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5 unusual yet wonderful places to stay in your next holiday in Hungary

Hungary, Travel, Hotels

Did you fall in love with Budapest or Lake Balaton on your first trip to Hungary, and want to explore more about the mesmerizing Hungarian landscape while spending the night in a quirky hotel? If your answer to that is a yes, check out these places to discover the country.

Thanks to budget airlines, Budapest is a popular destination for people who wants to escape for a few days to explore a stunning European city. However, the Hungarian countryside offers many interesting options as well. With the ever-growing popularity of eco-tourism, Portfolio compiled 5 places that could provide a unique experience at an unusual hotel during your next visit to Hungary.

Hungary, Travel, Hotels
Source: Egererdő Zrt. Galyatetői Turistacentrum

Sleeping in a lookout

What if we tell you, that you could spend a night in a room, which is almost as high as the highest point above sea level in Hungary? Being 111 km far from the city center in Budapest, Galyatető is the 3rd highest peak in Hungary and lies in the route of the National Blue Trail. On top of the hill, a 30-meter-high lookout has been built in 1934, which has been reconstructed in 2015, when the three highest floors have been converted to single rooms – so-called bivouacs for 5 people each. The rooms are equipped with electricity and Wi-Fi; however, guests would have to go to a different building to use a bathroom. We would recommend this special place to experienced hikers. The concrete building does not offer that much insulation from the wind and external conditions.

miskolc szent istván square
Read alsoLooking to buy property cheaply in Hungary? Look here
Travel, Hungary, Hotel
Source: La Cantina Demjén

Wellness in a wine cellar

Just a couple of kilometers from Eger in Demjén, you could get to know the specialties of the Eger wine region in an unparalleled setting. The La Cantina guest house is carved into the side of a mountain and once operated as a wine cellar. The special feature of the place is that the bedrooms and the wellness area have kept the original lava stone interior of the cellar.

Hotel, Hungary, Travel
Source: Tisza-tó Úszóház

House on a river

It is not uncommon to see floating houses in the Netherlands or in the UK, where canal systems are more advanced. If you want to have a similar experience though while visiting Hungary, you can check out this floating house in Tiszananá on the Tisza River. While people should not leave the port without the necessary permits, the floating house may be the perfect accommodation for fishermen.

Hungary, Travel, Hotels
Source: Templomvölgy Butik Hotel & Étterem

Weekend in a church

In the close vicinity of the Mátrai Landscape Protection Area, you may book a room at the village’s former catholic church, which was converted into Templomvölgy Butik Hotel over 10 years ago. Apart from the standard rooms, it also offers a luxurious suite for discerning visitors. The building is situated near the Ski Park of Mátraszentistván, which is also a popular holiday destination in the winter.

Hungary, Farm, Hotel, Travel
Source: Őrségi Patakparti Alpaka Farm és Panzió

Alpaca farm

The Alpaka Farm és Panzió in the Őrség is the perfect place to relax in the company of these cute South American animals. The guesthouse combines two quirky features for visitors. The rooms are located in wooden houses above the ground, close to the alpaca farm of the town. Only guests with valid hotel reservations may visit the farm. However, if alpacas are not your heart’s desire, you may go on a “mushroom tour” in the forest. Another option is to plan a day trip to nearby Austria or Slovenia.

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The mystical water reservoir of Gellért Hill can be visited again – PHOTOS

József Gruber Water Reservoir

On the occasion of World Water Day, one of the water reservoirs on Gellért Hill will soon be open to visitors again. Offering a mystical atmosphere, this water reservoir resembles the setting of the Lord of the Rings or other sci-fi movies. Have a look at the photos of this futuristic-looking place!

The József Gruber water reservoir is open to visitors again

The water reservoir, which is closed on other days of the year, is the first to welcome school groups on 21 and 22 March between 9 AM and 2 PM. On 24 and 25 March, Friday and Saturday, from 9 AM to 4 PM, anyone who registers in advance can take part in the tour, writes travelo. The employees of Fővárosi Vízművek will guide visitors through the water reservoir, during the walk they will talk about the construction conditions of the reservoir and other interesting facts.

József Gruber Water Reservoir
The water reservoir has a mystical atmosphere. Photo: FB/Fővárosi Vízművek
Water Reservoir
You can take a walk in the water reservoir. Photo: MTI/Szigetváry Zsolt

You have to register in advance

“As we promised: on the occasion of World Water Day, we will open the József Gruber water storage in Gellérthegy again this year. On 21 and 22 March between 9 AM and 2 PM, we only welcome school groups. On Friday, 24 March and Saturday, 25 March, from 9 AM to 4 PM, anyone who registers in advance. You will have to wait a little longer until the registration option opens, but we promise that you, the followers of our page, will be the first to know about it. In any case, if you would like to come, do not make any other programme for these days.” – Fővárosi Vízművek wrote on their Facebook page.

