Culture

Tripadvisor favourites: 5 spa hotels in Hungary you can’t miss!

Hévíz Hungarian bath winter

Hungary is famous for its thermal waters and unique spa culture, offering unique opportunities for relaxation.

According to Travelo, wellness hotels all over Hungary not only guarantee physical and mental replenishment but also offer premium services in a unique environment. Here are five of the best wellness hotels in Hungary, all of which have been highlighted in Tripadvisor’s reviews.

Anna Grand Hotel – Historical comfort in Balatonfüred

The Anna Grand Hotel is located in the historic district of Balatonfüred and boasts over 200 years of history. The building offers an aristocratic atmosphere and modern wellness facilities. The hotel’s Thalion treatments and massages are designed to rejuvenate, while the gourmet cuisine and proximity to Lake Balaton offer a unique experience. The renovated pool and spa area is particularly attractive to families, who can enjoy spacious, comfortable spaces.

Bonvital Adults Only Wellness & Gastro Hotel – Elegance in Hévíz

Situated near Lake Hévíz, the Bonvital Adults Only Wellness & Gastro Hotel is a true haven for adults seeking relaxation. The hotel focuses on tranquillity and exclusivity, where visitors can enjoy the attentiveness of friendly staff and the comfort of modern surroundings. The hotel’s restaurant serves local and international cuisine, and its proximity to Lake Hévíz allows guests to immerse themselves in nature at any time. The rooms are tastefully decorated and the spa offers massage and relaxation facilities in addition to spa treatments.

Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa – Luxury and harmony in Sárvár

Located in the heart of Sárvár, the Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa is one of the most prominent representatives of modern wellness tourism in Hungary. Opened in 2008, the hotel is renowned not only for its serene and elegant surroundings but also for the impeccable quality of the services it offers its guests. The spa, with 22 pools, covers an area of more than 10,000 square metres and offers a wide range of spa and beauty treatments. The hotel’s gastronomic offer is also outstanding, providing the perfect balance between relaxation and culinary delights.

Andrássy Mansion & Spa – Classic elegance in Tarcal

Situated in the beautiful surroundings of Tarcal, Andrássy Mansion & Spa combines a historic atmosphere with modern comforts. The hotel offers unique spa experiences such as a cave bath, Finnish sauna and steam room. The Michelin-starred Bobajka Restaurant adds further value to your stay, while family-friendly services are also available. The elegant interiors, quality service and spa treatments all contribute to making Andrássy Mansion one of the most outstanding places to relax in Hungary.

Minaro Hotel Tokaj by Mgallery – in the heart of Tokaj

The scenic beauty of the Tokaj wine region is home to Minaro Hotel Tokaj by Mgallery, a hotel built in an old quarry. This five-star hotel offers both modern design and traditional values. Wellness facilities such as the heated indoor pool, adventure pools and saunas are designed for total relaxation. Local wines and food are a real temptation for food lovers. The hotel also organises wine tours to give visitors a deeper insight into the region’s cultural and culinary heritage.

Hungary’s spa hotels not only make the most of the country’s natural beauty and thermal waters but also guarantee relaxation with their high-quality services. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a health-conscious recharge, these hotels offer a special experience for everyone. If you want to get away from it all, choose Hungary’s best wellness destinations!

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Azerbaijan Embassy in Hungary observes National Day of Mourning

Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Hungary

On January 20, 2025, an event dedicated to the National Day of Mourning was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Hungary. The management of the Azerbaijani House in Budapest and the Azerbaijani-Hungarian Friendship Society, members of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Hungary took part in the event. 

At the beginning of the event, bouquets of flowers were put in front of the memorial corner created in honor of the victims of the January 20 tragedy, ​​and martyrs were commemorated with a minute of silence, press release said. 

Delivering the opening speech, Ambassador Tahir Taghizade noted that January 20 has an important place in the victorious history of Azerbaijan. Later, the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the National Day of Mourning was presented to the participants. 

Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Hungary
Source: Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Hungary

Below are the Ombudsman’s thoughts:

THE STATEMENT

by the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the 35th anniversary of the January 20, 1990 Tragedy

It has been 35 years since the January 20 tragedy – a bloody event that was mercilessly committed against an unarmed population by the former USSR armed forces on the night of January 19 to 20, 1990, in order to suppress the spirit of national freedom and the desire for independence of the people of Azerbaijan.

In order to break the will of our people protesting against the biased attitude of the former USSR leadership towards our country, the deportation of Azerbaijanis from our historical lands, which is now the territory of present-day Armenia, and unfounded territorial claims of Armenia against Azerbaijan, as a result of this heinous crime against humanity, 150 innocent people, including women, children, and the elderly, in Baku and several other districts and cities of our republic were murdered, 744 people were injured, and 841 individuals were unlawfully detained.

That day is not only a heroic chronicle of our people who took to the squares for the sake of freedom but also a historical day when unarmed people, with a desire for freedom, courageously and honorably fought for liberty. Despite the brutal terror act committed against innocent people, the Azerbaijani people succeeded in gaining their independence.

The National Leader of our people, Heydar Aliyev, with his family members, arrived at Azerbaijan’s Permanent Mission in Moscow on January 21 despite the pressures and potential threats to his life. He held a press conference, issued a strong statement, and informed the international community that this grave crime had been committed by the leadership of the USSR. It was only after the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev returned to the country’s leadership that, in 1994, political and legal assessments were made regarding the January 20 events.

The failure of international organizations and the world community to condemn the commission of this event at that time later paved the way for the occupation of our lands by Armenians and the perpetration of acts of genocide against our people.

As a result of the crime against humanity perpetuated under the instruction of the former USSR leadership, the provisions of the UN Charter, the universally recognized norms and principles of international law, as well as, the requirements of the international treaties, to which the former Soviet Union was a party, have been seriously infringed and human rights have been grossly violated.

