-
IV
75
IV. Culture on the border of East
and West
Do not just be a spectator of our bustling cultural life, be a
participant, get involved!
Hungary is a real cultural adventure: someone living here will
not lose contact with European culture, and can experience other
spiritual novelties not found elsewhere, and also become a part of
a totally autonomous cultural world.
Those coming to Hungary, naturally, have the opportunity to see
the traditional tourist sites. Utilizing tour books, one can
discover the renowned cultural symbols. The Castle of Buda, the
Parliament building, the Chain Bridge, the National Museum, the
Great Church of Debrecen, the Cathedral of Szeged, the Mosque
(Jami) of Pécs, the Minaret in Eger, the nine-arch bridge of
Hortobágy, the village museum of Szentendre, and others are all
important treasures of European architecture. A trip to the wooden
church of Miskolc, a walk in the rustic courtyards of Budapest’s
downtown, or the discovery of the romantic Abbey of Zirc, can add a
great deal to the ‘post card’ experience.
But Hungary is the pulsating living reality of continuously
renewing traditions. It is a culture that amazingly combines
West-European style and standards with eastern-Balkan spice. From
arts through fashion and entertainment, Hungarian culture is
unmistakable.
Beyond this cultural sphere, Hungarian music is perhaps best
known by and most accessible to foreigners. Excellent recordings of
the classics of Liszt, the epochal works of Bartók, the genius of
Dohnányi, Werner, Kodály and Kurtág are all at hand for visitors.
The twentieth century revival of folk traditions created new
Hungarian music: novelties, beginning with the folk music of Szék,
all the way to the chart-topping co-operation between Deep Forest
and Hungarian folk-singer, Sebestyén Márta. For those interested in
some real Central-European sentimental-
-
IV
76
stuff, there are the tunes of the Vienna-Budapest operettas, and
the melodies of Lehár Ferenc and Kálmán Imre.
Film and movie fans already know that the golden age of European
and American movies, the 1960s and 1970s, cannot be conceived
without the contributions of Hungarian film-makers. An excellent
opportunity is provided in Hungary to again experience the films of
Jancsó Miklós, Makk Károly, Illés György, Zsigmond Vilmos, but this
time in their native environments. Contemplative visual experiences
are offered by the Csontváry Museum of Pécs, by the periodical
exhibitions of the Ernst Museum, or by the unique Feszty
Panorama-Painting, constructed in the very centre of the country,
in Ópusztaszer.
Serious readings in Western languages are also available.
Today’s Hungarian cultural reality is better accessible through the
works of Esterházy Péter, Bereményi Géza, Czakó Gábor, Csaplár
Vilmos, Nádas Péter, Konrád György, Petri György and Kertész
Imre.
The preservation of folk-culture is an organic part of Hungarian
art. The work of Bartók and Kodály created a whole new school,
renowned throughout the world, especially in the field of music
teaching (the Kodály-method). Today, folk-song groups, traditional
folk-dance ensembles and a multitude of village museums present the
variety of folk-dresses and handicrafts. The so-called dance-houses
provide a natural form of entertainment for thousands of young
people.
Consumer type multiplex movie theaters and shopping malls are a
pain in the neck for some, but they perfectly complement the
liveliness of Hungarian culture. Alternative culture also finds its
place, especially in Budapest’s nightlife.
This boundless cosmopolitan culture gets along very well with
Hungarian national traditions, the latter having absorbed the
tumbling history of the whole of Europe. The heritage of ancient
Greek-Roman culture, elements of Jewish culture, the multi-ethnic
traditions of neighbouring peoples, German and French orientations,
Anglo-Saxon inclinations, as well as modern ‘satellite’ culture are
all brought together in a tantalisingly unique mix.
So if you are a student looking for an exciting and inspiring
environment, where you can spend your ‘wandering college-years’,
Hungary is the ideal place for you!