József Gruber Water Reservoir
Visitors can take photos of this unique place. Photo: MTI/Szigetváry Zsolt

There is great interest in the water reservoir

It is worth following the page of Főváros Vízművek because, based on the 155 comments under the post, it seems that there is great interest in the impressive landmark. To the question of one of the commenters, whether it would be possible to organise the event several times in view of the high demand, Fővárosi Vízművek answered: “Unfortunately, since it is a functioning water storage facility that is decisive in the city’s water supply, we do not have the opportunity to open it more often. Even so, we have already added a few extra days compared to the previous occasion.”

Read more: PHOTOS, VIDEO: Surroundings of Hungary’s only Renaissance castle to get a makeover

Leading Communist official comes to Hungary

China leading communist official

Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó will hold talks with Wang Yi, the director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party, in Budapest on Monday, a foreign ministry spokesman said.

Szijjártó and Wang will meet in private before holding talks at a plenary session and a working lunch, Máté Paczolay told MTI. The two officials are set to discuss cooperation between China and central European countries, as well as Hungary and China’s strategic partnership.

Hungarian city named one of Europe’s top tourist destinations

veszprém city

Veszprém has been recognised as one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations in the European Best Destinations 2023 international competition. The city also received the jury’s special award for being a family-friendly tourist destination.

Veszprém took the 7th place in the international public vote, even ahead of London, vehir.hu reported.

A major milestone

Gyula Porga, Mayor of Veszprém, and Beáta Bérczi, head of Veszprém Tourism Non-profit Ltd. gave detailed information about the public vote at a press conference. They also discussed the opportunities that this recognition has brought for the city.

According to the Mayor, this recognition is a significant milestone. One of Veszprém’s most important strategic objectives is to be among the 20 most liveable cities in Europe by 2030. This recognition will help to make the historic city and the values of its region even more widely known.

In addition, he pointed out that Veszprém has already been placed on the map of top tourist destinations by winning the title of European Capital of Culture. Now, this latest recognition will further help the city to move towards the objective it has set for itself.

About the competition

As the portal reports, the European Best Destinations organisation, which held the vote, was founded to promote European tourism. The organisation was established in 2009 and today operates the largest and most visited tourism portal in Europe. It is therefore not surprising that it is in contact with all European tourism agencies. It has also built up close partnerships with Forbes, Yahoo and National Geographic.

Beáta Bérczi presented the process of the competition. As she said, in 2021, Veszprém was listed by a professional jury as one of the destinations from which the winner was chosen by a public vote. She added that together with her team, they submitted a highly thorough application a few years ago so that the city could be considered for this recognition.

With 700,000 votes from 178 countries, the organisation has published a list of Europe’s top 20 tourist destinations. Veszprém gained the prestigious 7th place with 41,000 votes. Essen (Germany), which finished 6th, received only 1000 more votes. Behind Veszprém, London (United Kingdom) came 8th with 9,000 fewer votes than the Hungarian city. The winner was Warsaw (Poland). To see the full list, click HERE.

Veszprém also won the jury’s special award as the most family-friendly tourist destination. In this category, the city was not even nominated, thus it was not awarded on the basis of the public vote, but on the jury’s decision.

Read alsoBuda Castle among the most popular castles in Europe

Minister: it is time to end the suffering of the people in Ukraine

Hungarian foreign minister in France

Hungary and France both want peace in Ukraine, but differ on the tactical steps that could make it happen, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Paris on Tuesday.

As a neighbour of Ukraine, Hungary is confronted by the dramatic effects of the armed conflict on a daily basis, and its interests therefore lie in an immediate ceasefire and peace talks, Szijjártó said after meeting his French counterpart, Catherine Colonna, according to a ministry statement. France’s position on this differs from that of Hungary the way almost every other European country’s position differs from Hungary’s, Szijjártó said, adding that there was an expectation that Ukraine may eventually be in a better position in the war to conduct negotiations.

“We don’t believe in this; we think that it is time to end the suffering of the people,” he said. Szijjártó said he and Colonna were in agreement on almost every other strategic non-European Union issue. One example, he said, was the matter of nuclear energy. He noted that both Hungary and France had successfully pushed the EU to label nuclear energy as sustainable.

Szijjártó noted that the control system for the new reactor blocks of Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant is being supplied by a German-French consortium, and whereas Paris had approved the necessary permits for the system, Berlin had yet to do so.

He said it was regrettable that certain German ministers were blocking the participation of Siemens Energy in the Paks upgrade project. He added that every country determined its energy mix in accordance with its national interests. “The Germans are now questioning this right and by . blocking the permit, they are endangering our long-term energy security, which is unacceptable,” Szijjártó said. He said plans were being devised with Siemens Energy’s French partner, Framatome, to prevent delays in the project in case the German government sticks to its position.

Szijjártó also touched on security in Africa, saying Budapest and Paris were in agreement that the starting point for Europe’s security was in Africa. “The protection of Europe, the fight against terrorism and the prevention of migration starts in Africa,” he said. Hungary is prepared to undertake joint military missions with France as it already has in Mali, he added. He also noted France’s participation in Hungary’s space programme.

Meanwhile, he said French companies were the fifth largest investor community in Hungary, adding that bilateral trade turnover had reached a record high last year, exceeding 10 billion euros.