However, with regret, we would like to inform that in spite of numerous appeals to international organizations and the global community, this crime against humanity has yet to be given legal evaluation, and those who committed this heinous crime have not been held accountable.

As the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I urge international organizations and the world community to interpret incidents that occurred on 20 January as a crime against humanity, one of the gravest forms of international crimes and to take just stance to ensure that military personnel who committed these crimes, along with those who ordered the execution of these acts are also held criminally accountable.

Sabina Aliyeva, The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Hungarian record store proudly makes it to world rankings

vinyl record store disk

A Hungarian record store has achieved notable recognition by being included in the Financial Times world rankings. Kalóz Records, based in Budapest, has earned a spot on the prestigious list, joining renowned stores in New York, London, and Stockholm.

The best record store

The Financial Times praises the Budapest shop in a brief review, describing it as small but a place where visitors can spend hours browsing. The store offers a diverse range of music, including Hungarian progressive music, techno, classic Indian raga and a unique selection of records from behind the old Iron Curtain. While there are no dedicated turntables for listening, the staff will gladly play a record of your choice upon request.

Record store also commented

Kalóz Records expressed their delight on Instagram: “The Financial Times, a prestigious music magazine, has published a list of the best record shops in the world, and we’re in it. Of course, we know that such lists are arbitrary and that the media lie, but there’s just something tingly about being in the same league as such temples as @academyrecords in New York, @superfly.records in Paris, @sounds_of_the_universe in London, or The Thing in Brooklyn. Of course we’re not. We’ve been to the good record shops, we know what it’s like. You could say the world is ripe for destruction, where this performance could put you among the best. But thank you very much!! “

The now world-famous Kalóz Records is located at 25 Bródy Sándor Street in Budapest.

Another record store from CEE region

The inclusion of Kalóz Records on the list is particularly significant, as only one other store from the Central and Eastern European region made the rankings: Paul’s Boutique in Kraków.

Located in the heart of Kazimierz, this is one of many cool shops in Kraków’s historic Jewish quarter. Named after perhaps the best album by the Beastie Boys, the shop offers a decent collection of Polish jazz – one of the continent’s best and liveliest scenes – as well as jazz and hip hop. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful, even open on a holiday to collect some records.

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House of Music’s Sound Dome reopens with festival and enhanced immersive experience

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Budapest’s dazzling winter jewellery exhibition

jewellery exhibition in Budapest Hungary

An exhibition entitled “Shine! – The Time of Jewellery” opened at the Hungarian National Museum, which attracted many visitors.

Jewellery exhibition in Budapest

The exhibition presents the most exceptional pieces from the museum’s jewellery collection, as well as contemporary jewellery by art collector Katalin Spengler and former and current students and lecturers of the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, the press release says. The exhibition spans 40,000 years, from Hun-Aryan, medieval and Baroque works to contemporary Hungarian jewellery design. The Hungarian press hailed Shine! The Time of Jewellery as the most beautiful Advent exhibition in 2024, and its popularity is proven by the fact that less than three months after its opening, the 30,000th visitor arrived, and the museum presented them with a gift.” – said Dr. Gábor Zsigmond, Director General of the Hungarian National Museum.

The world-class collection of jewellery includes objects such as the poison ring of King Béla III, the 900-year-old ring of Kálmán Könyves and the mourning jewellery of Hungarian women who were concerned for the fate of the nation after the 1848-49 War of Independence, who stood up for the homeland and mourned the martyrs of Arad even 10 years later. In addition to the unique treasures of the Carpathian Basin, the exhibition also features contemporary jewellery art, represented by pieces from Katalin Spengler’s collection, which is renowned throughout Europe, and by the works of students and teachers from MOME – Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design.

jelwellery exhibition in Budapest Hungary
An exhibition entitled “Shine! – The Time of Jewellery” opened at the Hungarian National Museum.

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5+1 must-visit galleries in Budapest for art lovers

The jewellery exhibition is also enriched by the ever-changing content of the National Museum building, making it worth returning to several times. Katalin Spengler’s jewellery, among others, is housed in the museum’s magnificent staircase island. The “contemporary jewellery island”, which opened at the same time as the exhibition, was reorganised at the end of December with a new concept: contemporary jewellery is now about structure, structures, harmony, rhythm and sequences.

On 17 December, a new pop-up exhibition entitled On Boundaries – Jewellery at the Intersections of Man, Nature and the Built Environment was added to the exhibition in the Dome Room, featuring works by current and former students and teachers of MOME.

Coming months

In the coming months, the jewellery exhibition will be accompanied by a series of exciting accompanying programmes, museum education activities and workshops, and the 3000-year-old Somló necklace will remain on display in the Széchényi Room of the Museum.

The good news is that the museum has extended the exhibition until 13 April, 2025.

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Jazzfest Budapest 2025: Spotlight on European, African, and Asian Jazz

Winter Carnival Extravaganza: Lake Balaton’s best events revealed!

lake balaton winter

Lake Balaton offers exciting activities beyond the summer season. This winter, tourists will find numerous carnivals, gastronomic festivals, and colourful events. According to the Balaton Tourism Association, more than 30 to 40 events are planned in the coming weeks to keep the area buzzing after the Christmas period.

lake balaton winter
Photo: depositphotos.com

Year-round tourism: the new face of Lake Balaton

The aim of the Balaton Tourism Association is to make the region a vibrant tourist centre throughout the year. With the “1,000 Reasons for Lake Balaton” campaign, they aim to demonstrate that the lakeside offers a wealth of experiences even in winter. The campaign seeks to create many permanent jobs and reduce seasonal fluctuations.

