as well. Certainly, the peak of the week is the last day when the ITU
Triathlon World Cup takes place in the town.
Information: +36-49/540-094, tvkmali@triatlon.t-online.hu, www.tvkmalitriatlon.hu

30th JULI – 20th AUGUST, BALATONFÜRED, LAKE BALATON,

€ WINE WEEKS
The Wine Weeks of Balatonfüred, which is a prestigious festivity of Balatonfüred-Csopak Wine Region has a long history.
Winemakers await guests in their cosy wine tents set on the Tagore promenade for three weeks. The series of events offer
varied cultural and folklore programmes every night and folkloric fairs during the day.
Information: +36-87/581-257, muvelodes@balatonfured.com, www.balatonfured.hu
 LATE JULY TO EARLY AUGUST, MOGYORÓD, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS,
JULY
€ HUNGARIAN FORMULA 1TM GRAND PRIX
The Hungarian Grand Prix has been organised on the Hungaroring circuit near Budapest since 1986. After minor
modifications, in 2003, the track has acquired its current shape, the length of which is 4,381 meters. Its narrow track parts
and sharp curves make it hard to overtake; therefore, the Hungaroring is often compared to the Monaco track.
Information: +36-28/444-444, office@hungaroring.hu, www.hungaroring.hu

JULY, TOKAJ–RAKAMAZ, EGER-TOKAJ WINE REGION, HEGYALJA FESTIVAL

€ Nearly 200 performers, 10 stagesand pálinka on the banks of Tisza: Hegyalja is not merely one of the largest
Hungarian music festivals. Hegyalja is around three hours by train or car from Budapest, and festival-goers find themselves in
the middle of the summer’s most exciting parties, where metal, world music and electronic music are all equally represented.
Information: www.hegyaljafesztival.hu

JULY–AUGUST, SÜMEG, PANNONIA,

€ KING MATHIAS IN SÜMEG - FORTRESS FESTIVAL IN SÜMEG
If anyone wishes to relax in a special way, likes history and music and would like to try how to use a sword and learn about
archery, it is worth visiting Sümeg, where directly at the Fortress anyone can enjoy the world of the chevaliers for a little
while! Historic horse games and medieval feasts, dual, tournaments, dance shows, special children’s programmes and family
discounts await the audience.
Information: +36-87/550-116, +36-87/550-167, sales@hotelkapitany.hu, www.hotelkapitany.hu, www.sumegvar.hu

6th–20th AUGUST, SÁROSPATAK, SÁTORALJAÚJHELY, TOKAJ, SZERENCS,

AUGUST

HEGYKÖZ VILLAGES, EGER-TOKAJ WINE REGION, ZEMPLEN FESTIVAL

The greatest cultural-touristic-gastronomic series of events of the region offers interesting programmes for
every generation. Theatre performances, classic, pop music and jazz concerts, as well as excursion concerts offer a wide-
scale selection. All this is accompanied by gastronomic programmes including typical dishes of the area and the
famous Tokaji wines.
Information: +36-1/462-0330, info@zemplenfestival.hu, www.zemplenfestival.hu

10th–15th AUGUST, BUDAPEST, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS, SZIGET FESTIVAL

€ On an island in the middle of the Hungarian capital, in green surroundings close to nature, the festival lover
audience of the world is treated at Sziget Festival. What is offered by the festival is also extraordinary: apart from the variety
of music genres other cultural experiences are also provided from street theatres to circus, from contemporary dance to
exhibitions. This is the place where great friendships begin and loves are woven.
Information: +36-1/372-0671, info@sziget.hu, www.sziget.hu

12th–22nd AUGUST, SZÁZHALOMBATTA, RÁCKEVE, TÖKÖL, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS,

SUMMERFEST INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL AND FOLK ART FAIR
Secrets and 1000-year old cultures, magical encounters await visitors. Due to sixteen years of work, the Summerfest
has become one of the greatest folklore events of the country. Besides the festival’s events, classical music concerts,
fine art exhibitions, play-schools, children’s programmes, world music tent concerts, open-air theatre and international
dance-houses enrich the offer.
Information: +36-23/358-973, +36-23/550-000, info@summerfest.hu, www.summerfest.hu

