Festival of Folk Arts
Organizers
The Mesterségek Ünnepe (Festival of Folk Arts) is Hungary's most significant folk art festival, held every August at the Budavári Palota (Buda Castle Palace) over four days, in connection with the celebration of the foundation of the Hungarian state.
At the event, Hungarian and international craftspeople present the techniques and workshop secrets of traditional trades — such as pottery, wood carving, and blacksmithing. Visitors can not only admire and purchase the unique creations but also try their hand at making something themselves in the interactive workshops, guided by experienced craftspeople. In the colorful and lively bustle of the fair, every age group can find something to enjoy: the youngest visitors can try out folk craft workshops for children, take part in folk dance sessions and family concerts, and there are also special instrument demonstrations and folk music concerts to enjoy.
August 20 programme:
Budai Vár (Buda Castle) — Szentháromság tér and park, Szentháromság utca, Margaréta terasz, Tárnok utca, Tóth Árpád sétány, Anjou sétány
- 10:00–14:30: Folk craft workshop with Kata Harthné Virág: making dragonfly figures from reed and corn husk
- 14:30–19:00: Folk craft workshop led by Virág Csiki: making sedge wreaths using five- and seven-strand braiding
- 10:00–19:30: Fabatka Porta folk playground
- 11:00–12:00: Guliba Társulat: "Gyümölcsöző" family storytelling concert
- 13:00–14:00: Traditional costume presentation with Gergő Tóth — "What Do You Wear for Szent István?": Summer Attire of the Galga Region
- 15:00–15:45: László Gulyás, itinerant musician: "The Tale of Bread" puppet theatre performance
- 16:00–17:00: Aprók Tánca ("Dance of the Little Ones") — lap games and dance teaching for toddlers and older children, led by Anna Körtvélyesi, with music by Botond Bese and Péter Lipták
- 17:00–17:30: "Not Everything Is Black and White" — Men's Costumes of the Galga Region, presented by Gergő Tóth
- 18:00–19:30: Pengetős Trió folk music concert, with singing instruction and an instrument demonstration
Main Stage Programme (Szentháromság tér)
- 10:00: Hot Buttered Rum String Band — concert by the American bluegrass band
- 11:00: Nino Reyos Dance Group — a Native American traditional dance heritage group
- 11:30: Elechek demonstration
- 16:00–16:35: FolkTrend — tradition is old, style is new: an unconventional fashion show performed by the Fitos Dezső Társulat
- 17:00: Official opening ceremony of the Mesterségek Ünnepe (Festival of Folk Arts)
- 17:30–18:00: Festive Bread Blessing, celebrated by Father Balázs Forgács, priest of the Mátyás-templom (Matthias Church)
- From 18:30: Hot Buttered Rum String Band — concert by the American bluegrass band
- 20:00: Transylvania Express — performance by the Fitos Dezső Társulat
- From 21:30: Táncház (traditional Hungarian folk dance house)
Venue
Buda Castle
Mesterségek Ünnepe (Festival of Folk Arts) returns to the castle this year: a traditional handicraft fair with exciting programmes
More events
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Venue: Műegyetem EmbankmentAug 19Captain Knuckles (Electro Embankment)
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Elektró, Zenés, Esti program- Venue: Buda CastleAug 19
Ecumenical Service
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Venue: Műegyetem EmbankmentAug 19Sobek b2b Daniel Moritz (Electro Embankment)
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Elektró, Zenés, Esti program
Venue: Műegyetem EmbankmentAug 19Carl Craig (Electro Embankment)
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Elektró, Zenés, Esti program
Venue: Műegyetem EmbankmentAug 19Nina Kraviz (Electro Embankment)
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Elektró, Zenés, Esti program
Venue: Műegyetem EmbankmentAug 19Sikztah (Electro Embankment)
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Elektró, Zenés, Esti program- Venue: EmbankmentsAug 20
Gastro Pop-Up Market (Batthyány Square)
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Gasztró, Családi 
Venue: Kossuth SquareAug 20Flag-Raising and Officer Commissioning Ceremony
The flag-raising and officer commissioning ceremony at Kossuth Square is the opening event of the August 20 state celebration.
Családi
Venue: EmbankmentsAug 20Gastrospot (Buda Embankment)
20 August is not just about the founding of the state, but also about community: about how we spend time together, and what we eat and drink on this day.
Gasztró, Családi