According to Péter Princzinger, CEO of VisitBalaton365, the region will offer more than 1,500 services and 80 festivals by 2025, proving that Lake Balaton has something new to offer in every season. The autumn and winter programmes will help transform the lakeside into a lively destination even after the summer.

Lake Balaton, Holiday, camping
Photo: depositphotos.com

Gastronomic festivals and traditional programmes

According to Világgazdaság, traditional events will be held in several towns across the region, including the Torkos Tomaj Carnival on the 8th of February in Badacsonytomaj, where a traditional pig slaughter will take centre stage. Meanwhile, the 12th Fonyód Sausage Festival, one of the most important culinary events on the south coast, will take place from the 7th to the 9th of February. Visitors to these events can enjoy fresh sausages and other local delicacies.

On the 15th of February, the 16th Révfülöpi Rianás will be held in Révfülöp, which last year featured a spectacular pig slaughter and a mulled wine competition. Similar traditional events are planned for this year.

On the 22nd of February, Keszthely will host the 24th Keszthely Municipal Carnival, one of the region’s most enjoyable and colourful events. Carnival revellers dressed in vibrant costumes will fill the streets. On the same day, the 6th Balaton Bringa Carnival will take place in Balatonfüred, featuring a special costume-themed bike ride.

Also on the 22nd of February, the 5th Flúgos Race will be held in Balatonlelle, where cars and other vehicles will be decorated in special costumes. Kishegy in Lelle will also take part, offering culinary experiences, wine tasting, and local gastronomic specialities.

The villages around Lake Balaton are providing more and more opportunities for ice-skating enthusiasts. The first artificial ice rink opened in Balatonlelle on the 30th of November, and eight other villages have since followed suit. These rinks are popular with both locals and tourists, especially in recent years, as skating tourism has boomed. Although natural ice has not formed in many years, artificial ice rinks continue to attract visitors with a variety of activities and quality services.

Lake Balaton in winter offers countless opportunities for those seeking a different kind of experience. Whether it’s carnival festivities, gastronomic delights, ice skating, or simply exploring the winter charm of the lakeside villages, Lake Balaton has something for everyone. The ever-expanding range of activities ensures that the region remains an attractive destination all year round, not just in summer.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

Adrien Brody reflects on Hungarian roots and new film “The Brutalist”

adrien brody

Golden Globe-winning actor Adrien Brody recently sat down for an interview with nlc.hu to discuss his latest film, The Brutalist in which he portrays a Hungarian architect. The film, largely shot in Hungary, holds special significance for Brody due to his own Hungarian heritage.

In an interview with nlc.hu, Adrien Brody shared insights into how his family background influenced his performance: “My Hungarian heritage was ingrained in me from childhood. I remember my grandfather struggling with his thick Hungarian accent while trying to find work in America. It was incredibly stressful and difficult for him to assimilate into American society.” The actor also emphasised the importance of his roots in shaping his career and perspective. “These experiences shaped my path and made me who I am. I’ve always approached people who’ve gone through such difficulties with respect and understanding.”

Golden Globes Spotlight Adrien Brody and Hungary shine in The Brutalist!
Photo: MTI/AP/Invision/Chris Pizzello

Mastering the Hungarian language

One of the challenges Brody faced was delivering authentic Hungarian dialogue. He worked extensively with a dialect coach to perfect his accent: “The sounds, gestures, expressions, and tonality are all things I was very accustomed to from my grandparents’ house as a child. I focused specifically on their dialect when researching male figures from that era,” he told nlc.hu. Brody also credited filming in Budapest for helping him maintain authenticity. “There was serious pressure on me not to sound stupid in front of our Hungarian crew who heard me speaking Hungarian every day. Whenever I went to the store or struck up a conversation with someone, I heard authentic Budapest dialect. This helped a lot,” he recalled.

The American dream and The Brutalist

adrien brody
Photo: depositphotos.com

When asked about the American Dream, a central theme in The Brutalist, Adrien Brody offered a nuanced perspective: “In the era when information didn’t spread as freely as it does today, the idea of arriving in a hopeful continent full of endless possibilities, where there’s no religious or other persecution, and where you can start a new, prosperous life, was understandably attractive and joyful. And there was truth to it”. However, he also acknowledged the challenges faced by immigrants. “Starting over is always incredibly hard. The obstacles in front of you are much bigger than those faced by people who were born in that country,” Brody admitted.

The Brutalist is set to premiere in Hungarian cinemas on 23 January 2025, with some advance screenings available earlier.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

House of Music’s Sound Dome reopens with festival and enhanced immersive experience

House of Hungarian Music Sound Dome

The House of Music is hosting a festival this week on the occasion of the reopening of its completely upgraded “immersive” cinematic room, the Sound Dome, the organisers have said.

The festival dubbed DOME_RELOAD offers an audiovisual programme series between 14-19 January, they told a press conference. “Since the opening of the House of Music three years ago, the 30-minute immersive films have attracted more than 170,000 viewers. The repertoire included 27 such titles,” director Márton Horn said.

House of Hungarian Music Sound Dome
Photo: MTI/Hegedüs Róbert

Among the films shown again are Hungarian composer Tibor Szemző’s Csoma Kaleidoscope evoking the journey of explorer Sándor Kőrösi-Csoma to the Himalayas, Poeme Symphonique For 100 Metronomes paying tribute to world-renowned composer György Ligeti and several art films on Renoir, Bosch and Tivadar Csontváry.

Following tradition, the Dome will screen a new production every month, exhibition department head Endre Vazul Mandli said. He said the programme schedule will be formulated in cooperation with students of Budapest’s Liszt Academy of Music and MOME University of Art and Design and several foreign partner institutions of the Dome.

