St. Patrick’s Day is Coming to Town: Join the Festivities in Budapest

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Budapest eagerly awaits the opportunity to showcase its vibrant Irish spirit. The upcoming celebration on 17 March 2024 promises an immersive experience filled with authentic Irish food, lively music, and traditional drinks, offering a unique chance to embrace the rich cultural heritage of Ireland in the heart of the Hungarian capital.

St. Patrick’s Day, a globally celebrated holiday, is just around the corner, and, according to local traditions, Budapest is gearing up to host another memorable event. Make sure you stop by Szabadság tér between 1 and 5 PM on 17 March as the city will transform into a hub of Irish festivities, offering a delightful experience for locals and visitors alike. Lively music and dance, face paintings for the little ones – the Irish Hungarian Business Circle, together with the Irish Embassy, has another unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day celebration in store.

The Irish Hungarian Business Circle (IHBC) is a not-for-profit, member-based, politically independent organization that was established in 2005 to facilitate and develop business and social networks between Ireland and Hungary and within the Irish-Hungarian community as a whole. So, why should you make a visit to Szabadság tér on a fine spring day, you ask? 

No St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without the melodies of traditional Irish instruments, such as the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán. Talented musicians and bands will take the stage, filling the air with upbeat rhythms and soul-stirring tunes. Get ready to tap your feet and join in the lively atmosphere as the music sweeps you away! Raise a glass and toast to the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with a wide selection of traditional Irish drinks: Budapest’s pubs and bars will be stocked with an impressive range of Irish whiskeys, stouts, and ales, allowing you to savor the authentic flavors of Ireland. You prefer a smooth and rich whiskey? Or a pint of creamy Guinness? Whichever it is, you’ll find the perfect beverage to accompany your festive celebrations. Engage in lively conversations, make new friends, and experience all the fun that St. Patrick’s Day brings to Budapest – and, of course, don’t forget to join the parade!

This year, the parade will set off at 2 PM from Szabadság tér, making its way through Kossuth tér, Akadémia utca, through Zrínyi utca all the way to St. Stephen’s Basilica and back to our starting point. 

Following the parade, IHBC also hosts its annual St Patrick’s Day Charity Ball on 23 March: if you are looking for an evening of entertainment, great food, and an opportunity to celebrate Irish culture, get your tickets now!

Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to indulge in a St. Patrick’s Day celebration like no other. Budapest awaits you with open arms and a warm Irish welcome!

• read also: St Patrick’s Day 2023 celebrated in Budapest – PHOTOS, VIDEO
• Here are the top festivals in 2024 in Hungary – PHOTOS

Read this program guide in Hungarian on the Helló Magyar news site.