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November/December 2006
Ice Skating (24th October 2006 - February 2007)
Budapest's oldest and most popular ice-rink is located in Városliget (City Park) on the lake next to Vajdahunyad castle. Operating from late-October until the end of February this (open air) facility is open Monday-Friday 9am-1pm and 4pm-8pm; Saturday 9am-1pm, 2pm-6pm and Sunday 10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Entry prices are 600 HUF on weekdays and 900 HUF on Friday evenings and at weekends. Skates are available for hire, though International visitors require a passport or photo ID to do so. Further information (in English) can be found at: http://mujegpalya.hu.
Budapest Christmas Market (25th November - 1st January 2007)
Now a regular annual event, the festivities take place around the open air market in downtown Pest at Vörösmarty tér (District V). Although, the organisers grandly claim it to be 'one of the greatest Christmas fairs in Europe', they obviously haven't been to Vienna, Salzburg, Munich or for that matter, Berlin.
That said, the quality of goods offered is high, with seasonal folk handicrafts, mulled wine and plenty of tasty Christmas cookies! In addition, daily programmes, which include puppet theatres, folk music bands and folk dance groups also take place here. And, as well as a festive wooden crib, the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of December will see nativity performances to celebrate the birth of Christ.
6th Advent and Christmas Songs Festival (1st - 3rd December)
With the Matthias Church (Mátyás Templom) used as the backdrop for a traditional gala concert, Christmas songs are also performed here as part of the International Choir Festival. Throughout December, the Lights of Christmas Music Festival also takes place, with uplifting organ, harp, and choral works being performed to an appreciative audience.
New Year's Eve State Opera House Gala (31st December)
As well as the usual gala concert with international stars from the classical music and opera world, festivities also include a dinner, dance, piano bar and disco. The lavish setting of the Opera House always makes for the best New Year's celebration in Budapest. For further information contact: Budapest V.I.P. ARTS Management, 1065 Budapest, Hajós u. 13-15, Tel: 302 4290 or visit: www.viparts.hu.
January 2007
'Bag of Surprises' Concerts (26th, 27th, 28th January)
Now in its fourth year, the 'Bag of Surprises' concerts (conducted by Ivan Fischer), do exactly as they promise, namely by showcasing rarely performed or indeed, little known classical works, along with guest performances from virtuoso musicians and singers. For 2007, events take place at the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall. Tickets and further information are available from the Budapest Festival Orchestra website.
February 2007
Budapest Boat Show (15th - 18th February)
Taking place at the Hungexpo Budapest Fair Center, the city's 16th annual boat show promises to be bigger and better than ever, with exhibits that will include windsurfing, surfing and kite surfing equipment, jet-skiing, boat building materials, boat trailers, plus nautical gifts, books and maps. Daily tickets cost 1100 HUF for adults, while family tickets: (2 adults + 2 children) are 2200 HUF. Concessions apply to students and pensioners, while those over 70 gain free admission. For further information contact: Hungexpo C. Co Ltd, PO Box 44, 1441 Budapest, Tel: 263 6094, Fax: 263 6427 or visit: www.boatshow.hu.
March 2007
Shakira Concert (5th March)
Love or loathe her voice, there's no doubt that Latino songstress Shakira (hailing from Columbia) has made a huge impact on the pop scene of late, thanks to her multi-platinum selling albums Laundry Service and Oral Fixation. Dropping into Budapest in early March, her show is likely to be one of the hottest tickets in town and a guaranteed sell-out. For further details visit: www.budapestarena.hu and www.ticketpro.hu.
Budapest Spring Festival (16th March - 1st April)
As ever, this year's annual Budapest Spring Festival will cover a broad spectrum of the arts including ballet, classic music, opera performances, choir evenings and art exhibitions.
Taking place at the city's principal arts venues, including the fabulous Palace of Arts, programmes are also staged in other Hungarian towns and cities, including Győr and Szentendre.
As the largest annual cultural event in Hungary, the festival boasts a fine international reputation, attracting the likes of violinist Nigel Kennedy (who will perform as part of a quintet), conducter Eliahu Inbal, folk artist Márta Sebestyén and the Russian National Orchestra (RNO).
Other highlights are sure to include a Kodály evening with the National Philharmonic Orchestra performing twenty Hungarian folksongs, a thirteen hour Mozart marathon and a stage adaptation of Homer's epic the Odyssey.
For dance/ballet lovers, a world première of Maria Serrano's "Flamenco meets Gypsy music" sounds intriguing, whilst Les Ballet de Monte Carlo will be staging a modern interpretation of Romeo and Juliet.
