Anticipating summer: Beach season preparations, price changes and trends for 2024
With Easter behind us, thoughts turn to the eagerly awaited summer season, although the impacts of climate change may not necessarily herald an early opening for beach enthusiasts. Nevertheless, it’s time to delve into what awaits regarding beach ticket prices once the season kicks off.
The meteorological forecast predicted temperatures ranging from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius for the Easter long weekend. This pleasant weather outlook aligned with seasonal reopening plans, such as the unveiling of the Margaret pool at Palatinus, which underwent renovations last year.
While Palatinus’ updated pool is set to welcome visitors and tents are being packed away from various swimming pools and outdoor areas, indicating the seasonal shift, there remains a degree of uncertainty regarding beach season timelines.
Additionally, news of an expected 5-13% increase in beach ticket prices, below last year’s inflation ratio, underscores the evolving dynamics in recreational offerings and economic adjustments.
Furthermore, preparations entail the removal of tents from the swimming pool area at Paskál Spa under Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths Ltd, signalling the transition to warmer weather and expanded recreational offerings, according to Világgazdaság.
When can we expect Hungarian beaches to open?
It’s anticipated that the Gellért Bath’s outdoor pool and the Pala adventure pool will be operational by the end of April, with other beach pools and beaches expected to follow suit from late May to mid-June. However, this is subject to change and dependent upon weather conditions.
Traditionally, the beach season kicks off on the 1st of May. However, contemporary trends suggest that beachgoers now await temperatures surpassing 30 degrees Celsius, with 24-25 degrees Celsius no longer sufficing to maintain beach operations.
The commencement of the beach season hinges on weather patterns and projected visitor numbers rather than a fixed calendar date, ensuring revenue surpasses operational costs, especially given rising energy expenses.
The beach life of 2023
According to a letter received by Világgazdaság from Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths Ltd:
Last summer proved challenging due to cool weather in May and a rainy June, which was unfavourable for beach life
Last year’s July began with fluctuating weather patterns, showcasing extremes such as a 32-degree Celsius day that drew around five thousand visitors to Palatinus, even on weekdays. However, in contrast to this, on unfavourable weather days, beach attendance plummeted to less than 300 individuals.
The heatwave of 2023 persisted until mid-July, extending through August with numerous heat-warning days, overlapping even with the start of the school year, significantly influencing beach attendance throughout that period.
The peak day of the season saw over 7,000 bathers purchasing tickets for the Palatinus under Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths Ltd. The company has a longstanding tradition of opening its pools and beaches based on weather conditions, typically from late April to mid-June, a schedule they plan to uphold this year as well.
Meanwhile, ongoing preparations for the beach season include renovating and cleaning pools, maintaining fun elements and slides as well as landscaping and beautifying gardens, as indicated by the bathing company.
Price change at the beaches
Starting from the 8th of January 2024, admission ticket prices for Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths have risen by approximately 5-13%, a modest increase compared to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office’s reported inflation rate of 17.6% in 2023.
Similarly, beach ticket prices are anticipated to undergo a similar adjustment, staying within the range of 5-13% below the inflation rate for the upcoming season.
Read also:
- Easter bring summer: Heat records broken on Saturday in Hungary – HERE
- The Hungarian tradition of sprinkling on Easter Monday – HERE
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Four categories broke the heat record on 1 April in Hungary
Hot air continued to flow in the Carpathian Basin from the south on April 1, breaking several heat records, the weather service said on Tuesday.
The new national record for the highest morning temperature on April 1 was 17.4 degrees Celsius, registered at Jászszentlászló, southern Hungary, as against the earlier record of 15.4 C registered in Lenti in 1989.
According to HungaroMet, the new afternoon record temperature for the day was 30.2 C, in Kelebia, southern Hungary, as against the previous record of 27.7 C registered in Körmend in 1989.
Budapest’s new early morning record high temperature was 16.2 C on April 1 at Ferihegy, near Budapest, as against the former record of 13.2 at Lágymanyos in 2016.
The Budapest heat record for the day was 28.1 registered at Újpest, as against 26.1 registered in the exact location in 2021.
The weather service said that once all measurements are certified for Monday, then April 1, 2024 will be the earliest day of the year ever recorded with temperature above 30 C since April 8, 1939.
As we wrote yesterday, heat records were broken on Easter Sunday in Hungary; details are HERE.
Also as we wrote earlier, the year 2023 was the hottest and the 8th wettest year in Hungary since records started in 1901, details HERE.
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The Hungarian tradition of sprinkling on Easter Monday – UPDATED
Hungary has a couple of interesting traditions that foreigners (or even younger Hungarians) might find weird. One of these is sprinkling on Easter Monday.
Even though Easter is a Christian holiday, Easter Monday traditions, including sprinkling, have no significance in the Christian church. What does sprinkling look like? – you might ask.
In the old days, girls were taken to a well or trough in the countryside and doused with buckets, which had fertility charms and also referred to the purifying properties of water.
Indeed, since this is an age-old tradition, many Hungarians do not keep it. As for those who do, the implementation has changed quite a bit. Men who still prefer to keep this convention sprinkle some perfume or cologne on girls and women instead of dousing them with buckets full of cold water (for which many of them are grateful).
