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 21 programme:
Budai Vár (Buda Castle) — Szentháromság tér and park, Szentháromság utca, Margaréta terasz, Tárnok utca, Tóth Árpád sétány, Anjou sétány
- 10:00–19:00: Folk craft workshop led by Bea Németh, felt-making folk artisan: making felt bracelets, necklaces, and earrings
- 10:00–19:00: Fabatka Porta folk playground
- 11:00–12:00: Szilvia Bognár: "Lepedőcske Párnácska" interactive family concert
- 13:00–14:00: Costume presentation titled "Jászberényi csárdába...", produced by the Jászsági Népművészeti Műhely Egyesület (Jászság Folk Art Workshop Association), with the participation of the Viganó AMI (Viganó Arts School)
- 15:00–15:45: Álomzug Társulás: "The Magic Fish, or The Old Fisherman and His Overambitious Wife" puppet theatre performance
- 16:00–17:00: Aprók Tánca ("Dance of the Little Ones") — lap games and dance teaching for toddlers and older children, with Zsuzsanna Kovács, music by the Aranyalma Duo
- 17:00–17:30: Costume presentation titled "Jászberényi csárdába...", produced by the Jászsági Népművészeti Műhely Egyesület (Jászság Folk Art Workshop Association), with the participation of the Viganó AMI (Viganó Arts School)
- 18:00–19:30: ViGaD Együttes folk music concert and 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
- 15:00: Hot Buttered Rum String Band — concert by the American bluegrass band
- 16:00: Mária Petrás and her band
- 18:00: Bokros Zenekar's 30th Anniversary — a festive gala concert with Miklós Heiczinger and Mihály Borbély, celebrating his 70th birthday
- 20:00: Sounds of the Silk Road — concert by Bálint Bársony and the Magyar Rhapsody Project
- 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 19Carl Craig (Electro Embankment)
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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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Venue: Kossuth SquareAug 20Flag-Raising and Officer Commissioning Ceremony
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Venue: EmbankmentsAug 20Gastrospot (Buda Embankment)
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Gasztró, Családi