16th–21st AUGUST, DEBRECEN, THE PUSZTA AND LAKE TISZA,

DEBRECEN FLOWER FESTIVAL
A one-week fiesta with the contribution of world stars and Hungarian artists. One week in the light of flowers, sight and
special productions.
Information: +36-52/518-400, +36-52/518-404, info@fonixinfo.hu, www.fonixinfo.hu

18th–21st AUGUST, BUDAPEST, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS,

€ FESTIVAL OF FOLK ARTS
During four days in workshops in the castle of Buda craftsmen present the tricks of various traditional trades, involving
the audience in the process of creation. On the stage, traditional Hungarian and foreign musicians, dancers and orchestras
perform. On the 20th of August, the festival of Saint Stephen is celebrated by a procession of masters and consecration
of bread.
Information: +36-1/214-3147, +36-1/214-3523, www.nesz.hu, www.mestersegekunnepe.hu

AROUND THE 20th AUGUST, SZOMBATHELY, PANNONIA,

SAVARIA HISTORICAL CARNIVAL
This is Central Europe’s largest historic festival when the entire city dresses up intoga’s and tunic’s to re-enact the history of
the city. Apart from the events on stage, there will be Carnival theatre, comedian street theatre performances, fire play and
„slave-market“, too. The peak of the programme is the procession with torches on Saturday night.
Information: +36-94/510-160, +36-94/510-161, savariakarneval@t-online.hu, www.savariakarneval.hu

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER, BUDAPEST, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS,

€ JEWISH SUMMER FESTIVAL
The main objective of the festival is to raise awareness of the Jewish culture and to emphasise with the colourfulness of the
programmes the importance of different cultures living together in peace. The multicultural series of programmes presenting
the Hungarian and Jewish culture, as well as also accepting the traditions of other people is the biggest Jewish festival in
Europe • Information: www.jewishfestival.hu

2nd–18th SEPTEMBER, BUDAPEST, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS,

€
SEPT

20TH BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL

This is one of the highest ranking and most popular professional events and artistic festivals of Central Europe that is held
together by one of the oldest products of humanity, wine. At this event, from year to year, several tens of thousands can get
familiar with the art of civilized wine consumption, makers of wines, specialties of Hungarian gastronomy and folk music.
Information: +36-1/203-8507, info@borkulturakft.hu, www.winefestival.hu
 9th–11th SEPTEMBER, HAJDÚSZOBOSZLÓ, THE PUSZTA AND LAKE TISZA,
€
SEPTEMBER
IX. BIOFOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
“Health and Wine, they intertwine!” gastronomy made of guaranteed bio-ingredients, the presentation of Hungary’s historic
wine regions, Bio-Battle, cultural programmes, three-day festival feeling in the spa town.
Information: +36-30/963-7618, matelajos@indamail.hu, www.hajduszoboszlo.com

29th SEPTEMBER – 2nd OCTOBER, MÓR, PANNONIA,

€ WINE DAYS OF MÓR
The Wine Days offer various cultural, wine-cellar, sports and other entertaining programmes. In connection to the wine
days, international wind-instrument, as well as folk-dance festivals interchange year after year. In 2011, the festival invites
international folk dance groups as guest artists.
Information: +36-22/407-255, lambergkastely@lambergkastely.hu, www.moribornapok.hu

30th SEPTEMBER – 2nd OCTOBER, TOKAJ-HEGYALJA SETTLEMENTS AND TOKAJ,

€ EGER-TOKAJ WINE REGION, TOKAJ-HEGYALJA VINTAGE DAYS
This is the famous vintage day of Hungary’s emblematic wine region, made unforgettable by the procession and the folk and
traditional bands that play. Apart from the introduction of wines and the winners of the previous years’ wine contests, there is
an opportunity to taste wine specialties, visit cellars and have an insight into the tricks of making the famous Tokaji wines.
Information: +36-47/352-511, www.tokaj.hu