In turn, men usually receive painted eggs and some hearty treats (sometimes some coins) from girls and women.
Check out some photos below:
New photos:
Sprinkling in Szeklerland
Watch a video below of a (lot more peaceful and comfortable) Easter Monday sprinkling in Szeklerland, Transylvania, Romania:
In many countries, Easter egg decorating has become an established tradition, and Hungary is at the forefront of this too. Read our guide on how to master the art of traditional Hungarian Easter egg painting HERE!
Read also:
SHOCKING: horror entrance fee to this traditional Hungarian Easter festival
The entrance ticket to Hollókő, a traditional Hungarian village keeping Hungarian Easter folk customs the most authentically in the country, costs three times as much as a ticket to the world-known Venice carnival. The price is shocking, even considering the high inflation that hit Hungary in the past two years.
According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, you must pay HUF 6,500 (EUR 16.5) to participate in the traditional Hungarian Easter celebration of Hollókő. That is more than three times the entrance fee of Venice, which all tourists must pay if they want to visit the historic city parts from the end of April.
Both locals in Venice and Hollókő became fed up with the tourists flooding the settlements. Therefore, they decided to make paying compulsory for everybody entering their historic village or city.
Hollókő Easter festival costs a ‘fortune’
Hollókő holds its annual traditional Easter festival between 30 March and 1 April. However, you may enter the old village by buying an entrance ticket during the long weekend.
That costs HUF 6,500 (EUR 16.5) for adults. For pensioners and students, there is a discount: the ticket costs only HUF 5,500 (EUR 14). However, that ticket comprises the entrance to all the programs, museums and places a tourist would like to visit in the village. As a result, it is valid to the local castle, the Palóc Játszóház (Palóc Playhouse) or the local ‘baby museum’.
Do you know who the Palóc people are? Here are some articles about them: lovely Hungarian settlements notable for the Palóc culture HERE, Palóc soup recipe in THIS article and click HERE for photos of a traditional Palóc wedding.
Entrance is free for kids under 7. HERE is the official website of the Easter festival in Hollókő.
Read also:
- Hollókő – a charming town in the mountains – Read more in THIS article
- Hungarian World Heritage Village introduces its own beer! – PHOTOS and more HERE
Here are some photos of the Easter festival taken on Saturday:
Easter celebrations to be led by leaders of historic churches
Leaders of the Catholic, Reformed and Lutheran churches will celebrate Easter in Esztergom, Budapest and Sajóvelezd, respectively.
Cardinal Péter Erdő, the head of the Hungarian Catholic Church, will lead the vigil on Saturday evening in St Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest. On Sunday, Erdő will celebrate mass at the Esztergom Basilica, while Reformed Church Bishop Dániel Pásztor will hold a service in Sajóvelezd, in north-east Hungary, and Tamás Fabiny, the head of the Lutheran church, will hold a service in the Buda Castle.
Read also:
Easter, spring break, time change: public transport timetable changes in Budapest and Hungary
During the Easter spring break, MÁV, Volán and BKK services will not run according to the usual timetables. There will be bank holiday, public holiday and school holiday timetables, but you should also be aware of changes due to the clock change.
Public transport changes during Easter
During the Easter period and the following spring break, public transport timetables will change. Additionally, some services will also be affected by the turning of the clock, vg.hu reports.
MÁV
The Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) will experience the least disruption, with Saturday and Sunday operating on a public holiday schedule and Easter Monday on a Sunday schedule. The spring school holidays will not bring any changes to the usual timetable.
Volán
For Volánbusz, the change in timetable is more tricky, with bus services on Saturday running according to the timetable for Sunday, 31 March (Easter Sunday) running according to a public holiday and 1 April (Easter Monday) according to the timetable for the public holiday preceding the first school holiday of the week.
Full and detailed information on the festive timetable can be found HERE.
BKK
BKK’s timetable will be changed so that on 31 March and 1 April, there will be a public holiday timetable, and after that a school holiday timetable until 5 April.
Due to the change of time, most services will remain unchanged, but you should check the timetable for departures before 2 and after 3 AM on Sunday, 31 March. During this period, it is expected that public displays will not be in operation between 2 and 4 AM. However, it is worth noting that some services will be affected by the time change during the journey and their timetables will be adjusted accordingly.
BKK asks its customers to check the timetable changes on the BKK website.
Read also:
Easter long weekend: shops that remain open in Hungary and where to find them
Most shops will be closed over the Easter weekend, except on Saturday. However, there are exceptions. Find the stores where you can still do your shopping below.
During the Easter long weekend, all the stores of most supermarkets, including Aldi, Auchan, CBA, Coop, Lidl, Penny, Reál, Spar and Tesco, will be open as usual on Saturday alone. Meanwhile, on the other days, Friday, Sunday and Monday, they will be closed. However, there will be exceptions on these days, mfor.hu reports.
Shops to remain open during the Easter long weekend
The following stores will remain open during the public holidays:
- In addition to the Spar Expresses and Despars, which are available at OMV and Orlen gas stations and offer groceries among other things, there may be franchise partners in the Spar chain that will also be open. Exact information on the Spar stores can be found on the company’s map store locator HERE.