For further information and tickets visit the festival's official website at: www.festivalcity.hu, or contact: Budapesti Fesztiválközpont Kht, 1053 Budapest Egyetem tér 5, Tel: 486 3300, Fax: 486 3310.
Revolution Day (15th March)
A public holiday to commemorate the failed 1848-1949 Revolution and War of Independence against the Habsburgs. For historical background on this event click here. Celebrations take place at the Sándor Petofi statue on Belgrád rakpart (the Danube embankment).
Titanic International Film Festival (Spring 2007)
The 14th Titanic Budapest Film Festival will likely feature over 40 feature films and documentaries, as well as providing local video and TV directors with a platform in which to show their talent. As the country's only international film event, screenings take place at some of the city's most famous venues (including the Toldi and Uránia cinemas). For further information visit: http://www.titanicfilmfest.hu, or contact: P.O. Box 602, H-1373 Budapest, Tel 239 4146, Fax: 320 5525.
April 2007
None listed at present.
May 2007
Labour Day/May Day (1st May)
Before 1991, May Day was always earmarked by the then ruling Communist Party for some rather stoic celebrations. Nowadays, however, the non-political festivities centre around the city parks of Budapest - namely the Népliget and Margit Island.
June 2007
Danube Dance Carnival (Dates TBC*)
Organized by the Danube Art Ensemble, the Carnival is a gathering of both Hungarian and overseas folk/contemporary dance groups who perform at venues around the city, including the Vajdahunyad Castle (in the city park) and a Gala Event also taking place at the Margitsziget Open Air Theatre. For tickets call: 201 6613 or e-mail: dunaart@freestart.hu.
Danube Water Carnival (8th - 17th June TBC*)
Having attracted over 220,000 visitors to last year's Water Carnival, 2007's event - which takes place between Margaret Bridge and the Chain Bridge - should be a riot of colour on the river. Culminating in a flotilla of boats (with candles also being floated down the Danube) visitors will enjoy a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of the 17th June.
Bridge Festival (16th - 17th June)
An annual event that takes place on the Lánchid, Budapest's first permanent span across the Danube (built between 1842-1849). Despite the protestations of drivers, the bridge is closed to traffic for the whole day, thus becoming the main vantage point for a spectacular show that also takes place along the Danube embankment and on the river below.
Budapest Farewell - Celebration of the Withdrawal of Soviet Troops in 1991 (23rd - 24th June)
A weekend of themed festivities which include one-off music and theatrical performances in public spaces and smaller venues around the city (see also Bucsu Festival below). For further information visit: www.fesztivalcity.hu or contact: Budapesti Fesztiválközpont Kht, 1053 Budapest Egyetem tér 5, Tel: 486 3300, Fax: 486 3310.
Budapesti Bucsu Festival (23rd - 24th June)
As part of the celebrations to commemorate the departure of Soviet soldiers from Hungary, the festival features everything from top-notch pop acts to folklore performances, entertainers and a carnival. Takes place in and around the City Park and Vörösmarty tér. For more information visit: www.fesztivalcity.hu or contact: Budapesti Fesztiválközpont Kht, 1053 Budapest Egyetem tér 5., Tel: 486 3300, Fax: 486 3310.
July 2007
BudaFest Summer Opera and Ballet Festival (6th July - 24th August)
While Budapest's established concert season runs from the end of September to early June, July and August see some of the best opera and ballet during Budafest. Staged at the magnificent State Opera House, tourists and locals alike are able to enjoy first class performances from both foreign and home grown stars. What's more prices for even the best seats are ridiculously low. Performance schedules for 2007 are yet to be confirmed, although for further information contact: V.I.P. ARTS Management, 1065 Budapest, Hajós u. 13-15, Tel: 302 4290 or visit: www.opera.hu.
WTA Budapest Tennis Grand Prix (23rd July - 29th July)
Although far off from being a Grand-Slam event, the Budapest Tennis Grand Prix may be of interest to those with a penchant for the game even while overseas. Played outdoors on red clay.
August 2007
Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix (3rd - 5th August)
At the beginning of August, Bernie Ecclestone's Formula 1 circus comes to Budapest, with the Hungarian Grand Prix at Mogyoród (to reach the circuit take the M3 motorway east out of Budapest). Although traditionally acknowledged as one of the least interesting races on the Grand Prix calendar - the track has rightly been criticized as being too slow - facilities for spectators are very good. Ticket prices (especially for those wishing to attend for the full weekend) are high. Contact: Ostermann Formula-1 Kft. 1052 Budapest, Apáczai Cs. u. 11, Tel: 317-2811, website: www.hungaroring.hu (official ticket sales) or www.formula1.hu (unofficial website).