-
IV
77
Hungarian Cultural
Institutes Abroad
For more information in your own home country, look for one of
the many Hungarian Cultural Institutes.
Accademia d’Ungheria_ROMAVia Giulia 1. Palazzo Falconieri, 00186
Roma - IT(39 - 06) 688-9671www.target.it/accadung/index.html
Centrul Cultural al Republicii Ungare_BUCURESTIStr. Batistei
39., 70206 Bucuresti - RO(40 - 1) 21-04-884
Collegium Hungaricum_WIENHollandstr. 4., 1020 Wien - AS(43 - 1)
214-0581www.collegium-hungaricum.at
Haus Ungarn_BERLINKarl Liebknecht Str. 9., Berlin 10178 - D(49 -
30) 24-23-738www.hungaricum.de
Institut Hongrois_PARIS92 rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris - FR(33 -
1) 43-26-06-44www.hongrie.org
Hungarian Cultural Centre_LONDON10 Maiden Lane Covent Garden WC
10 E7NE - UK(44 - 207) 240-8448www.hungary.org.uk
Ungarisches Kultur- und Informationszentrum_STUTTGART
Haussmannstrasse 22. 7000 Stuttgart - D(49 - 711) 164-87-11
Kultúrny institút Mad’arskej republiky_BRATISLAVAPalisády 54.,
811 06 Bratislava - SK(421 - 7) 52442961www.hungist.sk
Unkarin Kulttuurija tiedekeskus_HELSINKIPaasivuorenkatu 4-6.,
00530 Helsinki 53 - FI(358 - 9)
750-866www.dlc.fi/~hungcult/finnul/index.htm
-
IV
78
IV
Mad’arské Kulturni Stredisko’_PRAHARytírská 25., 11000 Praha 1 -
CZ(420 - 2) 242-22-424
Ungarszki Kulturen Institut_SOFIAAkszakov 16., 1000 Sofia C -
BG(359 - 2) 987-2307
Wegierski Instytut Kultury_WARSZAWAMarszalkowska 80., 00 - 517
Warszawa 4. - PL(48 - 22) 629-32-43
Once you have arrived, dumped your bags and taken a shower, the
first thing to do is to become informed.
Entertainment Guides
Programme in Hungary/Ungarn – is a free monthly publication
available at most major tourist offices. It contains information
regarding various venues, concerts, theatrical productions, jazz
clubs, major sports events, recommended restaurants, nightclubs,
etc. It also carries useful addresses and phone numbers – and not
just in Budapest. The Budapest Sun contains a supplement, entitled
Budapest Style focusing on the capital. It includes a very
comprehensive Event Diary. The most complete guide, however, is
probably the Hungarian language Pesti Est (Evening Pest). It is
available in almost every cinema free of charge. Knowing just a few
Hungarian words, you will be able to make use of it in no time.
This guide truly has everything (including a special listing of
films in their original languages). Guides similar to the Pesti
Est, are being established all around the country (e.g. Miskolci
Est, Pécsi Est, Veszprémi Est). These can also be found on the
Internet:
www.est.huYou can find general tourist information on the
homepage
of Tourinform: www.hungarytourism.hu
Budapest Leisure Time Guide: www.leisuretime-guide.com
I N F O R M A T I O N
-
IV
79
Papers and Periodicals
If you do not speak Hungarian, the best way to get informed and
find your way around Budapest and Hungary, is to pick up one of the
foreign language papers. A wide selection of these are now
available. Some focus on economic, or financial matters (e.g.
Budapest Business Journal and Investment in Hungary), while others
are general weeklies (e.g. the German language Pester Lloyd, the
English language Budapest Sun, the French language Le Journal
francophone de Budapest), others are entertainment guides (e.g.
Seven). Still other publications are more academic such as The
Hungarian Observer or The Hungarian Quarterly.