- Tesco also has a petrol station partner, and there are several Shell stations with small Tesco shops across the country. You can find them HERE.
- Non-stop stores are expected to be open, such as the Manna and Roni network of shops in Budapest. The CBA, Coop and Reál networks also have outlets that will be open on public holidays. CBA’s store locator can be found HERE, Coop’s HERE and Reál’s HERE.
Although most pharmacies do not open over the long weekend, there are pharmacies on duty. You can find them in the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition’s pharmacy locator HERE.
Read also:
Affordable spas for Easter break: Where to find relaxation under EUR 5 in Hungary
As the Easter holidays approach with the long weekend, it is time to take a look at some of the country’s most affordable spas where the full-day entrance fee is often below HUF 2,000 (EUR 5.08) and pensioners can enjoy a dip for as little as HUF 1,000 (EUR 2.54).
Termalfurdo.hu made and regularly updated a list of the 10 most budget-friendly thermal spas for regular and senior admissions, revealing a noticeable overlap in the top picks. These spas are spread across various regions, including two in Transdanubia.
For those in Budapest and its vicinity, affordable options in Pest County are available with the close senior-friendly spa just over an hour’s drive from the city centre, according to turizmus.com.
Spas under EUR 5
The Nádudvar Spa in the Great Hungarian Plain currently offers the lowest full-price admission at HUF 1,500 (EUR 3.8) for a full-day ticket, although it will be undergoing maintenance from the 31st of March until the start of the beach season.
Alternatively, the Mezőtúr baths provide entry for HUF 1,700 (EUR 4.3) with access to additional pools. In Transdanubia, Mesteri near Sárvár offers entry for HUF 1,900 (EUR 4.8), allowing access to five pools with earthy and calcareous thermal water.
Near the famous Saliris Spa in Egerszalók, the lesser-known Nostalgia Spa offers outdoor pools with the same water at a significantly lower price than its larger counterpart. The Nostalgia Spa is also open throughout the year.
The Sárrét Kincse Spa in Püspökladány offers an entrance fee of less than HUF 2,000 (EUR 5) and provides various treatments such as physiotherapy and balneotherapy, along with sauna, solarium and cosmetic services.
Nearby, Füzesgyarmat’s Kastélypark Spa offers indoor and outdoor thermal pools, a sauna and an entrance fee of HUF 1,950 (EUR 4.95). Other budget-friendly options with entrance fees under HUF 2,000 (EUR 5) include Nagyszénás, Tiszaföldvár and Tóalmás.
The best spas for pensioners
While some of the top ten spas for seniors overlap with those for adult tickets from previously mentioned baths, there are also new entries that are not among the cheapest for adult admission.
The Szent András Thermal Baths in Tóalmás offer the lowest pensioner’s entrance fee at HUF 1,000 (EUR 2.5), making it remarkably affordable, especially considering that its full-price ticket costs only HUF 2,000 (EUR 5).
The Göd Thermal Baths, located half an hour from Budapest, offer three pools for relaxation, seasonal amenities like a small beach and a children’s pool and year-round services such as massages. Pensioners can access these facilities for HUF 1,700 (EUR 4.3) while full-price entry is HUF 2,400 (EUR 6).
The Virágfürdő in Kaposvár, listed for discounted tickets for pensioners, offers a range of aquatic experiences including an adventure pool with massage elements, sauna facilities, swimming pools and spa services along with a beach during the summer. Pensioners can access the beach for HUF 1,700 (EUR 4.3).
Similarly, the Szentes Thermal Spa offers affordable pensioner tickets at HUF 1,800 (EUR 4.5), providing access to thermal pools, swimming areas, children’s pools with adventure elements and slides, all set in a scenic grove ideal for combining water activities with jogging, walking or tai-chi.
Read also:
3 ways to master the art of traditional Hungarian Easter egg painting – PHOTOS
Easter is undoubtedly one of the most important Christian holidays in Hungary. There are many customs and traditions connected to this time of the year. These include going to church, preparing Easter dishes (such as ham and braided sweet bread), and painting Easter eggs.
The tradition of egg painting
The plethora of customs and traditions surrounding Easter highlight the cultural richness of Hungary. Easter egg painting may sound odd to some. Why would anyone paint eggs for Easter? This tradition is closely related to another Hungarian Easter tradition; Easter sprinkling (locsolás). Back in the day, young men departed on a quest on Easter Monday to pour water on girls (friends, family members, and even strangers) in the town.
In exchange, the young men were awarded eggs decorated with astonishing traditional motives. Back then, young men could use the eggs later for cooking or other purposes. Later, this tradition changed and women started to paint eggs for decorative purposes mainly. Thus, two holes on each end of the egg were formed with a knife and the middle was blown out using a straw.
Nowadays, buying artificial dye to paint eggs is popular, but you can do it naturally using vegetable peelings. In addition, egg painting was much more than just painting the egg. Here are some traditional techniques that you can use to decorate your Easter eggs.
Waxed eggs
Waxed eggs or wax resist eggs (írott tojás) are one of the most popular egg painting techniques. This process involves using a traditional tool to create dividing circles and motifs on the egg. With a writing wheel, wax is applied to the egg to form the decoration before it is immersed in the lukewarm dye until the desired colour is achieved. After drying, the wax is melted off, revealing the pattern beneath, and the eggs are glazed with bacon rind or grease for a finished look.
