Festival of Folk Arts

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 23 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 Zoltán Kovács: making willow-woven funnel baskets and pinwheels
• 10:00–19:30: Fabatka Porta folk playground
• 11:00–12:00: Bori Takács: storytelling interactive children's concert
• 13:00–14:00: Costume presentation titled "Sej, a palotai réten!" — Living Heritage, Living Community, courtesy of the Rákospalotai Örökségünk Egyesület (Rákospalota Heritage Association)
• 15:00–15:45: Gyöngyi Écsi: "The Water of Life" puppet theatre performance
• 15:40–16:45: Aprók Tánca ("Dance of the Little Ones") — lap games and dance teaching for toddlers and older children, with Andrea Szerényi, music by Kristóf Gundy and Tamás Czirók
• 17:00–17:30: Costume presentation titled "Sej, a palotai réten!" — Living Heritage, Living Community, courtesy of the Rákospalotai Örökségünk Egyesület (Rákospalota Heritage Association)
• 18:00–19:30: Klára Csernók and her band — 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
• From 11:30: Elechek demonstration
• 16:00: Hot Buttered Rum String Band — concert by the American bluegrass band
• 18:00: Performance by the Tanac Táncegyüttes (Tanac Dance Ensemble)
• 20:00: "From Father to Son" — concert by the Vujicsics, Söndörgő, and ViGaD ensembles
• Other programmes: Flashmobs by the Virtus Dudazenekar (Virtus Bagpipe Band), all day, every day, across the Mesterségek Ünnepe (Festival of Folk Arts) grounds