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Unique plane departed from Budapest – here is why

Hungary Budapest plane

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held talks with Sadyr Japarov, the president of Kyrgyzstan, in Budapest on Tuesday, his press chief said.

The war in Ukraine was a major topic discussed at the talks which was attended by several ministers of the Hungarian cabinet, Bertalan Havasi told MTI. They were in agreement that a peaceful solution needed to be found and that the sanctions imposed by Brussels pose serious difficulties for European as well as for Asian countries.

The sides to the talks established that good bilateral political ties will strengthen economic and trade cooperation.

Orbán and Japarov:

Orbán Japarov visit Budapest
Orbán and Japarov. Photo: MTI

Orbán said the approach of decision-makers in Brussels should be “far less bureaucratic” as regards developing ties between the EU and Kyrgyzstan, and the whole of central Asia, arguing that “the region is of strategic importance for Europe, and the whole world, in terms of security and economic development”. Orbán accepted an invitation extended by Japarov to visit Bishkek, Havasi said.

The President of Kyrgyzstan left Hungary at 4.50 pm. Here are some photos of his unique jet:

Kyrgyz President Japarov held talks with Hungarian President Novák

kyrgiz president budapest

Hungary-Kyrgyzstan economic relations harbour great potential, President Katalin Novák said after meeting Sadyr Japarov, her Kyrgyz counterpart, in Budapest on Monday.

At a joint press conference, Novák noted that they signed several agreements on various areas of bilateral cooperation.

A strategic agreement was signed to enable effective action against terrorism, while others aim to strengthen ties in several areas, including in tourism, agriculture, water management and education, Novák said.

The president said Hungary wanted to nurture pragmatic and positive relations with Central Asian countries.

Hungary, she said, welcomed the rapprochement between the European Union and Kyrgyzstan, and she called for an agreement on enhanced cooperation and partnership to be signed as soon as possible. Hungary is working to speed up the process, she added.

The president said that

a sign of strengthening ties was that two years ago Hungary opened an embassy in Kyrgyzstan.

On the subject of student financing, she welcomed the removal of obstacles in the way of Erasmus scholarships for Hungarian students, while Kyrgyz students have the opportunity to win 200 Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships.

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Read alsoPresident: No Hungary without Europe, no Europe without Hungary

Kyrgyzstan is in 100th place on the list of Hungary’s trading partners, she noted, adding that there was still ample room for economic relations to develop.

Novák said the war in Ukraine was the main topic of the discussion, and they were in agreement that instigating peace talks was an urgent goal.

She noted her scheduled attendance of the Bucharest Nine summit in Warsaw on Feb. 22, adding that she planned to tell US President Joe Biden of the urgent need for peace talks.

Representatives of Hungary and Kyrgyzstan, including Justice Minister Judit Varga and Data Protection Commissioner Attila Peterfalvi, signed additional agreements on strengthening judicial and educational cooperation, among others.

Japarov said Hungary and Kyrgyzstan are developing strategic cooperation, and the aim of the agreements is to elevate ties between the two countries to a higher level, especially in the areas of the economy, culture and education.

Ilham Alijev Azerbaijan Hungary Budapest
Read alsoPresident Novák meets Azeri counterpart Ilham Alijev in Budapest

5+1 fantastic programmes for February in Hungary

Busójárás Farsang Carnival Season Hungary

If you are staying in Hungary in February, plenty of programmes await you. From a historic walk in the City Park to the Doughnut Festival, the possibilites are endless.

Park history walk by bus in the Liget

The adventurous time travel held on Saturdays continues this month, revealing the past of the City Park to guests, writes travelo. On the bus tour planned for 10 February, you can peek into the outstanding periods of the lively life of the City Park through anecdotes. From the Millennium House, the Vajdahunyad Castle and the House of Hungarian Music and Museum of Ethnography, visitors can get to know the famous Hungarian buildings. The next dates are 18 February 18, 25 February, and 4 March. The tour lasts one hour and starts at 1 PM.

Gluten, lactose and sugar-free festival

Taste the outstanding products, gather information about the services, and meet the most famous domestic representatives of the health-conscious lifestyle at Mentes Feszt! More than 40 exhibitors and more than 12 presentations await you. Exhibitions, professional lectures, small market, gastro court, vegan wine and cheese sampling – just a few things you can expect at the event between 25-26 February. More information here.

Building walk in the Museum of Ethnography

In February, you have the chance to visit the imposing building of the Museum of Ethnography. During the guided walk on 28 February, visitors will tour the most important spaces of the building, touching, among other things, the display gallery showing the ceramics of the world, as well as the main attraction of the visitor center, the Budapest Golden Age and the Liget project model.

Budapest Independent Film Festival

The independent film festival will be held in Budapest on 9-10 February 2023 at the Kino Cafe Cinema. In 2 days, 15 short films will be shown. The BIFF 2023 selection, which aims to present emerging talents and address today’s social problems, covers a wide range of fiction and documentary films, short films, animated films and music videos. You can watch the movies in English or with English subtitles. More information here. 