Berzselés
“Berzselés” is an Easter egg painting decoration using the batik technique. Do not worry if you are bad at DIYs and painting is not your cup of tea. “Berzselés” does not require special skills, thus it can be done at home in the kitchen, even with children. It is a popular method, as it is quite easy and the outcome is beautiful. These eggs often feature a variety of leaves and flowers, such as parsley leaves, pansies, violets, roses, or herb leaves.
To create these designs, chosen leaves are delicately affixed to the eggs, which are then tightly wrapped in gauze or stockings before being submerged in a dye bath. Typically, the dye is made from onion skins, imparting a rich bronze-brown hue to the eggs. Once unwrapped, the eggs reveal stunning imprints of the leaves or flowers in their original colours, showcasing the artistry and tradition of Hungarian egg painting.
Scratching
In a way, scratching (karcolás) is the inverse of the waxing technique. First, give the egg a base colour, and then you create a pattern on it by scratching. Scratching is the process of scraping the paint off the painted eggs with a scratching tool (e.g. a thick needle, scalpel, or sharp knife).
Scratched patterns can be many: thicker or thinner lines, beautifully detailed, intricate patterns, or even colour transitions. For better results, dip your scratching tools in vinegar. Here is how you can apply this egg painting technique:
For more inspiration, you can visit the Egg Museum’s website.
Read also:
Easter chaos in Hungary: 90% of shops to close, public transport changes
Hungarian media wrote that only a select few shops will remain open in Hungary during the Easter celebrations. Good Friday on 29th March, Easter Sunday on 31st March, and Easter Monday on 1st April are public holidays throughout Hungary.
Not all shops to close during Easter
As per Pénzcentrum, the Hungarian Parliament made Good Friday a public holiday in 2017, resulting in the closure of major stores, supermarket chains and malls this Friday. The same closures apply to Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. However, on 30th March (Saturday), all shops and malls will reopen as usual in Hungary. Stores across Hungary will welcome customers according to their regular schedule on Thursday and Saturday, but on Friday, Sunday and Monday, they will remain closed. This closure applies to major retailers such as Aldi, Auchan, Lidl, Metro, Penny, Tesco and Spar in Hungary.
However, there are some exceptions. A handful of CBA, Coop and Reál supermarkets will remain open during the upcoming public holiday. Since their opening hours vary, you should check with the nearest store to confirm if they will be open on Friday, Sunday and Monday. Generally, supermarkets in larger cities tend to be open even during public holidays.
Furthermore, additional places will be open, in case you run out of essential items like eggs or milk during Easter in Hungary. The list of available shops includes petrol stations, pharmacies on duty, florists, pastry shops, restaurants, clubs and smaller stores where the owner or family members serve customers.
Additionally, since petrol stations will operate during the Easter festivities, their affiliated supermarket chains will also serve customers. This means you can purchase goods at Spar outlets in OMV and Lukoil petrol stations, Fresh Corners at MOL stations and mini Tesco stores at Shell stations.
In addition, in Budapest and other big Hungarian cities, 24-hour supermarket chains like Roni and Manna may also welcome customers during the Easter holidays.
Changes to BKK services this week
According to infostart.hu, from 28th March to 5th April, the Centre for Budapest Transport (BKK) will operate services according to the school holiday schedule. On 29th March, 31st March and 1st April, they will follow the public holiday timetable. On 30th March and 6th April, BKK’s Saturday timetable will be valid, while on 7th April, they will operate according to the Sunday schedule.
The upcoming clock change in Hungary will occur on 31st March at 2 a.m., transitioning to daylight saving time. According to the BKK statement, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., BKK displays will not be operational.
Read also:
Here’s how to travel in Hungary on a budget during Easter 2024
For some days now, we have been blessed with pleasant and sunny weather in Hungary. Easter is approaching, giving us the perfect opportunity to leave our houses and travel in Hungary a bit, whether exploring new towns, castles, or thermal baths. Here is how to get the best deals when choosing public transportation for your journey.
24-hour ticket
As Turizmus.com writes, from 1 March, Hungary and county daily tickets were introduced. These brand-new tickets offer a great alternative for those who would like to travel in Hungary and explore the country’s most beautiful corners by train and bus.
If you are staying within a single county – and do not have a county or country pass already – the simplest solution is a 24-hour county daily ticket. Meanwhile, for cross-county travel, a country daily ticket may be a good option.
When purchasing your ticket, please keep in mind that with the 24-hour country tickets, you can also travel on trains that require a seat reservation. On the other hand, it is not possible with county tickets.
The pricing
These 24-hour tickets can only be used on interurban services, such as trains, ferries, and blue and yellow buses operated by Volán. Therefore, they are not valid on BKK or other local services, for example. However, for travel within Budapest, both daily tickets are valid even on InterCity trains.
Furthermore, in this exceptional situation, you do not need to buy a seat reservation ticket. The 24-hour county ticket is HUF 999 (EUR 2.53), while the 24-hour Hungary ticket is HUF 4,999 (EUR 12.67).