These papers and journals, as well as the standard international
papers can be purchased at most larger news-stands, such as Hírker,
Hungaropress, at the airport, or at main Metro stations: Nyugati
tér (West Square), Kálvin tér (Kálvin Square), or Keleti Pályaudvar
(East Railways Station). If you manage to pick up some Hungarian
take a peek into some of the local papers. Political and cultural
variety characterises the abundant Hungarian printed media, both in
relation to dailies, as well as the various informational and
gossip-papers. The Heti Világgazdaság (HVG), a weekly journal in
the style of The Economist, is also recommended. Outside Budapest
check out some of the regional papers.
TV, Radio
In urban areas cable TV is available, elsewhere
satellite-antennas provide access to foreign stations, as well as a
wide range of Hungarian stations. In addition to Hungarian public
television (M1, M2, Duna TV ) there are multiple commercial
stations (e.g. RTL-Klub, TV2, ATV, etc.) and foreign channels (e.g.
CNN, BBC, Discovery, Music TV, etc.) available. The majority of
programmes on Hungarian television are dubbed, but check them out
as an aid for language learning.
Listening to radio is perhaps a better source of locally
produced foreign language programmes. Public radio stations
(Kossuth, Petôfi and Bartók Rádió) broadcast minority programs (in
Slovakian, Romanian, German, etc.). Bartók plays mainly classical
music. There are numerous pop-music stations (e.g. Juventus,
Sláger, Danubius). EstFM radio station (FM98.6)
I N F O R M A T I O N
www.bbj.huwww.pesterlloyd.huwww.budapester.hu
www.budapestsun.huwww.hungary.com/hunq
www.jfb.hu
Best known Internet-magazines:www.index.huwww.origo.hu
www.netlap.hu
M1, M2 www.mtv.huDuna TV www.dunatv.huRTL Klub www.rtlklub.huTV2
www.tv2.hu
-
IV
80
broadcasts a 5 minutes English language program every morning
between 9:00-9:05 a.m.
Hullámvadász Homepage (Broadcasting in Hungary)
www.hullamvadasz.hu
Books
Foreign language books can be purchased at a number of places.In
Budapest:Academic and scientific literature is stocked at:
Atlantisz Book Shop_V. Piarista köz 1-3.Central European University
Bookshop_V. Nádor u. 9.For light reading try:Bestsellers_V. Október
6. utca 11.For an eclectic mix, visit: Rhythm and Books_V. Szerb u.
21-23.Translated Hungarian books are available at the: Writer’s
Bookshop (Írók Boltja)_VI. Andrássy út 45. Many second-hand
bookshops (Antikvárium) also sell for-eign (mostly German and
English) books.
I N F O R M A T I O N
Read the works of Hungarians!
Three Contemporary Hungarian Plays_(Gábor Czakó, Géza Bereményi,
György Spiró)(Forest Books-Corvina Books)Give or Take a
Day_Contemporary Hungarian Short Stories/Corvina)The Lost Rider_A
Bilingual Anthology (The Corvina Book of Hungarian Verse)The
Kiss_20thh Century Hungarian Short Stories (Corvina)Péter
Esterházy_A Little Hungarian Pornography (Quartet Books)Péter
Esterházy_The Book of Hrabal (Wiedenfeld-Quartet)Árpád
Göncz_Homecoming and Other Stories (Corvina)Winter Night_Selected
Poems of Attila József (Corvina)George Konrád _The Case Worker
(Noran Books)Gyula Krúdy_Sunflower (Corvina)Miklós Mészöly_Once
There Was a Central Europe
- Selected Short Stories and Other Writings. (Corvina)Zsigmond
Móricz_Relations (Corvina)Géza Gárdonyi _Eclipse of the Crescent
Moon (Corvina)Péter Nádas_A Book of Memories (Vintage)István
Örkény_One Minute Stories (Corvina)Sándor Weörös_Eternal Moment -
Selected Poems (New Rivers Press)János Pilinszky_Crater - Poems
1974-1975 (Anvil Press Poetry)Iván Mándy_On the Balcony - Selected
Short Stories (Corvina)Imre Madách _The Tragedy of Man
(Corvina)Áron Tamási _Ábel Alone (Corvina Press)Dezsô Kosztolányi
_Anna Édes (A New Directions Book - New York)George Konrad _A Feast
in the Garden (Faber and Faber - London-Boston)Gyula Illyés_What
You Have Almost Forgotten (Kortárs)Sándor Petôfi _John the Valiant
(A Bilingual Edition - Corvina)László Krasznahorkai _The Melancholy
of Resistance (Quartet Books Limited)
-
IV
81
Museums and Galleries
Besides the big state museums, there are countless small private
galleries. If you want to get a standard overview of Hungarian
culture, art and history, visit the permanent exhibitions of the
great central museums: the Ethnographic Museum (‘The Traditional
Culture of the Hungarian People’), the National Museum (‘The
History of Hungary from Statehood to the Spring of 1990’), the
Museum of Contemporary Arts and the Museum of Fine Arts. If you are
interested in the gigantic memorials from the communist
dictatorship you must go to the Statue Park Museum (Szoborpark
Múzeum).