House of Hungarian Music Sound Dome3
Photo: MTI/Hegedüs Róbert
House of Hungarian Music Sound Dome
Photo: MTI/Hegedüs Róbert

The Dome’s upgraded audio technology allows “moving the sounds in three dimensions and a 360-degree projection of images with five high-tech projectors,” Mandli said, adding that in February, a new “immersive title” created by using material from Mauritius, Indonesia, the US, Spain, France and Hungary will be shown. The House of Music attracted 700,000 visitors last year, said Horn.

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5+1 must-visit galleries in Budapest for art lovers

Museum of Fine Arts Munkácsy galleries in Budapest

We couldn’t possibly list all the reasons why you should visit Budapest. Beyond tasty traditional dishes and relaxing thermal baths, Budapest, a city where history meets modernity, boasts a thriving art scene that delights enthusiasts of all tastes. From contemporary masterpieces to timeless classics, the galleries in Budapest are waiting to be explored. Here are 5+1 must-visit spots that promise to immerse you in the city’s artistic heartbeat.

Koller Gallery

Observer has collected the best places for art lovers, let’s take them one by one. Koller Gallery, the oldest privately owned gallery in Hungary, is a gem among galleries in Budapest. Established in 1953 by sculptor György Koller, it has played a pivotal role in introducing both Hungarian and international contemporary art to local audiences. The gallery features notable artists like Amerigo Tot and Victor Vasarely.

Koller gallery Budapest
Photo: Facebook / Koller Galéria & Műkereskedés

Várfok Gallery

Várfok Gallery, one of the standout galleries in Budapest, opened in 1990 as the city’s first private contemporary gallery and helped shape the city’s post-Soviet art scene. Featuring avant-garde works by Hungarian and international artists like Françoise Gilot, it’s a must-visit for modern art enthusiasts.

Gallery Godot

Gallery Godot, a standout among galleries in Budapest, is renowned for its edgy contemporary art and provocative exhibits. Established over 25 years ago, it has become a platform for challenging the status quo, showcasing artists like József Szurcsik and drMáriás. The Godot Institute of Contemporary Art is expansive and has a minimalist design. If you are into bold and experimental art, it’s the perfect place for you.

Gallery Godot
Photo: Facebook / Godot Galéria / Gallery Godot

Ludwig Museum

Ludwig Museum, one of the most outstanding galleries in Budapest, houses over 1,000 artworks, making it a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. Located in Müpa Budapest since 2005, its vast, modern space showcases pieces exploring political repression and post-Soviet themes. Exhibitions have showcased Hungarian talents like Gyula Konkoly and international icons like Andy Warhol.

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts, a highlight among museums and galleries in Budapest, showcases an impressive international collection of over 100,000 artworks. Located in Heroes’ Square, it features masterpieces by Old Masters like Titian and Rembrandt, as well as works by Manet and Monet. A must-visit for art enthusiasts, it also boasts the renowned “Budapest Horse” by Leonardo da Vinci. Current exhibitions feature a meaningful insight into Mesopotamian art and history, and the world-famous works of Hungarian painter Munkácsy.

Museum of Fine Arts Munkácsy galleries in Budapest
Photo: Facebook / Szépművészeti Múzeum

Hungarian National Gallery

The Hungarian National Gallery, a key attraction in Budapest, houses Hungary’s most significant art collection with around 100,000 works. Spanning from medieval sculptures to contemporary pieces, highlights include works by Miklós Barabás and Pál Szinyei Merse. A must-visit to get a deeper understanding of the evolution of Hungarian art.

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BIDF 2025: The country’s most popular international film festival opens soon

Photo: Facebook / BIDF - Budapest International Documentary Festival

Between January 25th and February 2nd 2025, audiences in Budapest, Békéscsaba, Debrecen, Eger, Győr, Jászberény, Kecskemét, Pécs, Szeged, Székesfehérvár, Szombathely and Veszprém can see the latest, multi-award-winning documentaries of recent years, including Oscar hopefuls. After the screenings, audiences can meet the creators or experts of the films’ themes in each city.

BIDF 2025

“There lies a film within you too” – György Cserhalmi conveys this year’s festival motto to viewers from the posters, since every person is the hero of their own life and everyday stories inspire documentary filmmakers worldwide.

Photo: Facebook / BIDF - Budapest International Documentary Festival
Photo: Facebook / BIDF – Budapest International Documentary Festival

Nationwide, across 60 films and 200 screenings, an international jury of 30 people, including Alexandra Borbély, Zsuzsa Koncz, Lajos Nagy Parti, Ferenc Sebő and Bálint Szimler, will judge 6 sections, whilst the student and pensioner juries and the audience themselves, will award a total of ten festival prizes to the creations.

This year, mothers and fathers of young children and those with special educational needs will not be left out of the festival experience either, because while they relax and immerse in culture, their children will be taken care of by young professionals at the Cinema City Mammut movie theatre in Budapest.

A special innovation of the Budapest International Documentary Film Festival is that this year, for the first time, it will give a national audience award based on online voting.

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PM Orbán seemingly won the hearts of many Indians with just one sentence

PM Orbán in India

As we wrote, PM Orbán is spending his winter holiday in India, a country not yet among the fanciest places European and world leaders go to unwind. Hungarian press suggested that Orbán went to India on an Ayurvedic healing tour with the head of a traditional Ayurvedic healing centre in Hungary, but the prime minister dismissed those allegations in a strange interview with Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid. He also said a sentence in that interview which seemingly won the hearts of many Indians.

Is PM Orbán in India for health reasons?

PM Viktor Orbán never gives interviews to non-government-friendly Hungarian media outlets. However, he seems to have made an exception with Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, earlier this week. The interview’s circumstances were even more suspicious. It seems that a journalist of Blikk just reached out to the Hungarian prime minister via phone and managed to gain answers about his private tour in India.