Free travel in Hungary
As usual, children get a special discount, which is even more important during Easter, as it is only natural that families travel together. From 1 March, all children under 14 can travel free of charge. In addition, all young people aged between 14 and 25 can buy a half-price ticket. For students over 14 years of age, it is cheaper to buy a monthly pass than a 24-hour ticket. A monthly county pass costs HUF 945 (EUR 2.40), while the Hungary pass costs HUF 1,890 (EUR 4.79).
Families with at least 3 children travel in Hungary for free. This discount can only be applied if the parents are travelling with at least 3 children and can prove their identity and that they are a family with documents.
Travel in Hungary with your bike!
When you travel in Hungary, you do not need to leave your bike at home. From March, bicycles can be transported with a single 24-hour, one-way bike ticket for a uniform fare of HUF 500 (EUR 1.27), regardless of distance. However, on certain trains, you must book a bicycle reservation in addition to your bicycle ticket. It typically affects InterCity and express trains, and all trains in the Balaton region regardless of the season.
The price of the bicycle reservation ticket depends on the local conditions and the capacity of the train to carry bicycles. The cost is usually 300 HUF (EUR 0.76), but there may be tickets for HUF 100 (EUR 0.25), HUF 650 (EUR 1.65) and HUF 990 (EUR 2.51) as well. It is always worth booking your bicycle reservation ticket ahead, as you cannot put your bike on the train without a valid ticket. If the tickets are sold out for a certain train, you must choose another one.
From the 29th of March, even those who prefer travelling by bus can take their bicycles along for their travel in Hungary on certain routes. In addition to buses running between Budapest and the Mátra, Bükk and Lake Tisza regions, bicycle tickets are also available for certain services from the capital to Salgótarján, Eger, Szilvásvárad, Kazincbarcika, Jósvafő and from Gyöngyös via Eger to Miskolc.
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A pleasantly surprising turn in Hungary’s weather for Easter – Week 13
Hungary’s weather can be quite unpredictable at times. In the country’s history, there were snowless winters and Easters covered with snow. Snow in the midst of spring might sound like nonsense, but we cannot predict nature. Do not worry, this Easter you can keep your warm winter coat in the wardrobe! Here is what to expect this week regarding Hungary’s weather.
Monday
As Portfolio writes, we can expect sunny weather with only a few scattered clouds on Monday. The sky will clear up by the evening. However, sporadic showers may occur and thunderstorms are also probable in the northeastern region. Hungary’s weather will be defined by north-westerly winds that may be strong over a large area, and gusts of wind in places. Daytime highs will be between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius.
Tuesday
Tuesday’s forecast calls for a mix of clouds and sun regarding Hungary’s weather, with the possibility of thicker cloud cover moving in from the southwest later in the day. Significant rainfall is not anticipated. Winds from the southeast and east will strengthen across several areas. Overnight lows will generally range from 0 to 6 degrees Celsius, although colder temperatures may prevail in clear, windless regions. Daytime highs are expected to reach between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius.
Wednesday
Wednesday’s weather is expected to be mostly cloudy with intermittent sunshine. Rain and showers may intensify as they move in from the west and southwest, with the potential for thunderstorms to develop. Winds from the southeast will be robust, occasionally gusty. Temperatures at dawn will generally range from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, northeastern counties may experience noticeably cooler weather. By the early afternoon, temperatures are forecast to reach between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius.
Thursday
Most of the day will be partly to mostly cloudy with showers in several places, with less clouds and precipitation in the second half of the day. Winds from the southeast and southwest will become stronger in many areas. Temperatures will rise from 5 to 12 degrees in the morning to between 15 and 21 degrees.
Friday
On Good Friday, Hungary’s weather will be pleasant. Mainly sunny and dry weather is expected with only a few scattered and high clouds. The southern and southwestern winds will strengthen in many places. The minimum temperature will range between 4 and 11 degrees, while the maximum temperature will be between 19 and 24 degrees. It is the perfect opportunity to go outside and spend time with your family.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy, sunny, dry weather is expected on Saturday. Winds from the south and southeast will be strong in many places, with occasional strong gusts. Temperatures will rise from 7 to 13 degrees in the morning to between 20 and 25 degrees. Since Hungary’s weather blessed us with high temperatures, it would be a shame not to go on a hike and explore nature‘s richness.
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Discover Lake Balaton’s Easter extravaganza with 50+ amazing events
An increasing array of Easter-related activities awaits visitors at Lake Balaton this year, with over fifty events planned throughout the festive period. Guests can expect to encounter a myriad of creative and delightful solutions throughout these gatherings.
During Easter, hotels experience a significant five to six-fold increase in traffic compared to an average spring weekend. Hungarians primarily opt for accommodations in apartments, guest houses and four-star hotels, with Lake Balaton offering a diverse range of relaxing and engaging activities for guests, according to Turizmus.com.
Tamás Fekete, Vice-President of the Balaton Tourism Association, has highlighted Siófok as an excellent example where tourists are welcomed with unique attractions, such as a 15-metre-long sandwich. Beyond cultural festivals and religious observances, the Easter period sees a surge in sporting events prompting a healthy lifestyle, integral parts of the Open Balaton campaign showcasing the region’s dynamic offerings for visitors seeking both leisure and active pursuits.