SEPTEMBER, BUDAPEST, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS,

BUDAPEST MARATHON
Lovers of running can run the chosen distance through the most beautiful parts of the capital. The selection is wide; from
the 26.2 mile marathon to a 600 metre run, everyone can find their favourite running distance. Fans of shorter
distances can also run Mini-marathons and Maratonka but walkers are also welcome at the eventand families can complete
the 600-metre Family Running Race together.
Information: www.futanet.hu

7th–9th OCTOBER, VILLÁNY, PANNONIA, RED WINE FESTIVAL

€
OCTOBER

Villány is the homeland of the full, fiery red wine: during the vintage days, in the town, colourful programmes await
those interested in several scenes. The main attraction is the vintage procession with the colourful selection of horsemen,
carriages, wine orders, dance groups, music groups and choirs. Miraculous nature, climate, people living here, as well as the
excellent-quality wine have made this settlement famous.
Information: +36-20/993-3399, info@borut.hu, www.villanyiborvidek.hu

7th–16th OCTOBER, BUDAPEST, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS,

BUDAPEST AUTUMN FESTIVAL
The main objective of the festival is to contribute to the realization of the concept „Budapest as a festival city“ by inviting
internationally ranked performances of new artists and local performancer capable of drawing international attention and to
enhance Budapest’s European cultural rank and its image as a significant European cultural centre.
Information: +36-1/486-3300, +36-1/486-3310, info@festivalcity.hu és www.festivalcity.hu

19th–23rd OCTOBER, 22. VIENNA-BRATISLAVA-BUDAPEST SUPERMARATHON

SPORT, CULTURAL AND TOURISM FESTIVAL
During the five days of the Supermarathon competitors take their challenge in individual and relay running race, cycling and
roller skating, expectedly involving 1000 participants from 13 countries. The event is complemented by Austrian, Slovak,
Hungarian touristic, cultural and educational programmes from the Start to the Finish.
Information: mail@szupermarathon.hu, www.szupermarathon.hu

20th–23rd OCTOBER, GÖDÖLLŐ, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS,

€ X. GÖDÖLLŐ LISZT FESTIVAL
According to various sources, Ferenc Liszt was the favourite composer of Queen Elisabeth. At the crowning in Mathias
Church, the Crowning Mess specifically composed by Ferenc Liszt for this occasion was presented. The festival’s concerts
are linked to Ferenc Liszt’s birthday, 22nd October every year.
Information: +36-28/410-124, informacio@kiralyikastely.hu, www.kiralyikastely.hu

NOVEMBER, SZEGED, THE PUSZTA AND LAKE TISZA,

NOVEMBER

ARMEL OPERA CONTEST AND FESTIVAL

So far, in the genre of opera there has not been any contest where young talent could really show off their skills.
This idea provides the theme of for this series of events.
Information: www.operacompetition.hu

NOVEMBER – DECEMBER, BUDAPEST, BUDAPEST AND SURROUNDINGS,

€ BUDAPEST CHRISTMAS FAIR
The Budapest Christmas Fair has become the most important series of programmes of the winter period also known and
recognized at international level. Folk and industrial artists sell their goods belonging to the circle of Christmas gifts made
of natural materials with original handicraft technique. The quality of the goods is guaranteed by the association of Folkloric
Unions. The atmosphere is also traditionally festive with the scent of gingerbread, cinnamon, mulled wine and pine wood.
Information: www.budapestinfo.hu

Key to Symbols
– Multi- arts festivals
– Historical and Castle
tournaments, equestrian
programmes
– Music, concerts
– Opera, dance, theatre
– Folklore
– Sport, auto- motorcycling
events
– Carnivals, balls
– Gastronomy, wine culture
€ – Entry fee
– Partly Free entry
€ – Free entry

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