As we wrote before, the Hungarian prime minister will remain in the South Asian country until 16 January. He arrived there with Ayurvedic healing centre head Krishna Kumar. Kumar’s business, which also organises purification tours in Kerala, is co-owned by Hungarian billionaire György Gattyán, through Docler Holding. While the enterprise has reportedly faced financial challenges, Kumar’s promotional materials claim Ayurveda can cure all diseases.

Therefore, Hungarian politicians and the press started asking questions about which illnesses Orbán may struggle with. For some reason, the Hungarian prime minister felt the need to answer those questions in the Blikk interview. We covered his answers in THIS article. However, one of his answers became viral in the subcontinent and beyond.

PM Orbán in India
PM Orbán in a Tuk Tuk. Photo: Facebook / Hadházy Ákos

India: a destination for culture-lovers, says PM Orbán

The question was whether he would recommend India to others for a holiday. Orbán answered that India was not popular for being a tourist paradise. “Those who desire luxury should go to an Austrian ski resort or the Bahamas. Those interested in culture, come to India!”, he concluded.

According to Szeretlek Magyarország, Indian journalists found that sentence interesting. For example, Sidhant Sibal, the foreign policy editor of the WION News English-language Indian news service, quoted the prime minister on his X profile. He was followed by multiple Indian news outlets. The Print, for example, added that it is rare a European leader spends their holiday in India.

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Japanese Film Week between 13-17 January at Toldi Cinema!

Japanese Film Week yudo

The highly anticipated Japanese Film Week will return to the movie screens of Toldi Cinema in 2025. Just like last year, five exceptional Japanese films have been selected from the best of Japanese cinema of recent years. The selection includes the award-winning film „Under the Open Sky” by one of Japan’s leading female directors, Nishikawa Miwa. The film will be screened on the closing day of the festival.

The Japanese Film Week opens on Monday, 13 January with a hilarious comedy called „First Gentleman”, which will be followed by a gripping family drama on Tuesday called „After the Sunset”, which touches upon motherhood, family ties and forgiveness. The repertoire also includes the heart-warming comedy “YUDO, the Way of the Bath“, which offers an insight into the exciting world of the traditional Japanese public baths (sento). And for those interested in Japanese lacquering, we recommend the captivating drama “The Tsugaru Lacquer Girl“.

The admission fee for each screening is HUF 1500 (EUR 3,6). Tickets can now be purchased at the ticket office or the website of Toldi Mozi. The films will be screened in Japanese, with English and Hungarian subtitles.

Lineup of the Japanese Week 2025

① First Gentleman (2021, 121 mins)
Screening date: 13 January 2025 (from 18:30)

first gentleman japanese film week
First Gentleman. Photo: Japan Foundation Budapest Office

Ornithologist Hiyori Soma is married to Rinko, leader of a minority political party. One morning, his beloved wife poses an enigmatic question. “Hey, Hiyori, would you have a problem if I became Prime Minister?” He asks her to repeat the question, but she shrugs him off. Still confused, he sets off for a ten-day expedition on a remote island with no cell phone connection to observe birds in the wild. In his absence, Rinko changes the future of the nation! She is selected as the first female Prime Minister in Japan’s history, making Hiyori the first ever Prime Minister’s husband. Hiyori was always 100% supportive of Rinko’s political ambitions, but could never have imagined the life that awaited him…!

TICKETS HERE

② After the Sunset (2019, 133 mins)
Screening date: 14 January 2025 (from 18:30)

after the sunset japanese film week
After the Sunset. Photo: Japan Foundation Budapest Office

Set in the small town in Nagashima, Kagoshima prefecture in southern Japan. Yuichi Hino farms yellowtail fish, a family business, for his livelihood. He lives with his wife, his mother and a 7 year olds son, Towa. However, Towa is not their biological son. He came to live with them when he was 1 year old as a foster child, and now Yuichi and Satsuki want to formally adopt him. As they embark on the special adoption procedures with the Family Court, they soon find out a shocking truth: Towa’s biological mother is closer to them than they thought! The tension between the foster parents and the biological mother, the presence of residents on the island and the children growing up there are depicted in a human drama.

TICKETS HERE

③ YUDO, the Way of the Bath (2022, 126 mins)
Screening date: 15 January 2025 (from 18:30)

Japanese Film Week yudo
YUDO, the Way of the Bath. Photo: Japan Foundation Budapest Office

Architect Shiro Miura suddenly returns to his country hometown and the family business he left behind years ago: a public bathhouse called “Marukin Hot Spring”. Since the recent death of his father, Shiro’s plan  as the eldest son is to close down the antiquate bathhouse and replace it with state-of-the-art condominiums. But he meets with cold reception from his younger brother, Goro, who has kept the bathhouse open since their father’s passing.

One day when fire breaks out in the boiler room, putting Goro into the hospital, Shiro has no choice but to spend the next few days as bathhouse manager with the aid of trusty part-time worker and bathhouse devotee, Izumi. There, he encounters several bathhouse-loving customers and gets a glimpse of the sheer happiness and democratizing power the place has to offer. As he gradually learns the ins and outs of the trade, and encounters a bunch of loveable people, Shiro finds the constriction inside him beginning to melt.

TICKETS HERE

④ Tsugaru Lacquer Girl (2023, 118 mins)
Screeding date: 16 January 2025 (from 18:30)

Tsugaru Lacquer Girl japanese film week
Tsugaru Lacquer Girl. Photo: Japan Foundation Budapest Office

Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. Miyako Aoki, who lives with her father, has not found anything she wants to do after graduating from a local high school. She is working at a supermarket to help her family make ends meet. Helping her father, a Tsugaru lacquerware craftsman, is the only thing she can devote herself to. However, her father, who succeeded her grandfather (a highly respected Tsugaru lacquer craftsman), loses the will to continue the business as the industry goes into decline, and the family finds itself scattered. The mother left the family years before because of the poor life and the selfishness of the father, and the elder brother, a hairdresser, chose to live freely instead of taking over the family business. Miyako is unable to openly declare her desire to pursue a career in Tsugaru lacquering, but as she confronts her family and the art of lacquering, she takes on a great challenge.