What’s the deal with the 15-metre-long sandwich at Lake Balaton?
One of the most anticipated events during Easter is the egg and rabbit race, featuring a 15-metre sandwich which serves as the centrepiece of the South part of Lake Balaton’s largest sporting event, drawing thousands of children and parents.
Scheduled from March 29th to April 1st, the Siófok Festival promises a vibrant array of activities, including a rabbit derby, magic shows, egg tree decorating, dance school performances, folk games and numerous exhibitors. The festival’s highlight is the Sunday running race, a tradition since 2016, organised by Éva Molnár, president of the Balatuning Association.
This family-oriented race offers a shorter distance for children, who can participate using scooters, roller skates or bicycles. As a unique finale, the race culminates in the creation of the world’s largest Easter egg sandwich at the Main Square, composed of 80 cm loaves of bread extending ten beer benches to form a spectacular 15-meter-long sandwich.
Following the race, festivities continue with an egg-eating and peeling competition, along with the crowning of an egg king, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to the celebration.
Other activities at Lake Balaton
The Open Balaton campaign offers a fun activity during Easter called the bike egg hunt, where participants can chase the Easter Bunny around Lake Balaton on bicycles. To join, you have to visit BalatonBike 365 stations in Keszthely, Balatonföldvár or Ferenc to rent bikes of any size. The Hunt starts from Balatonfüred, and participants need to take a photo of five Easter egg signs along the route to win some Easter presents.
There are also five more exciting Easter events around Lake Balaton, including the Bunny Ears Festival in Gyenesdiás which will take place on the 29th of March, the Ham and Loaf Festival in Csopak from the 29th of March to April 1st, Easter at Korzo in Zalakaros from March 29th to 1st of April, the Easter Cavalcade in Balatonalmádi on 30th of March and the Easter Egg-Rollin Competition in Balatonalaki on 31 March.
Additionally, there are five more exciting Easter events around Lake Balaton, including the Bunny Ears Festival in Gyenesdiás, scheduled for 29th March, the Ham and Loaf Festival in Csopak from 29 March to 1st April, Easter at Korzo in Zalakaros from 29th March to 1st April, the Easter Cavalcade in Balatonalmádi on 30th March and the Easter Egg-Rolling Competition in Balatonalaki on 31st March.
Read also:
An introduction to Easter Traditions in Hungary: How do we celebrate It meaningfully
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As the spring sun warms the soil of our beautiful Hungary, Easter emerges not just as a season of rebirth and renewal but as a vivid display of our nation’s rich cultural heritage. For those unfamiliar with Hungarian traditions, Easter in our country is a fascinating blend of ancient customs, religious devotion, and communal joy, distinguishing it from Easter celebrations around the globe. In this article, we will delve deeper into this topic, exploring the intricacies and beauty of Easter traditions in Hungary.
“Locsolás”: A Quintessential Hungarian Easter Tradition
In Hungary, Easter transcends the simple commemoration of Christian resurrection narratives; it is imbued with rituals that are deeply engrained in our national identity. Perhaps the most captivating of these traditions is “locsolás,” a unique Easter Monday practice. On this day, Hungarian men embark on a playful yet symbolic journey to sprinkle water or perfume on women. This act, rooted in fertility rites and the welcoming of spring, is reciprocated by women through the gifting of beautifully decorated eggs. These eggs, often adorned with intricate traditional Hungarian patterns, are not just gifts but tokens of appreciation and symbols of life and new beginnings.
Culinary Delights: Savoring Easter Traditions in Hungary
The essence of Easter in our country is also savored in the richness of its culinary traditions. Dishes such as “sonkás tészta” (pasta with ham) and “kalács” (a sweet braided bread) are staples that grace Hungarian tables, each bite a testament to our culinary heritage and the festive spirit of Easter. These meals, shared among family and friends, are more than just nourishment; they are a celebration of togetherness and the joys of spring.
Another facet of Easter’s culinary landscape in Hungary is the indulgence in sweet treats and desserts that hold a special place in our hearts during this festive season. The “beigli,” a traditional Hungarian pastry roll filled with poppy seeds or sweet walnut paste, becomes a centerpiece in many households. Alongside it, the “mézeskalács,” intricately decorated gingerbread cookies, are not only a delight to the taste but also to the eye, often used as decorations themselves. These desserts are more than mere confections; they are a rich tapestry of our heritage and culinary artistry, embodying the warmth and joy of Easter. Through these shared delicacies, we not only savor the flavors of the season but also weave stronger connections with our loved ones, celebrating the essence of spring and renewal.
Bring Spring into Your House: Elegance Easter Decorations For Home
In Hungary, the beauty of Easter extends beyond the public squares and churches, right into the heart of our homes, where decoration takes on a special significance during the season. Hungarian families adorn their living spaces with symbols of spring and renewal, embracing the vibrant colors and themes of new life. Traditional motifs include intricately painted eggs, which are not only used in the “locsolás” ritual but also serve as elegant decor, often displayed in handwoven baskets or hung delicately from branches to create a festive Easter tree, a sight to behold in many Hungarian homes. Fresh flowers, particularly tulips and daffodils, are arranged in vases, or a handwoven hanging wreath decorated with bunny and flowers to bring the freshness of spring indoors, while handcrafted tablecloths while handcrafted tablecloths, and add a touch of heritage to the family gatherings. This attention to detail in Easter decorations reflects the Hungarian spirit of warmth and hospitality, inviting both family and friends to celebrate in an atmosphere that is both festive and deeply rooted in tradition.