Most museums are open between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and
closed on Mondays. Some museums and exhibition halls can be visited
free of charge on Tuesdays.
You can find information on exhibitions and other events in
entertainment guides or at the following sites:
www.ace.hu/MNM/MN/ENGwww.port.hu
Cinema
Like in many other countries, cinema in Hungary is dominated by
Hollywood movies. Some are dubbed, but most can be found in the
original language. Art films are also widely available: check the
cinemas of the so-called Art Kino Network. They are usually listed
separately under Art Mozi.
For a good movie guide check out:www.est.hu www.port.hu
You can find information on Hungarian film making at the
following address:
www.hungarianfilm.com
S E E I N G - L I S T E N I N G
www.szoborpark.hu (Statue Park)
www.mucsarnok.hu (Palace of Arts)
www.hem.hu (Hungarian Ethnographic
Museum)www.ludwigmuseum.hu
(Contemporary Arts Museum – Ludwig Museum)
www.meo.org.hu(MEO Contemporary Arts
collection)www.osa.ceu.hu(Central Gallery)
www.btm.hu(Museum of Kiscell)
HELP_Many cinemas have discount days (e.g. Corvin -
Wednesday, Toldi - Tuesday).
-
IV
82
Theatre
Theatre life is quite rich all over the country. In fact,
considerable competition exists between the metropolitan and the
rural theatres. Many famous actors and directors started their
careers and first earned their reputations in the countryside (e.g.
Kaposvár, Szolnok, Nyíregyháza, Veszprém etc.).
Foreign language performances are held at the: Merlin
International Theatre_V. Budapest, Gerlóczy u. 4.
(1) 317-9338 www.szinhaz.hu/merlinas well as at the
International Buda Stage_II. Budapest, Tárogató út 2-4. (1)
391-2525www.ibs-b.hu
Deutsches Theater Budapest_V. Budapest, Vigadó tér 2. (1)
342-0864www.deutschestheater.hu/
Deutsche Bühne Ungarn_Szekszárd, Garay tér 4. (74) 510-257
In Pécs, besides Hungarian performances at the National Theatre
(Nemzeti Színház), some German language productions are staged, and
a few performances in Croatian can also be found.
The theatre season begins in September and performances
generally start at 7 p.m. It is worth buying tickets in advance.
For specifics, check foreign language papers or the local Ests.
Opera
In addition to Hungarian celebrities, countless excellent
foreign performers come to visit. The best pieces of the
opera-repertoire are staged at the architecturally outstanding
Magyar Állami Operaház (Hungarian State Opera)_1061 Budapest,
Andrássy út 22.
(1) 331-2550Provincial theatres also have excellent opera
companies (e.g.