Carnival in Szada

In Szada, you can take part in the Carnival Winter Festival on 11 February. You should not miss this festival as the whole program series is free of charge!

What to expect:
– lighting a bonfire
– burning dolls
– costume/mask competition for children
– raffle

15th National Carnival Doughnut Festival

If you are fond of sweets, you might want to pay a visit to the 15th National Carnival Donut Festival in Nagykanizsa between 17 and 18 February. Costume parades, gastronomic competitions, doughnut tastings and fairs, and a galore of cultural programmes make sure that guests have an unforgettable time.

President Novák discusses migration, EU membership in Skopje

novák

The issue of illegal migration is being overshadowed by the ongoing war, President Katalin Novák said in Skopje on Monday.

President Novák

Good relations with North Macedonia are crucial to Hungary, Novák told a joint press conference with Stevo Pendarovski, her North Macedonian counterpart. She added that the integration of the Western Balkans was in the interest of all of Europe.

Novák said the most important topic she and Pendarovski had discussed was the ongoing war in Ukraine. She said they both condemned Russian aggression and stood by Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

She added that an urgent ceasefire in Ukraine and a start to peace talks was in Hungary’s and North Macedonia’s shared interest.

Novák also noted that Hungary was punching above its weight in humanitarian assistance, having welcomed over a million refugees from Ukraine since the start of the war.

Another important topic, Novák said, was North Macedonia’s European Union integration, arguing that stability in the Western Balkans was key to Europe’s security and the fight against illegal migration.

She said it was unfair to make North Macedonia wait too long to be granted EU membership, warning that this could undermine the population’s enthusiasm for joining the bloc.

Concerning their talks on the issue of illegal migration, Novák noted that last year more than twice as many migrants had arrived at the EU’s borders via the Western Balkan migrant route as in 2021.

Novák said she and Pendarovski were in agreement that the root causes of migration needed to be addressed in the migrants’ countries of origin and that illegal migration needed to be stopped outside of Europe’s external borders.

She noted that there were 30 Hungarian police officers helping to patrol the North Macedonian-Greek border.

Novák said she had briefed Pendarovski on Hungary’s demographic policy and family support system, adding that they had also reviewed the results of their two countries’ cooperation.

In response to a question about North Macedonia’s EU accession, Novák said it was right to set strict criteria for membership in the bloc. Alluding to the corruption scandal unfolding in Brussels, she added that the EU should set an example when it came to combatting corruption. The president said that if an absence of corruption was a requirement, it should also be required of EU institutions.

In response to another question, Novák said the case of former Macedonian prime minister Nikola Gruevski was ultimately the decision of Hungary’s independent judiciary, adding that nothing overshadowed the two countries’ good relations.

Concerning disputes between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, Novák noted that she had become familiar with the Bulgarian position during her recent visit to Sofia. Hungary is taking no position on the matter, and supports an agreement between the two sides, she added.

President Pendarovski

Pendarovski praised the “excellent relations” between North Macedonia and Hungary. He expressed thanks for Hungary’s continued support of his country’s aim to join the EU, as well as its support for North Macedonia’s chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

He said North Macedonia’s EU accession was also in Hungary’s strategic interest, adding that his country was aiming to learn from the experiences of the Visegrad Group.

Pendarovski hailed the development of bilateral economic ties, noting that Hungary was among North Macedonia’s top ten trading partners. He also expressed thanks for Hungary granting scholarships to 20 North Macedonian university students each year as part of the Stipendium Hungaricum programme.

Both heads of state expressed their sympathies to those affected by the earthquake that hit southeast Turkiye and northern Syria early on Monday.

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5 fabulous baths in Hungary against the winter cold

Miskolctapolca Cave Bath

Want to escape the winter cold? Try out some fabulous baths in Hungary! Whether you like cave bathing or a quiet wellness, here are some ideas for you.

Have a look at these baths in Hungary collected by ittjartam.hu:

Miskolctapolca Cave Bath

You will definitely enjoy the warm karst water of the Miskolctapolca Cave Bath. The healing cave climate and the power of the 30-degree, silky thermal water will make you feel relaxed. Start your journey in the Fürdőcsarnok, then after the cozy Old cave pool, visit the Hidas room with the warmest water! Moreover, you should massage out the knotted muscles under the water jets of the Old Bathhouse, and then relax in the Star Room or in the wonderful sauna park.

Miskolctapolca Cave Bath
Miskolctapolca Cave Bath. Photo: FB/Miskolctapolca Barlangfürdő és Aquaterápia

Gyula Castle Bath

If you are looking for a bath that all the family members enjoy, the Gyula Castle Bath is the perfect place. The older age group can experience the beneficial effects of the wonderful medicinal water and other health-preserving treatments. The AquaPalota’s family adventure pool offers excitement for children and for those who are looking for refreshment and adrenaline. Bursting hot tubs, neck showers of variable strength, and refreshing champagne beds and flowing river await guests in this bath complex. Try the windy slides and splash into the diving pool from several meters high! After sauna, you can also sip a pleasant cocktail in the water bar. And for the little ones, there is a baby and children’s pool with a pirate ship slide and water cannons.

