What to do in Hungary this week? – 22–28 January

Whether you are a resident of Hungary or simply passing through, we’ve got a host of programme recommendations to keep you entertained this week! From a diverse selection of theatre performances to culinary festivals and one-of-a-kind exhibitions, there’s something for everyone. What’s your favourite?

The Day of Hungarian Culture

This year’s Hungarian Culture Day awaits you with a myriad of programmes. The Museum of Ethnography is offering guided tours and night-time programmes in a week-long series of events marking the Day of Hungarian Culture held on 22 Jan 22, details HERE. STEREO Művház is holding a slam poetry evening on the 25th of January to celebrate the Day of the Hungarian Culture. If you are looking for a fun musical programme in the heart of Budapest, search no more. Ferencváros, the District 9, offers free musical street shows between 18–26 January. For the full programme list, you can check out the Facebook event.

Budapest International Documentary Festival

The most famous Hungarian film festival starts on the 27th of January. The Budapest International Documentary Festival (BIDF) stands as a unique testament to the power of storytelling through the lens of real-world narratives. As the only international documentary festival in the capital, BIDF has carved a niche for itself by providing a platform that transcends geographical boundaries, embracing the diverse narratives of filmmakers from around the globe. Read details HERE.

NOTE: If you are a lover of cinema and art, you can also visit Uránia on the 28th to see the Exhibition on screen: Klimt: The Kiss.

Budapest Operetta Theatre shows

Musical Tales

As we usher in a new season, Budapest Operetta Theatre‘s popular show returns with a fresh and exciting adaptation. The show captivates audiences with timeless melodies and cherished stories inspired by film musicals and cartoons, now infused with renewed vibrancy. Witness this musical journey as the theatre celebrates over a decade of enchantment. From the youngest giggles to the wisest smiles, the production continues to be a source of joy, inspiration and shared memories. Do not miss the opportunity to experience the magic once again in this shiny new adaptation. The show will be performed on 27 January.

Stephen, the king

In the unfolding narrative of Stephen, the King, a sorrowful family dispute takes centre stage. The passing of Prince Géza sets the stage for his son’s ascent to the throne, yet the echo of old traditions triggers a complex scenario. Prince Stephen faces a tough challenger, his uncle, Koppány, who gains great support by invoking deep-rooted customs. The ongoing stress and drama set the stage for an inevitable and bloody confrontation. The show is iconic in Hungarian culture, young and old sing along the catchy tunes. However, there is a deeper meaning behind the musical performance. Performances are scheduled for 25th, 26th and 27th of January, with the convenience of English subtitles.

Read also:

• Three of Budapest’s superb open-air ice skating rinks remain open until February
• 150 concerts: Here’s the Fishing On Orfű festival lineup

Sausage Stuffing Competition and Festival in Mosonmagyaróvár

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an aspiring culinary artist or simply someone looking for a delightful outing with family and friends, mark your calendar for 27 January. The Mosonmagyaróvár Sausage Stuffing Competition and Festival promises an experience that tantalises the taste buds, warms the heart and leaves you with a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of Hungarian culinary heritage. Naturally, the stuffing will be preceded by a real pig slaughter (disznóvágás). Traditionally, the programme is characterised by lively music and the distinctive flavour of Hungarian pálinka. Even if you don’t speak Hungarian, participating in this traditional event could be a fun experience. The festivities kick off at 8.00 a.m., so make sure to arrive on time!

Exhibitions

Garden of Lights

Budapest is set to host the enchanting Garden of Lights for the first time, unveiling a magical multimedia exhibition that invites visitors to immerse themselves in a realm of boundless imagination. This extraordinary event, co-organised by the Garden of Lights and the venerable 250-year-old Botanical Garden ELTE Füvészkert, promises a captivating experience inspired by the timeless tales of Alice in Wonderland. Do not fear falling into the rabbit hole and entering the amazing world created by Lewis Carroll! Embark on a fantastical journey, meet the enigmatic Cheshire Cat and talk to the wise Caterpillar. The synergy between the Garden of Lights and the historic Botanical Garden ELTE Füvészkert creates an atmosphere that transcends time, offering a spectacular fusion of nature and fantasy and crafting a memorable experience. For opening hours and ticket prices, visit the Garden of Lights website.

Source: Facebook / Garden of Lights – Budapest

Hungarian Bride

We can rightfully state that it is always worth visiting the Hungarian National Museum. Now, the museum offers a magnificent insight into the world of Hungarian marriages. While wandering around beautifully made bridal dresses, love letters and wedding accessories, you also get a deeper insight into what it meant to be a woman in different eras. You can learn about the changes in women’s roles and their place in society in the last 500 years.

TechnoCool

The Hungarian National Gallery is currently hosting an exhilarating exhibition, titled TechnoCool. This groundbreaking showcase delves into the mindset of a generation of artists who embarked on their creative journey in the 1990s, seizing the newfound cultural and economic openness that followed the political changes of the time. This liberated atmosphere birthed a revolutionizing spirit deeply influenced by electronic music, DJ culture, and the avant-garde visuality of the era’s parties. TechnoCool brings together over fifty artists whose works vividly manifest the impact of these cultural influences, shaping the visual language of their creations and the profound issues they address.

acb Gallery

Lovers of modern art should definitely pay a visit to acb Gallery’s freshly opened exhibitions. There are three exceptional exhibitions all conveying something meaningful in the world of modern art. Here are the current exhibitions:

• Judit Vida: Postmodern Design
• Anselm Reyle: Surfacing
• Csaba Nemes: Making Painting

An exhibition of the famous Altamira cave paintings

On 23 January 2024, a new archaeological exhibition will open at the Hungarian National Museum, presenting the world of the most famous painted prehistoric cave, the Altamira wall paintings in Spain. The photographs of the cave paintings will be displayed in their original size. Thanks to the Hungarian material in the National Archaeological Institute, the public can also get a glimpse of the Upper Palaeolithic in present-day Hungary.

Source: Csodálatos Magyarország