Szeged and Debrecen).www.opera.hu
S E E I N G - L I S T E N I N G
-
IV
83
Operetta
Although not the most fashionable genre, operetta is still very
popular in Hungary. The Operetta Theatre does stage contemporary
musicals, as well as the operettas of Kálmán Imre and others. These
provide a pleasant journey back into (musical) history. No rural
theatre can go a season without showing at least one or two
operettas.
Budapesti Operettszínház_(Budapest Operetta Theatre)1065
Budapest, VI. Nagymezô u. 17.
(1) 269-3870
Dance
Although there is no separate building dedicated to ballet
per-formances, several prestigious ballet companies exist such as
the Ballet Company of the Opera (usually appearing at the Erkel
Theatre), or the renowned Ballet Company of Gyôr. The cities of
Szeged and Pécs also have their own excellent companies.
Budapest has a very active dance theatre scene. In addition to
Hungarian groups, weekly ‘encounters’ with well-known international
companies are also available. Main venues:
Trafó - House of Contemporary Arts_1094 Bp., Liliom u. 41.(1)
456-2040www.trafo.hu
MU Theatre_1117 Budapest, Kôrösy u. 17. (1)
466-4627www.mu.mentha.hu
Central-Europe Dance Theatre (Közép-Európa
Táncszínház)_Budapest, 1071 Bethlen G. tér 3.
(1) 342-7163www.cedt.hu
Music
You should look at entertainment guides and street posters
attentively, for no week will go by without some world famous
musician or musical company appearing somewhere around the country.
This is true concerning all genres of music, be it classical,
contemporary, world-music or jazz!
Classical music concerts usually begin at 7:30 p.m. The most
prestigious concert and recital halls in Budapest are the Academy
of Music (Zeneakadémia), the Budapest Congress Centre (Budapesti
Kongresszusi Központ) and the Matthias
S E E I N G - L I S T E N I N G
The unique performances of Yvette Bozsik and her Company
are a real must see!
Listen to Hungarians!
(compact disks and LP-s)
Béla Bartók: Bluebeard’s Castle. (Jessye Norman,
László Polgár, Pierre Boulez. Chicago Symf. Orchestra)
L. Beethoven: Piano Sonatas vol.1-9. By Annie FISCHER
Sir George Solti: (The Last Recording) Bartók Cantata
-
IV
84
IV
Church (Mátyás-templom), whereas in the countryside, the castles
of Martonvásár, Fertôd, Keszthely, as well as the Churches of
Szeged, Debrecen and Pécs serve this purpose.
Jazz fans will enjoy the various clubs and restaurants featuring
all styles of jazz from classical and standard, to free and
experimental.
The yearly menu of pop-rock concerts is qualitatively (if not
quantitatively) similar to the rest of Europe. Budapest is now a
regular stopover for many famous rock bands. Most of them are
advertised by posters on the streets of Budapest, so keep your eyes
open.
Gypsy music (cigány zene) is the favourite genre of restaurants
and wedding receptions. It is in fact a special hybrid genre of
folk elements from both Gypsy and Hungarian traditional music,
combined with popular tunes of the last century.
www.fono.huwww.hunmusic.hu
Ticket Offices
It is advisable to buy tickets in advance for popular
performances. In Budapest:Central Box Office for Theatres_VI.
Andrássy út 18.
(1) 312-0000Central Box Office for Concerts_V. Vörösmarty tér
1.
(1) 327-4322InterTicket_Telephone Ticket Service
(1) 266-0000
Community Centres
The 18th century cafes such as the Casino of Pest (1830) and the
Vigadó (Budapest V., Vigadó tér 2.) can be regarded as the
forerunners of today’s Community Centres. The impressive cafe
buildings were actually designed for cultural events (literature
evenings, balls, exhibitions). After the 1950’s a state network of
community centres was built. Consequently, almost all Hungarian
cities have such establishments today. Programs are available for
nearly all generations: libraries, clubs, sport
Profana, Kodály: Psalmus Hungaricus, Weiner Serenade.