Gyula Castle Bath
Gyula Castle Bath. Photo: FB/Gyulai Várfürdő

Zalakaros Bath

The Zalakaros Bath is full of adventure and excitement. Immerse yourself in the hot tubs, experience water drifting, refresh yourself under the water umbrella or race down the slide colored with light effects! In addition to the fascinating water world, you might want to try out the sauna and warm up a little. In additon, the pools rich in thermal water and the medical treatments that encompass 55 years of expertise guarantee complete physical and mental rejuvenation.

Zalakaros Bath
Zalakaros Bath. Photo: FB/Zalakarosi Fürdő

Aqua-Palace Experience Bath, Hajdúszoboszló

In the Aqua-Palace Experience Bath, you can find adventures both in the coldest winter and the hottest summer! Each pool in the 15,000-square-meter Hajdúszoboszló spa area welcomes you with a different atmosphere. From the sea bath to world of the tropics or the ice cave, you can find every kind of swimming pool here. Last but not least, a whole range of wellness treatments are available to guests.

aqua-palace_experience_bath-hajduszoboszló
Aqua Palace Experience Bath-Hajduszoboszló. Photo: FB/Hajdúszoboszló a felüdülőhely

Napfényfürdő Aquapolis Szeged

Hungary’s third largest city welcomes everyone with a water paradise all year round. In addition to the dazzling pool area, a total of 1 km of slides are at your disposal. For extreme fun, you can climb the 30-meter-high slide tower and try out the onion slide or the multi-slide. However, if you would rather prefer a little relaxation, we recommend the exclusive spa section designed for those over 16. Moreover, log sauna, steam room, heated pool and a beautiful relaxation area ensures a peaceful athmosphere.

Szeged Aquapolis
Szeged Aquapolis. Photo: FB/Napfényfürdő Aquapolis Szeged

President: we would like to protect Hungarians living in Ukraine – PHOTOS

Hungarian minority Transcarpathia Ukraine

The war in Ukraine was the main topic discussed by Hungarian President Katalin Novák at the talks she held with Sergio Mattarella, her Italian counterpart, in Rome on Tuesday.

“We agreed that with starting the war, Vladimir Putin has crossed the Rubicon. Our common goal is to stop the war as soon as possible and have peace,” she said on Facebook. “The 150,000 Hungarians living in Transcarpathia provide 150,000 reasons for restoring peace as soon as possible,” said Novák. As regards Ukraine’s minority law, the Italian president said that Ukraine would need to settle the issue of minorities if it thrives to become a member of the European Union.

The two presidents also discussed energy issues. Italy is in a more favourable situation in that regard, said Novák, adding that Hungary would also make every possible effort towards fully reducing its energy dependence on Russia. Concerning the Western Balkans, they highlighted the importance of the region’s EU integration by speeding up the accession process.

Novák and Mattarella discussed measures to support young families and welcomed the strengthening of bilateral economic relations. The Italian president stated his support to persecuted Christians and pledged to launch a programme modelled on the Hungary Helps aid scheme. Novák paid a visit to Rome at Mattarella’s invitation. She is scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday

Here are some photos:

Novák meets Meloni in Rome

President Katalin Novák met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Wednesday, to discuss illegal migration, the disbursement of European Union funding and issues concerning the Western Balkans, the president’s office said. Novák and Meloni agreed that illegal migration should be curbed. Meloni said she wanted to initiate a debate on the issue at the upcoming EU summit in Stockholm. While secondary migration is an important issue, migrants seeking to enter EU territory should be stopped at the borders, she said. The EU needs measures to stop the physical entry of illegal migrants into the EU, she said.

Novák and Meloni discussed EU enlargement on the Western Balkans and they were in agreement that the enlargement served the bloc’s interests as well as the six candidate countries. Regarding EU funding, Meloni said she was proposing a “more flexible disbursement practice more in line with modern challenges.” Novák said member states should receive the funding they are entitled to.

Ilham Alijev Azerbaijan Hungary Budapest
Read alsoPresident Novák meets Azeri counterpart Ilham Alijev in Budapest

President Novák meets Azeri counterpart Ilham Alijev in Budapest

Ilham Alijev Azerbaijan Hungary Budapest

President Katalin Novák met Ilham Aliyev, her Azeri counterpart, in her office in Budapest on Monday, the president’s office said.

“Excellent bilateral relations” with strategic partners are even more valuable during the economic and energy crisis caused by the Ukraine-Russia war, she said.

Aliyev also praised Hungary-Azerbaijan relations and expressed hope that energy cooperation between the two countries would become closer in future.

He invited Novák to pay an official visit to Azerbaijan.

PM Orbán meets Azeri President Ilham Aliyev in Budapest
Read alsoFocus on energy cooperation: PM Orbán meets Azeri President Ilham Aliyev in Budapest

Focus on energy cooperation: PM Orbán meets Azeri President Ilham Aliyev in Budapest

PM Orbán meets Azeri President Ilham Aliyev in Budapest

Hungary and Azerbaijan have raised cooperation to the level of a “priority strategic partnership”, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said, after talks with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev in Budapest on Monday.