Celebration of Crafts/Festival of Folk Arts (16th - 20th August)
Numerous craft and art fairs in and around the Castle District's Disz tér are accompanied by music and dance from some of Hungary's best traditional folk artists (and overseas artists too). Workshops are held to demonstrate traditonal crafts of the countryside, while other entertainment includes street performers and puppet shows. On St. Stephen's Day, the master craftsman have their own parade, along with one celebrating the 'blessing of the bread'. A colourful spectacle with the best backdrop in town. For further information contact: Tourinform Head Office, H-1052 Budapest, Sütő utca 2, Tel: 438 8080, E-mail: hungary@tourinform.hu
Sziget (Island) Festival 2007 (8th - 15th August)
While the first Sziget festival in 1993 saw just over 40,000 music fans attend for a week of entertainment and music, numbers have swollen over the years to well-over 300,000. Sponsorship from Pepsi (and coverage by MTV) have also ensured that famous names such as Lou Reed, David Bowie, Oasis, Foo Fighters, Fun Loving Criminals, Faithless and the Prodigy have appeared at previous festivals. For further information contact: Óbudai-sziget Sziget Kulturális Menedzseriroda Kft, ('Island' Cultural Management Office Co.), 1117 Budapest, Orlay u. 5-7, Tel: 372 0650, E-mail: sziget@mail.matav.hu, Website: www.sziget.hu.
St.Stephen's Day (20 August)
The most important public holiday in the nation's calendar, Hungarians celebrate their patron saint (Szent István) and the founding of the Magyar State by staging numerous cultural events around the country. In Budapest, folk dancing usually takes place on Castle Hill, while most spectacular of all is the fireworks display on Gellért Hill (best viewed from the opposite side of the Danube next to the Marriott Hotel).
8th Budapest Parade (Date TBC*)
Traditionally taking place at the end of August, the Parade serves as a finale to the summer season in Budapest. Following a route between Andrássy u. and Hősök tere, over 250,000 people are expected to attend for 2007. Great for ravers - as floats are sponsored by local radio stations - it's also a rather hedonistic experience (and not one for the kids).
Jewish Summer Festival (26th August - 2nd September)
The 9th festival of its kind, the Jewish Summer Festival is a week long programme of colourful events that give visitors a taste of Jewish Budapest. Highlights for 2007 are likely to include international klezmer and cantor festivals, while for a more lighthearted evening out there's a Jewish cabaret. For classical music fans the operetta gala should also prove to be a rewarding experience. For further information contact: Budapesti Zsidó Hitközség Idegenforgalmi és Kulturális Központ, (Touristic and Cultural Centre of the Budapest Jewish Congregation), 1075 Budapest Síp u. 12, Tel: 344 5409, E-mail: zsikk@axelero.hu.
September 2007
Budapest International Wine and Champagne Festival (5th - 9th September)
The 16th Budapest International Wine Festival will make available over five hundred native and foreign wines as part of the jolly, alcohol fuelled tasting sessions. The country's leading distributors and vineyards will be there, along with a fair share of local connoisseur's sporting large, red noses. If you're not up to speed with what the country produces (or indeed consumes) fear not, our very own wine guide tells all. For further information contact: Tourinform Head Office, 1052 Budapest, Sütő utca 2, Tel: 438 8080, hungary@tourinform.hu or visit: www.bacchus.hu and www.vinagora.hu.
MOL 5th Jazz Festival
Sponsored by Hungary's largest oil company, the MOL Jazz festival takes place at various venues within the Ferencváros district of Pest. As well as guests spots from world renowned artists, the festival also serves to showcase the best home grown talent. As with the 2006 festival, opening and closing concerts are likely to take place at the excellent Palace of Arts, boasting as it does, first rate acoustics. Tickets will be available from Ticket Express offices, while programme information can be obtained from the Budapest Music Center.
October 2007
Budapest Autumn Festival (14th - 23rd October)
Details of performance schedules have yet to be confirmed. For further details contact: Budapesti Fesztiválközpont Kht, (Budapest Festival Centre Company), 1081 Budapest, Rákóczi út 65. VI. 66, Tel: 210 2795, Fax: 333 2075, www.bmc.hu, E-mail: budafes@elender.hu.
November 2007
None listed at present.
December 2007
None listed at present.
January 2008
Budapest International Circus Festival (Date TBC*)
Taking place every two years, the 7th International Circus Festival is staged in Budapest's városliget (City Park). With a range of acts competing in front of an international jury, it makes for an exciting and colourful spectacle, especially as the festival is staged under a proper "big top". For further information contact: Magyar Cirkusz és Varieté, 1054 Budapest, Báthory u. 10, Tel: 343 9630, Fax (for tickets): 343 9637 or visit: www.maciva.hu.
* Dates to be confirmed
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