Ferenc Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies. (Budapest Festival
Orchestra, Ivan Fischer)
Liszt’s Complete Organ Works by András Virágh
György Kurtág: Games by Márta and György Kurtág
Donizetti: Lucia de Lammermoor by Andrea Rost with Sir Charles
Mackerras
Zoltán Kocsis: Rachmaninoff Sonata No.2. Préludes-études.
Schubert Piano Sonatas, KlavierSonaten. By András Schiff
The Best of Márta Sebestyén
Muzsikás: Bartók Album (Sebestyén Márta, Alexander
Balanescu)
S E E I N G - L I S T E N I N G
M I S C E L L A N E O U S
-
IV
85
communities all operate in these centres. Those interested in
crafts, folk concerts, dance programs should visit one of these
centres in Budapest (e.g. Community Centre of the Capital (FMH):
Budapest XI., Fehérvári út 47.).
Hungarian National Holidays
March 15Perhaps the most significant national holiday
commemorates
the 1848 Democratic Revolution and the War of Independence
against the Habsburg rule. There are countless events throughout
the country all day. Most Hungarians wear the so-called kokárda
.
October 23 - Remembrance DayCommemorates the launch of the 1956
Revolution that was
suppressed a few days later (November 4) by the invading Russian
troops. Many official programmes are organised during the day
remembering the victims of the revolution.
August 20 - St. Stephen’s DayThe celebration of independent
statehood. Honours the
first Hungarian king, St. Stephen (c. 967-1038). As part of the
celebration a Corpus Christi procession is held and the Holy Right
Hand (Szent Jobb) of St. Stephen is displayed in the St. Stephen
Basilica. Spectacular fireworks over the Danube are organised by
the government in the evening.
The other public holidays are January 1 (New Year’s Day), Easter
Monday, Whit Monday, (April-May), May 1 (Labour Day), Day of the
Dead (November1), December 25-26 (Christmas).
M I S C E L L A N E O U S
-
IV
86
Cultural Calendar
M I S C E L L A N E O U S
PROGRAMS - BUDAPEST DATE LOCATION
OFF - Open Film Festival January Blue Box cinema
Hungarian Film Week (Filmszemle)_A preview of the new Hungarian
films of the year.
usually in February
Budapest cinemas
Budapest Spring Festival_Hungary’s most prestigious and biggest
festival of the arts showcases the variety and richness of
Hungarian culture with gala programmes, including world
premieres.
www.festivalcity.hu/btf2002
March The concert halls of Budapest
Festival of Alternative Theatre April Budapest
Open-Air Summer Festival June - August Margaret Island
Danube World Carnival June 14 - 23 Danube Palace
Budapest Farewell Festival (Budapesti Búcsú)_The celebration of
the departure of the last Soviet troops leaving Budapest. This is a
popular festival with various cultural programmes.
www.festivalcity.hu
June 29 - 30 Vörösmarty Square, Liszt Ferenc Square, Heroes’
Square, City Park
World Music Festival (WOMUFE) the first half of July
Tabán (1st district)
Island Festival (also known as Diáksziget)_The Island Festival
is one of the biggest festivals in Europe for rock and underground
music held on the Hajógyári Island just a few minutes from the
centre of Budapest. It lasts one week, and some call it a
mini-Woodstock.
www.sziget.hu/english
July 31 -August 6
Hajógyári Island (Óbuda)
Budapest Summer Opera and Ballet Festival August 4 - 19
Budapest
Celebration of Crafts_This is the most comprehensive exhibi-tion
of artisans’ organised in the Buda Castle.
August 17 - 20 Buda Castle
Jewish Summer Festival_www.jewishfestival.hu
August 25 - September 1
Budapest
Budapest International Festival of Wine and Sparkling Wine
September 5 - 8
Buda Castle and Szentendre
September Fest_Lectures about art with the participation of
young artists, stew-cooking competition.