Orban and Aliyev said in a joint press statement that the two countries had decided to strengthen cooperation because “they see that Europe and the countries in contact with it have entered an era of dangers.” The international environment surrounding them is more dangerous than ever, they said.

Hungary’s need to diversify its energy supplies increases Azerbaijan’s importance, the statement said, welcoming Azerbaijan’s commitment to improving European energy security.

Orbán said the war in a neighbouring country and the EU sanctions had made European energy security vulnerable, “creating a particular state of emergency in Hungary”. That has boosted Azerbaijan’s importance for the bloc, “although it was already a friend of Hungary”.

Diversification is the only viable solution, he said. Delivering energy from Azerbaijan seems the most “realistic” option for European energy diversification, he said.

Under an agreement, the natural gas delivered from the country to Europe would be doubled by 2027, and another lays the groundwork to deliver electricity too, Orbán said. Both routes would run through Hungary, he added.

That makes energy cooperation between Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia a European rather than a regional issue, and so those countries expect EU support of the project accordingly, he said.

Aliyev said energy security was a global priority. Azerbaijan has enough resources to satisfy European demand reliably in the next 100 years, he said.

The strong ties between Hungary and Azerbaijan have yielded advantages for both countries as well as the whole of Europe, making stronger ties all the more important, he said.

Aliyev also invited Orbán to an official visit to Azerbaijan.

Orbán and Aliyev also signed agreements on cooperation on natural gas, agriculture, space research and on illegal migration.

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Busójárás Carnival in Hungary: 6 days, 150 programmes, 2000 costumes

Hungarian Tradition of Busójárás

Busójárás, Busó-walking or Busó Carnival is an old tradition at carnival time, held annually in the middle of February in Hungary. At this time of the year, people are on the streets, dancing and singing, many are dressed in frightening, monster-like masks and fur coats. Almost 150 programmes will be organised for the citizens of Mohács and visitors to the city at the Busójárás starting on 16 February. Almost two thousand masqueraders will be expected to chase winter away.

According to bama.hu, the agenda for the six-day event has been completed, with more than a hundred and forty programmes, most of them free of charge.

Busójárás Farsang Carnival Season Hungary
Busójárás in Mohács
Photo: facebook.com/busojarasmohacs

Year after year, interest in the Busójárás grows, attracting more and more people to the event. There is sure to be a souvenir to suit everyone, as the event will feature a large number of civilians selling their wares: 400 folk artists, craftsmen, artisans and restaurateurs will be licensed by the city. The organisers have also made several changes to prevent too many people attending a programme.

Agenda of the Busójárás Carnival

16 February, Thursday

According to the official website of the Busójárás, the first event will be an opening ceremony on 16 February, where the new barn building will be inaugurated. Then, the opening event of the Busójárás Carnival will take place on the open-air stage in Széchenyi Square. This will feature performances by school and kindergarten groups. During the day, there will also be demonstrations of the Busójárás tools and folkdances, and a dance party to get the public involved.

17 February, Friday

The next day, the focus will be on the music, as several bands will take to the stages. Other folk dance groups and busó groups will also be performing on this day. In the Dorottya Kanizsai Museum, a temporary exhibition will be opened, focusing on the making of musical instruments and bagpipes. The South Slavic Dance at the Mohács market will be ticketed due to the high interest.

18 February, Saturday

On the 18th, most of the programmes will be gastro-oriented. In the morning, there will be a folk art and craft fair in downtown Mohács. Later on, there will be a cooking show, a mask-making demonstration, carnival games and float decorations.

Hungarian Tradition of Busójárás
Hungarian Tradition of Busójárás in Mohács
Photo: MTI/Kiss Dániel

19 February, Sunday

The next day, there will be a boat crossing of the Danube by the Busó Carnival people. You will also be able to see folk song and dance groups, concerts and more. Every year, the most popular event on this day is the bonfire lighting.

20 February, Monday

There will be a wreath-laying ceremony and the traditional door-to-door visit on 20 February. At the Dorottya Kanizsai Museum, there will be a Carnival playhouse for the little ones for which there is a fee.

21 February, Tuesday

On the last day, 21 February, there will be a bonfire and a coffin burning. However, the programmes also include a dance festival and performances by folk dance groups.

busójárás mohács
Photo: facebook.com/pavkovicsgabor/

PHOTOS: Hungarian foreign minister in Mexico

Hungary foreign minister Mexico

Hungary’s economy has benefitted a lot from cooperation with Mexico, its leading partner in Latin America, and Hungarian companies have “profited much” from Mexico’s industrial development, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said on an official visit to Mexico City on Friday.

Foreign minister in Mexico

Bilateral trade has leveled out over one billion dollars a year, with a “significant” Hungarian surplus, the foreign ministry quoted Szijjártó as saying in a statement. Demand for the products and services of Hungarian companies is growing, in digital construction planning, the pharmaceutical industry, the production of health-care equipment and the printing industry, the minister said. “The increase in demand for Hungarian products in these branches of industry gives rise to Hungarian investments,” he said.