Continuation of Love: Tradition of Sharing Gifts in Hungary
In Hungary, Easter also brings with it the cherished tradition of giving, where gifts serve as expressions of love and symbols of renewal. Beyond the exchange of beautifully decorated eggs, which remain at the heart of Easter gifting, Hungarians often share artisanal chocolates, handmade crafts, and spring flowers, each carrying the promise of new beginnings. These gifts, carefully chosen and lovingly wrapped, are not just material items but convey deep-rooted sentiments and wishes for prosperity and happiness in the coming season. This practice of gifting, steeped in the spirit of generosity and community, highlights the profound connections between individuals, families, and friends, fostering a sense of belonging and joy that resonates well beyond the Easter celebrations. Through these gestures of giving, the essence of Easter in Hungary is further enriched, weaving a tapestry of cultural identity and shared humanity that is both vibrant and enduring.
Spiritual Reflections: The Sacred Heart of Easter in Hungary
Easter in Hungary is also a time of profound spiritual reflection. The country, with its deep Christian roots, observes the holy week with reverence and solemnity. Churches across the nation host masses and processions, drawing the faithful in large numbers to participate in these moving ceremonies. These religious observances are not only a manifestation of faith but also a time for communities to come together, reinforcing the bonds that tie us to our beliefs and to each other.
As we invite the world to glimpse into the Easter celebrations in our country, we extend a hand of friendship and share a piece of our heritage. Easter in Hungary is not just a period of festivity but a vibrant mosaic of customs that are lovingly preserved and passed down through generations. It is a time when the past and present merge, when the sacred and the secular dance in harmony, and when every Hungarian, at home or abroad, feels the heartbeat of their homeland.
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Easter raid: more than 120 drivers had their licenses taken away in Budapest
The Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) found 122 drunk drivers during the Easter holiday check-ups until Monday morning, the head of the Traffic Police Department of the BRFK’s Traffic and Accident Prevention Division informed MTI on Monday.
Tibor Szécsi said: this means that one percent of the drivers checked were drunk at the wheel, because since Friday, 11,137 drivers were probed in the capital.
Police officers have been taking action across the city, with some locations, such as Petőfi Bridge, where every passing driver was checked, he added.
He said that the raid was aimed at improving the traffic situation, detecting drunk drivers and thus preventing accidents.
Both the BRFK central traffic police and the staff of the district police stations are involved in the check.
“Drivers are being probed throughout the capital,” said Tibor Szécsi.
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Have you heard of these quirky Hungarian Easter superstitions?
In Hungary, Easter is surrounded by many weird and wonderful customs inherited from ancient times, which were perpetuated through generations, in order to ensure wealth and health in the house. Here is a collection of Hungarian Easter superstitions and lore associated with these holy days.
Sharing the Easter egg
Traditionally, decorated Easter eggs are shared among lovers or family members when eaten instead of one munching on it alone. According to the Hungarian Easter superstition, even if your paths go separate ways next year, you will be united again as you remember the egg you shared at Easter.
Don’t look up to the sky
Back in the day, people would often look up to the sky for clues when facing dilemmas or difficulties. However, on Easter Day, it’s very much discouraged, or else you may lose your sweetheart if you happen to witness a shooting star while staring at the night sky.
Stay away from the broom
Even if you are expecting guests, it’s best if you do the cleaning the day before Easter as sweeping your house may bring misfortune upon you. Along with the dust, you may sweep away your luck as well. Airing your blanket in the morning is also not advised as it can bring about the same result. A tidy home may not always worth the risk.
Magical Hungarian Easter dishes
In Hungarian folklore, many traditional festive dishes are said to have magical properties. For example, Easter bacon is often attached to the fruit trees to bring a good harvest. After the meal, keep the crumbs, don’t bin them right away. Instead, throw them in the garden, or at least leave them on your balcony. Bread crumbs were believed to make the soil fertile and bring wealth and success to the family. In some regions in Hungary, they would feed them to the chickens to lay more eggs.
Catkin for love and child-bearing
Catkin is one of the oldest symbols of Easter. Lore has it, if you place a couple of blossoming catkin branches in a vase and decorate them with red-painted eggs, you will find love or your crush will finally reciprocate your feelings. Eggs also symbolise fertility, therefore, they can help to conceive.
- Read also: Funny Hungarian Easter rhymes translated
Lucky Rabbit’s foot’s charm
Back in the day, the rabbit’s foot was considered a token of good luck. Those who carried one in their left pocket believed that love would find them soon. In addition, it was also meant to ward off evil spirits.
Catkin for stomach woes
Catkin was deemed to have healing power in the old days. People in the villages would swallow a tiny piece of catkin on Easter Day in the hope that it would protect them from all kinds of stomach issues throughout the year. Disclaimer: we don’t advise trying this one out at home!