TICKETS HERE

⑤ Under the Open Sky (2020, 126 mins)
Screening date: 17 January 2025 (from 18:30)

Under the Open Sky japanese film week
Under the Open Sky. Photo: Japan Foundation Budapest Office

Mikami, an ex-yakuza of middle age with most of his life in prison, gets released after serving 13 years of sentence for murder. Hoping to find his long lost mother, from whom he was separated as a child, he applies for a TV show and meets a young TV director Tsunoda. Meanwhile, he struggles to get a proper job and fit into society. His impulsive, adamant nature and ingrained beliefs cause friction in his relationship with Tsunoda and those who want to help him.

TICKETS HERE

The Japanese Film Week is a collaboration between the Japan Foundation Budapest Office and Toldi Cinema.

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Sensational: Europe’s oldest stone tools made by Homo Erectus found in a Hungarian village

Europe's oldest man-made stone tools found in a Hungarian village

A major archaeological discovery has recently been made near King’s House, where researchers have uncovered Europe’s oldest stone tools made by Homo Erectus. These findings suggest that tool-using human communities were present on the continent as early as 1.4 million years ago, shedding new light on the European phase of human evolution.

The discovery of ancient man-made stone tools

A team of researchers led by the Institute of Nuclear Physics and Archaeology of the Czech Academy of Sciences has discovered primitive man-made stone tools in the King’s House area. Using new methods to date the finds, the age of the tools has been estimated at 1.4 million years — 200,000 to 300,000 years older than the tools previously considered the oldest, found at the Atapuerca site in Spain.

Traces of Homo erectus in Europe

Although no direct human remains have been found at the site, the technique used to make the man-made stone tools suggests that Homo erectus, an extinct archaic human species, was responsible for their creation. This species was the first to leave Africa two million years ago, spreading to the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe. The King’s House discovery confirms the hypothesis that the first wave of Homo erectus migration into Europe came from the East, as reported by Heritage Daily.

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The role of climate in migration

Based on an analysis of climate models and pollen data, the researchers concluded that the migration of Homo erectus to Europe occurred during three possible interglacial warm periods — i.e., between two ice ages — along the Danube. This discovery not only maps the routes of early human migration but also highlights the importance of climate and geography in shaping human expansion.

Homo erectus skulls. Source: deposit.com

The historical significance of the Royal House

Királyháza, a settlement on the left bank of the Tisza, has a rich historical past, according to Helló Magyar. In the Middle Ages, it served as a holiday resort for Hungarian queens and was inhabited by Saxon settlers until the 16th century. The settlement was repeatedly ravaged by the Turks and Tatars, and its castle was destroyed by order of Leopold II in 1672. It was later resettled by Russians in the 18th century and was struck by a cholera epidemic in 1831. According to the 1910 census, most of the population was of Hungarian nationality.

Researchers have utilised new, more accurate dating methods, based on cosmogenic nuclide burial dating, to determine the age of the King’s House finds. According to John Jansen, one of the study’s experts, this new approach will significantly impact modern archaeology by enabling more precise dating of artefacts and thus providing a more accurate picture of human evolution.

The lifestyle and abilities of Homo erectus

Homo erectus was the first hominin to make conscious use of fire and was capable of hunting large animals with sharp stone tools. Its body structure already closely resembled that of modern humans, and its lifestyle mirrored that of contemporary hunter-gatherer societies. These skills allowed it to adapt to changing environmental conditions and successfully spread beyond Africa.

The importance of this discovery for the study of human evolution

The finds at King’s House shed new light on the European phase of human evolution, suggesting that tool-using human communities appeared on the continent much earlier than previously believed. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of the routes and timing of human migration and enhances the mapping of prehistoric human activities in Europe.

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Historic discovery in Hungary: 1,100-year-old female buried with weapons sparks debate

Hungary’s culture minister explores strengthening ties with Transylvania’s cultural and educational institutions

hankó culture transylvania2

The minister of culture and innovation discussed ways to improve and tighten cooperation between the Hungarian government and institutions involved in culture, education and family affairs during a two-day visit to Szekler Land and Transylvania.

Balázs Hankó held talks on Tuesday with officials from Harghita County and Miercurea Ciuc (Csíkszereda), Romanian Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Barna Tánczos. He added that on Wednesday he had met leaders of the Sapientia – Hungarian University of Transylvania in Sfantu Gheorghe (Sepsiszentgyörgy) and viewed the location for a planned new university campus. He said they had discussed the university’s plans to become one of the top ten universities in Romania for which the Hungarian government would also provide support.

He added that he had also held talks with the Mayor of Sfantu Gheorghe, Arpad Antal, as well as the heads of local institutions. He said that at a meeting with the theatre directors of Sfantu Gheorghe and Targu Secuiesc (Kézdivásárhely), they had discussed ways to boost activities involving children, considering that 2025 has been designated as a year for children in the county.

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Anniversary of the Madéfalva massacre commemorated in Romania

Anniversary of the Madéfalva massacre commemorated in Romania

Balázs Hankó, the minister of culture and innovation, on Tuesday attended a commemoration of the Madefalva Massacre in Siculeni (Madéfalva), Romania, in which hundreds of Szekler Hungarians were slain by Austrian troops in 1764.

On January 7, 1764, the troops of Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, retaliated for a protest by some 2,500 Szeklers who refused to serve in the Austrian army under command in German.