Szijjártó noted that Mexico plans to go GMO-free in some farming sectors and said that could translate as “big opportunities” for Hungary’s “world-class” food safety companies. The minister said Hungary was advocating for an update of the “outdated” cooperation agreement between the European Union and Mexico signed more than 20 years ago.

Church restored by Hungary

Szijjártó is meeting later in the day Marcelo Ebrard, his Mexican counterpart, Economy Minister Raquel Buenrostro and Culture Minister Alejandra Frausto, as well as with local business leaders.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Church of Nativity in Tepoztlan, which has been restored with a Hungarian government contribution after a devastating earthquake in 2017, Szijjarto said the 10,000 kilometre distance between Hungary and Mexico was “not big enough for the Hungarian government not to learn about the disaster and its gravity”. “It was therefore clear that we would want to, and will help,” the minister said, adding “that we strongly believe in the universal nature of Christianity which is why we, Christians, bear responsibility for each other, no matter where we live in the world”. He said the government was proud that two churches had been restored with its contribution in the second largest Catholic country in the world.

Parts of the 16th-century Church of Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been renovated with a 300-million forint (EUR 750,000) support from the Hungarian government. The ceremony was also addressed by Culture Minister Alejandra Frausto.

Here are some photos:

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PHOTOS: Hungary’s president welcomes Croatian EURO on talks with Croatian counterpart

Hungary President Croatia visit

Croatia and Hungary, two countries in central Europe, could help the European Union become stronger, President Katalin Novák told an international press conference held with Zoran Milanovic, her Croatian counterpart, in Budapest on Friday.

Their talks earlier in the day focused on the war in Ukraine, the fight against illegal migration, European integration of the Western Balkans, efforts to promote infrastructure and energy cooperation, the demographic crisis, and issues around ethnic minorities, she noted. Novák said Hungary welcomed Croatia’s accession to the Schengen zone and its recent introduction of the euro, and highlighted the importance of bilateral trade ties and tourism. She said in 2022 over 600,000 Hungarian tourists had visited Croatia, adding that bilateral trade were growing fast, with Croatia being Hungary’s third largest foreign trading partner and Hungary being Croatia’s fourth.

Novák noted that it was Milanovic’s first official visit to Hungary, adding that “the Croatian president’s courageous stance could help a lot to clear the vision of European leaders”. At their talks, Novák and Milanovic condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and voiced support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, and for endeavours to achieve peace.

Novák thanked her guest for Croatia’s support for Hungarians living in the country. Concerning energy cooperation, she said Hungary was relying on Crotia’s key role in diversifying energy supplies to Hungary.

Here are some photos of their meeting:

Answering a question on another subject, Novák said curbing the rights of ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region was unacceptable “even without the current war”. Ukraine’s law on ethnic minorities in its current form is “not acceptable” for Hungary because “it poses difficulties for Transcarpathia Hungarians”. Novák said she had sent a letter to the Ukrainian president on the subject of the Ukrainian law on minorities.

Milanovic said bilateral ties were good and the two countries were in agreement concerning most issues. He noted Hungary and Croatia’s being neighbours for over a thousand years and said “they have never had really serious conflicts”. Concerning the EU, Milanovic said each country should have the right to “settle their own issues in their own manner”. He said he supported “the rule of law rather than the rule of power”. The EU should accept the existing differences between its members, he added. Croatia does not support the concept of a United States of Europe, Milanovic said. He said Croatia had not joined the EU “to become a small screw in a large machinery”, adding that his country wanted to preserve its openness.

Referring to an earlier remark in which Milanovic had suggested that Brussels was “terrorising” Hungary, he said it was “the acutest of problems” when “financial assistance is awarded without clear criteria, using the might is right principle”. Hungary’s ruling Fidesz “has its own policy and no matter how right-wing it is, it is European”, he said. “Punishing a political community or accusing a nation is unacceptable,” he said.

Milanovic welcomed his country’s joining the Schengen zone and that border controls were lifted at its border with Hungary, adding that those controls would be introduced at Croatia’s southern border. On another subject, Milanovic said that the European sanctions against Russia were “not working and causing a huge problem”. The question, he said, was “how much damage are we doing to ourselves?” Concerning the Ukraine war, Milanovic said that “Washington and Moscow should talk”.

Orbán holds talks with Croatian president

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held talks with Zoran Milanovic, the Croatian president, in Budapest on Friday, Orbán’s press chief said. Orbán met his guest at the House of Music and they were shown around in the multi-award winning facility by András Batta, its director, said Bertalan Havasi. After the visit, the two politicians discussed bilateral relations and topical international affairs at a working dinner, he said.

Hungary would like to help extracting oil in Ecuador

Ecuador Hungary visit

Hungary and Ecuador are signing a defence and a hydrocarbon industry cooperation agreement with the aim of preventing security risks and guaranteeing energy supply, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said in Quito on Thursday. The reopening of the Hungarian embassy in Ecuador in 2015 was a good decision, which was also demonstrated by the 74 percent increase in bilateral trade last year, Péter Szijjártó said in Quito on Thursday.