Cold shower for optimal health
If you want to make sure you will keep fit as a fiddle all year round, cleanse yourself with cold spring water on the morning of Easter Day. Alternatively, you can also take a cold shower at home as the point of this superstition is only that on the day of resurrection that brings new beginnings, you too should leave your troubles behind, wash away the worries and wounds of the past period, and come out of the Lenten season purified and fresh.
Get a new dress
You can finally justify that buying a new addition to your wardrobe can be viewed as an investment. According to a Hungarian Easter superstition, wearing new clothes on Easter Day will bring good fortune and abundance. You can also add a red coloured ribbon or belt to your outfit to ensure that luck won’t leave your side.
Advice for newlyweds
If you want a long-lasting marriage, get up early at sunrise on Easter Day and walk around the house three times, holding your spouse’s hand. Whether it turns out to be true, only time will tell. Nevertheless, a bit of morning exercise is a great way to start the day off with the right frame of mind.
Hungarians’ tradition on Easter Monday
Ladies, prepare your umbrellas for Easter Monday, as you can expect to get completely soaked. Mind you, this is not because of the weather, but a centuries-long tradition associated with Easter Monday in Hungary.
Central-European heritage
If you are from the Central-European region, you might already know what I am talking about. If not, let me indulge you in the age-old rite of the so-called “húsvéti locsolkodás” (easter sprinkling).
Better known in the English-speaking word as “Śmigus-dyngus” (the Polish translation of the activity) is the tradition of young men going around and sprinkling water (or nowadays mostly cologne) on their female friends, family members, and even willing strangers. It is part of the shared cultural heritage of the Central-Eastern European region and is practiced in all involved countries.
Pagan or Christian? Both!
The custom has its roots in paganism but was completely and thoroughly adopted by the Christian religion as well. Most widely believed to be a Slavic pagan practice, the sprinkling meant to symbolise purification and renewal. In the Christian doctrine, this was transformed to hint to baptism, which is done in water as well.
Another important part of the tradition is the reward the young man gets from fulfilling his deed. In the original custom, the boys would receive red painted eggs from the girls they poured water on. Originally, this meant to act as a symbol of fertility and birth, of creating life. This also fared well with the Christian thought, as the egg came to represent the rebirth of Christ, with the red paint meant to illustrate the blood he shed for humanity. These eggs are also more often than not decorated with several geometric and floral patterns.
Evolution of the tradition
As the centuries changed, so did the practices of the custom. With the passing of time, the method of soaking the girls became more and more tame. In the olden days, young dames would dress up in their nicest clothes – and were then thrown into the local lake, river, or the nearby drinking trough. Later, this turned into simply pouring water on them from buckets.
Nowadays, the most common practice is to sprinkle just a bit of cologne on them. In some rural areas, they also tend to use water from soda siphons. The aim of this is so that the lady doesn’t “wither away”. In the beginnings, the boys were looking for those girls to sprinkle who were up for marriage – so those “flowers” who were soaked were seen as desirable, and those who remained dry were considered unwanted.
Forgotten and different practices
There are two other activities related to the practice which are no longer widespread in Hungary. One is the whipping of the girls by wooden whips, to keep them from catching illnesses throughout the year (this is still a part of the tradition in Slovakia and Czechia).
The other is the so-called reverse sprinkling (visszalocsolás). In the older custom, on the third day of Easter, on Tuesday, the girls got the opportunity to have their revenge. Those who did not like getting soaked could return the favour and pour water on the boys on this day. For reasons unknown, this practice disappeared sometime between the two world wars.
This is the brief history and explanation behind this special regional Easter tradition. If you are a young lady, and you don’t mind getting sprinkled, make sure to stack up on red-painted eggs on this Monday, as you might need them yet!
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PHOTOS: Hungarian Easter celebrations chosen one of the world’s most unique
Global online travel media brand Travel Mag has named Sprinkling in Hollókő as one of the top 20 most unique Easter celebrations in the world. To compile the list, Travel Mag only considered celebrations or festivals with a unique twist and a strong historic link to the past.
Travel Mag wrote the following about the Hungarian Easter traditions in Hollókő. “Across much of Eastern Europe, Easter is a time when women pre-emptively wear waterproof clothing. Or at least they should, for various forms of mildly irritating water-based iniquity are afoot. Known as smigus-dyngus in Poland, with similar events in Romania and Slovakia, it generally consists of men running around, throwing buckets of water over the womenfolk. It is, of course, willingly participated for the most part, with traditional costumes worn and rustic wooden buckets used for good measure. In Hungary’s Hollókő village, what is locally called Locsolkodás was upgraded so that instead of throwing buckets of water, smaller amounts are ‘sprinkled’ instead. In what seems like an unfair trade, by tradition, the women reciprocate by handing their assailants a shot of pálinka (a local fruit brandy)”.
HERE you may read the 20 most unique Easter celebrations in the world.
Below you may check out some astonishing pohtos of the Hungarian traditional sprinkling in Hollókő. You want to take part? Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site on 10 April and be part of the tradition. You may find the program in the post.
Easter Festival in Hollókő between 7 and 10 April:
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