“The martyrs of Madéfalva serve as a reminder that we should always have the courage to stand up for our rights and our truth,” Hankó said in his speech at the Siculicidium memorial.

Anniversary of the Madéfalva massacre commemorated in Romania
Anniversary of the Madéfalva massacre commemorated in Romania. Photo: MTI

“Hungarians today have to fight to ensure that no decisions about them are made without them and to ensure that everyone belonging to the Hungarian nation feels that they belong somewhere, and that their way of life, language, faith and rights are secure,” he added.

Barna Tánczos, Romania’s finance minister, said the Szekler people could be counted on today just as they could be in the past. The politician from the Hungarian Democratic Alliance of Romania (RMDSZ) also pointed out that the Szeklers joined the army of the monarchy, which slaughtered their ancestors because they were not driven by revenge and anger but by wisdom and common sense. He said that those present could look back on the past year and be proud of their community for having shown its strength in an election year.

“We have shown that we are still a strong community. A community to be reckoned with, but a community that can be counted on at any time in Romania.”

– he said.

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The final curtain call: Opera House bids farewell to Budapest’s Erkel Theatre

Erkel Budapest Theather

At the end of 2024, the Hungarian government officially announced its decision to create a new state-run theatre. The venue will be the Erkel Theatre building in Pope John Paul II Square (II. János Pál pápa tér), previously used by the Hungarian State Opera House. The new institution, which will aim to promote Hungarian music and dance, will be a 100% state-owned non-profit company and will start operating in January 2025.

According to Index, a budget of HUF 3.5 billion (EUR 8.4 million) has been allocated for the operation of the theatre until 2025, with additional funds to be added in subsequent years. The Opera House will receive HUF 2 billion (EUR 4.8 million) in compensation for the transfer of the theatre’s equipment and furnishings.

Erkel Budapest Theather
Photo: Alpár Kató – Daily News Hungary ©

The Minister of National Economy will be responsible for the establishment of the company and will also be in charge of concluding the property management contracts for the Erkel building in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture. The Minister of Culture and Innovation will also exercise ownership rights over the property.

Management and aims of the new theatre

Péter Cseke, currently Director of the Katona József National Theatre in Kecskemét, and Vajk Szente, a director and actor, have been selected to lead the new musical-dance theatre. The concept for the new theatre was drawn up four years ago, but only now, under Balázs Hankó’s ministership, has the project been accelerated.

The new institution will specialise in musicals and musical productions, taking advantage of the Erkel Theatre’s previous experience in promoting the genre. Previous productions, such as The Musical Pushkin or The Heart of Stone – The Baradlay Legend, have already foreshadowed this direction. The new management’s aim is to create a cultural space that serves the needs of audiences with both modern music, dance performances and classical works.

Farewell to the Opera House

From the 1st of January 2025, the Opera House will officially hand over the operation of the Erkel Theatre to the new institution but will say goodbye to the venue with several more performances in the first three months of the year. These will include Verdi’s “Traviata” and Pongrác Kacsóh’s “János vitéz”. The highlight of the season will be a performance of Schoenberg’s “Gurre-Lieder”, which will also mark the Opera House’s official farewell to the Erkel Theatre.

According to Index, there will be performances open to the public until March, but from spring 2025, the new theatre will take over the building and the artistic work that takes place there. The new management aims to create a progressive institution that supports the national music and dance culture.

The plan to make the Erkel Theatre independent has been on the agenda for a long time. Although there has been considerable resistance from the Opera House in the past, budgetary support and convincing arguments from the professionals involved in the project have helped to make it a reality. The new theatre will be a worthy successor to the rich history of the Erkel while attracting new audiences through music and dance.

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Golden Globe spotlight: Adrien Brody and Hungary shine in “The Brutalist”!

Golden Globes Spotlight Adrien Brody and Hungary shine in The Brutalist!

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards featured some remarkable moments for Hungarian culture and history this year. Central to the event was the film The Brutalist, which claimed the award for Best Drama as well as a Golden Globe for Best Director.

“The Brutalist” movie follows the life of László Tóth, who began his career as a student at the Bauhaus school but emigrated to America to escape the horrors of war. The film’s opening scene, in which Tóth gazes at the Statue of Liberty from a boat, uses particularly powerful visual elements to convey the protagonist’s state of mind: the camera shows the iconic statue upside down, emphasising the duality of life as an emigrant and the pain of missing home.

The character of Tóth is fictional, but elements of the stories of Marcell Breuer and László Moholy-Nagy can be seen in the character. The film’s protagonist is a symbol of talent and persecution, an artist of Jewish origin who fled the Nazi terror and tried to start a new life in America.

In the course of the story, an important line is uttered by the son of Tóth’s American patron: “We will tolerate you here”. This simple statement highlights the often complicated relationship between immigrants and American society, where talent is recognised but full acceptance is often lacking.

The movie’s star: Adrien Brody

Adrien Brody’s performance masterfully captured not only the drama of the character, but also his personal ties. Brody’s mother and grandparents left Hungary after the 1956 revolution, which gave him an emotional depth to play Tóth.

According to Magyar Nemzet, the actor spoke on Stephen Colbert’s show in the weeks leading up to the Golden Globes about how moved he was to see his Hungarian heritage so prominently featured in the film. He described Hungary as passionate, outspoken and full of dark humour, which he said often has a surprising effect on other cultures.

The film’s star, Adrien Brody, received the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, further highlighting the Hungarian aspect of the film. The film tells the story of László Tóth, a Hungarian-born architect who struggled to find his place in the United States after World War II.

Hungarian elements in the movie

The special significance of the film is enhanced by the fact that Adrien Brody speaks Hungarian in several scenes. In one scene, for example, he says “B…szd meg!” (which is the most common swear word in Hungarian, f**k) and other Hungarian phrases such as “Nem vicces!” (which means “Not funny”). The letters are also narrated in Hungarian, authenticating the roots of the story. Although Brody’s accent is convincing, it is likely that digital technology also helped to achieve the perfect pronunciation.