Defence cooperation

The world is facing severe security and energy supply crises, and the countries that build the broadest partnerships possible will be the ones to best cope with them, the foreign ministry cited Szijjártó as saying. “The more countries we cooperate with, the easier it will be to overcome the security and energy supply crisis,” Szijjártó said. The defence cooperation agreement focuses on crisis management operations, the minister said. He said there were around 1,000 Hungarian troops serving in peacekeeping and anti-terror missions worldwide, many of whom were serving together with Ecuadorian forces.

“Obviously our geographical focus is the Western Balkans, but we also have a presence in the Middle East, Africa and southern Europe,” he said. The aim of these operations is to prevent new armed conflicts and keep a lid on migration, the minister said, arguing that security risks were among the main causes of illegal immigration. Meanwhile, the hydrocarbon industry cooperation agreement will give Hungary another option regarding maritime oil imports in case crude deliveries to Hungary via Ukraine are rendered impossible, Szijjarto said.

Because energy supply problems are a global issue, geographical distances matter less and all global energy sources need to be taken into consideration, Szijjártó said. He noted that Ecuador was one of the biggest oil producers in Latin America, adding that its production rate of 140,000 barrels a day allowed it to contribute to diversification processes in distant parts of the world.

Here are some photos from Quito, Ecuador’s capital:

Hungary helps in oil extraction

Hungary’s energy supply is secure, but it must be prepared for a scenario in which oil transits through Ukraine are rendered impossible, the minister said. “This would leave maritime deliveries as the only option, in which case we must consider one of the biggest Latin American sources of crude,” he said. Another aspect of the agreement, he said, concerned the use of Hungarian technology in boosting the efficiency of oil extraction.

Ecuador’s government has decided to improve the efficiency of the extraction of existing oil fields rather than exploring new ones, Szijjártó said. For this, they need technologies of which Hungarian oil and gas company MOL is a leading provider, he said. Talks are already under way on the use of the solutions offered by MOL, he added.

As regards bilateral economic cooperation, Szijjarto said Ecuador imported large quantities of food industry equipment from Hungary, adding that the country was also using Hungarian water purification equipment. Szijjártó is scheduled to meet Ecuadorian Vice President Alfredo Borrero Vega, Defence Minister Luis Lara Jaramillo and Energy and Mines Minister Fernando Santos Alvite, among others, on Thursday.

Reopening of Hungarian embassy in Ecuador good decision

The ministry said in a statement that during a joint press conference with Ecuadorian deputy foreign minister Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Péter Szijjártó said the world was facing serious difficulties and such crises can be best handled by countries that maintain comprehensive partnerships. He praised Hungarian-Ecuadorian relations and said the reopening of the embassy in Quito eight years ago was a good decision.

“We are proud that more than 170 students from Ecuador study in Hungary. We are proud that Hungarian companies are active in Ecuador in the areas of food industry, food security and water management,” Szijjártó said. He also said that he had signed bilateral cooperation agreements in defence and hydrocarbon industry earlier in the day.

“We have agreed to connect our crisis management and prevention capacities in order to be able to prevent the outbreak of further armed conflicts around the world,” he said. He also said that the deterioration of the security environment was always among the number one causes of migratory waves. Valdivieso expressed thanks to Hungary and to personally Szijjártó for Hungary being the greatest supporter of Ecuador’s Schengen visa free status in the European Union. He also said that Ecuador viewed Hungary as a gateway in central and eastern Europe for the export of goods and plans to further develop bilateral cooperation.

Ecuadorian chef Miguel Xavier Monar
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PHOTOS: the Hungarian foreign minister is in Cuba and is against US blocade

Hungary foreign minister Cuba

Blocades and sanctions are “futile in terms of meeting their own goals”, while they will “cause difficulties to people who have nothing to do with the causes”, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Havana, adding that the peoples of Europe and Cuba were now facing such difficulties.

Coping with difficulties arising from the war in Ukraine, high inflation, erratic food supplies and waves of migration requires “restoring international politics to a basis of mutual respect” while “the age of sanctions and blocades should be replaced by an era of dialogue”, he said.

Sanctions and blocades have often proved to be “more painful for those introducing them”, Szijjártó said, adding that Hungary supported lifting the US blocade against Cuba. Hungary, alongside with the other European Union members, votes each year in support of a United Nations decree aimed at removing the blocade, he noted.

The Hungarian economy could “profit a lot” from cooperation with Cuba, Szijjártó said, adding that the country was in need of highly developed farming, food processing and water management technologies. Talks are under way on joint projects in poultry and swine processing as well as natural disaster management, he added.

Here is a video:

Szijjártó also noted a broad cooperation in higher education, with special regard to agricultural studies, adding that cooperation would be extended to medicine and the health industry.

Erlier on Wednesday, Szijjártó was received by President Miguel Diaz-Canel. He is scheduled to meet Bruno Rodriguez, his Cuban counterpart, and Rodrigo Malmierca, the minister of foreign trade and investment.

And some more photos:

European Union European Parliament eu presidency
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