What to do in Hungary this week? 5 – 11 February

Do you find yourself with a bit of free time on your hands? Whether you’re a local in Hungary or just passing through, we’ve got plenty of programme suggestions to keep you entertained! From a diverse selection of films and gastronomical festivals to carnival celebrations and art exhibitions, there’s something for everyone. What’s your favourite?

Busójárás in Mohács

Bid farewell to the gloomy winter days and welcome the first rays of sunshine of spring in a Hungarian way. Busójárás is probably one of the most special and unique celebrations in Hungarian culture. At the oldest and best-known winter carnival in Hungary, thousands of masqueraders, around 70 busó groups, will say goodbye to winter in Mohács. The time of the parade, a folk tradition known far and wide, is determined by the first full moon after the spring solstice. This year’s celebration will take place between the 8th and the 13th of February. It would be a shame to miss such a special event!

Films and more…

In the midst of winter, all we want to do is cosy up at home and enjoy a great film. Nevertheless, it could be a great idea to take a break from the comfort of your home and go to a local cinema. If you do not speak Hungarian, Uránia National Film Theatre is always a good choice. The theatre provides a great selection of films that you can watch in the original language with Hungarian subtitles. This week, you can watch films like Fallen Leaves, Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Poor Things, and Priscilla.

If you are looking for something more unusual and colourful, Cirque du Soleil is also performing this week in Hungary. You can tune in and enjoy the breathtaking OVO production between the 8th and 11th of February. OVO is the work of a hundred members from 25 countries, including 52 artists, and has been seen by more than 7 million people since its premiere in Montreal in 2009.

Gastronomic festivals

It is no surprise that the carnival (farsang) season in Hungary comes with seasonal delicacies. To celebrate the carnival, many towns all across the country organise sausage and doughnut festivals. For instance, the Sausage Festival of Fonyód, the largest and most popular gastronomic event on Lake Balaton in winter, awaits visitors for the 14th time. The festival will be held between the 9th and 11th of February and will feature the best Hungarian artisans’ products at the farmers’ market. However, meat lovers can enjoy further festivals in Jászberény, Kapuvár, Tokaj, Komló, Sellye, and Csepel.

Not a fan of meat? Worry not! Another notable festival happening this week is the Doughnut Festival in Nagykanizsa. The festival will be organised between the 9th and 10th of February. Visitors can enjoy a doughnut baking competition, doughnut tasting and shopping, and a fun carnival. The festival could be a fun gastronomic experience even for those who do not eat meat.