The Hungarian presence is evident not only in the use of the language, but also in the cast and locations. The film features several Hungarian actors, including Anna Mészöly, Benett Vilmányi and Levente Orbán. The film was shot almost entirely in Hungary, and viewers will recognise the Semmelweis University building, the synagogue on Bethlen Square and some rural castles. There is even a reference in one scene to the fact that one of the characters worked as a journalist for Magyar Nemzet before the war.

The movie’s message

This year’s Golden Globe will be remembered not only for the awards but also for the spotlight that Hungarian stories and places have received in the global spotlight. A similar feeling was perhaps last experienced thirty years ago, when the American film “Music Box” tackled a Hungarian theme with world stars and a big budget. “The Brutalist” continued this tradition and brought Hungarian culture to a new level of international attention.

“The Brutalist” is not only a sensitive portrayal of the dilemmas of emigration but also a tribute to Hungarian history. The central themes of the film are the difficulties of integration and the question of preserving identity, which transcend the Hungarian context and carry a universal message. The fact that the Hungarian language and culture have been given such a prominent role in an international production is a rare and remarkable moment.

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The Hungarian Reformed Church presents its services in a year-round campaign

Hungarian Reformed Church

In 2024, the Hungarian Reformed Church will be hit by unprecedented shocks. This year, hoping to resume its ministry on the path of building, the church is launching an information campaign to show the religious and social service Reformed people are providing at home and abroad.

This is also Reformed – this is the motto the Hungarian Reformed Church is using to draw attention to its service in 2025. Through the year-long information campaign, the general public will learn about the Reformed Church’s work in building bridges, healing and uplifting the fallen.

To give just a few examples, the Hungarian Reformed Charity Service helps hundreds of thousands of people in need across the Carpathian Basin, and since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, it has helped more than 400,000 refugees with donations, accommodation, Hungarian language instruction, and pastoral care. In the Bethesda Children’s Hospital, 190,000 young people are healed with Christian spirituality every year, various missions have already helped tens of thousands of people to free themselves from addiction, Reformed kindergartens, school,s and universities are also teaching and educating the future generation by the tens of thousands, and in the Bárka camps for disadvantaged children, children from incredible deprivation are encountering the joys of life and the love of God. In addition, the Church naturally sees it as its mission to be a strong support for hundreds of thousands of people who long for God but are still searching for the way to Him, for answers to the big questions of their lives. As they say, “our churches and communities are open to them”.

“2025 is the year of youth ministry in the Hungarian Reformed Church. Only through authentic living and committed service can we be worthy of becoming an example for future generations,” said József Steinbach, Pastoral President of the Synod. He added:

“We pray and act so that God may turn our trials to our advantage and renew us.”

The year-long information campaign – with pictures, articles and videos – will be mainly presented to the public online.

read also: New president of Hungarian Reformed Church Synod elected

Guns N’ Roses, Imagine Dragons, Iron Maiden, Katy Perry, and Robbie Willams come to Budapest in 2025!

2024 saw multiple stars performing in Budapest, organised by Live Nation, including the triple concert of Coldplay, Rod Steward, Depeche Mode and Sting. 2025 will see even more super productions in the Hungarian capital. Budapest will host, among others, Iron Maiden, Guns N’ Roses, Imagine Dragons with a double concert, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Santana, Robbie Williams, The Offspring and numerous other famous bands and performers. Here are the details.

Big names to perform in Budapest in 2025

According to turizmus.com, 2025 will be another year when the world’s most famous singers, bands, and performers come to Budapest to entertain their fans. Live Nation hosted 97 productions featuring more than 191 bands and performers in 2024, and they have already announced 37 acts for this year.  

Among the international performers, Iron Maiden will kick off their European tour in Budapest with a double concert on 27 May. All tickets have been sold out. Imagine Dragons will also welcome their fans with a double concert in the Hungarian capital, performing on 14 and 15 June at the Puskás Arena. Guns N’ Roses will return to Budapest, following their 2023 sold-out concert.  

guns n roses gnr
Guns N’ Roses. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Raph_PH

Lionel Richie will return to Budapest after 20 years, while Katy Perry and Santana will perform in the Hungarian capital after 15 years of absence. Robbie Williams will entertain fans at the MVM Dome on 12 September, while The Offspring will debut their new album there on 31 October. The NIGHT of the JUMPs show will also take place in the MVM Dome on 4 October.  

Budapest clubs to host lots of concerts in 2025

The Hungarian capital’s clubs will also be brimming with performances. On 21 January, the Danish band Siamese will entertain the public at the Analog Music Hall, while the following day, The Wanton Bishops will bring their blues to Dürer Kert. Budapest will also host performances by Planet of Zeus, Stick To Your Guns, Airbourne, Massive Wagons, FO System, Xiu Xiu, Hooverphonic, Bilderbuch, Baby Lasagna, Klangphonics and Tycho. Norwegian duo Marcus & Martinus will perform a double concert in Budapest. 

Avenged Sevenfold will perform at Budapest Park, Motionless in White will play in Hungary after 15 years, and Fontaines D.C. will debut their new album at Barba Negra in Budapest’s 21st district, Csepel. Alanis Morissette will charm fans with her Triple Moon Tour at Budapest Park.  

Barba Negra Budapest concert
Photo: FB/Barba Negra

In terms of Hungarian performers, Ganxsta Zolee és a Kartel will celebrate their 30th anniversary with a concert on 17 January at the Budapest Arena.  

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  • The good and the bad of Ricky Martin’s free show in Budapest – photos, videos and details in THIS article