September 13 - 15
Pestlôrinc, Bókay Garden
National Day of Cultural Heritage_On this day anyone can visit
architectural and cultural monuments otherwise accessible to only a
very small group of society, such as governmental buildings
etc.
September 22 - 23
Budapest Fairs Centre
Budapest Autumn Festival_This festival of artists seeking and
experimenting with new forms covers practically all branches of the
arts and gives a complex overall picture of contemporary arts.
October 18 - November 3
concert, perfor-mance and exhibi-tion halls
Titanic Film Festival October Toldi Movie Theatre
International Silent Theatre Meeting October Szkéné Theatre
-
IV
87
M I S C E L L A N E O U S
PROGRAMS - IN THE COUNTRYSIDE DATE LOCATION
Busó Parade_An ancient parade with busó revellers wearing masks,
dancing till dawn and greeting spring with the burning of winter’s
coffin.
mid-February Mohács
Spring Festival_One of the major cultural festivals is now a
twelve-year old tradition. The festival is mostly composed of
classical music events. For music lovers interested in the world’s
top performers, it is a must.
March Debrecen, Gyôr, Pécs, Sopron, Szentendre, Szombathely,
Szeged
Bohém Ragtime and Jazz Festival end of March Kecskemét
Festive Days and Traditions_The Museum presents folk
architecture, customs, culture and traditions of different regions
of Hungary.
April - October Open-Air Museum of Ethnography in Szentendre
Debrecen Jazz Days_One of the most prestigious jazz events in
Central Europe.
June 28 - 30 Debrecen
Veszprém Summer Festival_Including the Mid-summer Nights’ Feast
at the Zoo. www.vmk.veszprem.hu/events.html
July 5 - August 20
Veszprém
Hunnialis and Events related to the Feszty Cyclo-rama_Horse
shows are the focal point of this programme evoking the Hungarian
past. The Entry of the Hungarians, the gigantic Feszty cyclorama
can be seen here.
www.opusztaszer.hu
last Saturday of June
Ópusztaszer
Gyôr Summer International Cultural Festival June 21 - July 20
Gyôr
Sopron Art Festival_This festival offers unique artistic
performances. Its most outstanding site is the Cave Theatre of
Fertôrákos, the ancient walls of which ensure excellent acoustics
for the exceptional musical programs. The events of the Days of Old
Music are traditionally part of the week of festivities.
June 21 - July 14
Sopron
Szeged Open-Air Theatre Festival July 5 - 20 Szeged
Celebration of Bull’s Blood of Eger on Saint Donatus’ Day July
11 - 14 Eger
The ‘Miracle of Flavours’ - Gastronomic Competition and
Festival
July 20 - 21 Miskolc- Diósgyôr
Kiskunság Shepherd and Horse Days July 27 - 28 Apaj
Festival of Kapolcs_A summer arts festival in the neighbouring
villages organised on multiple locations: exhibitions, daily
concerts, theater performances. It is also worth visiting the
picturesque hills of the Lake Balaton area and to take a swim in
the lake,
– the Hungarian Sea – during the day.www.kapolcs.hu
end of July-Beginning of August (9 days)
Kapolcs, Vigándpetend, Taliándörögd, Monostorapáti
Debrecen Flower Carnival August 20 Debrecen
Hirös Festival Weekwww.countypress.hu/hiroshet
August 27 - September 1
Kecskemét
World Festival of Wine Songs_The ancient city of Pécs hosts this
unique event where singers and musicians from four continents
present centuries-old traditions related to wine culture and their
nation’s finest wine songs.
September 19 - 29
Pécs
Gödöllô International Harp festival October 8 - 13 Gödöllô
-
IV
88
Foreign Cultural Institutes
in Hungary
M I S C E L L A N E O U S
The British Council
1068 Budapest, Benczúr u. 26.
(1) 478-4700
www.britishcouncil.hu
Bulgarian Cultural and
Information Centre
1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 14.
(1) 269-4246
Institut Français
1011 Budapest, Fô u. 17.
(1) 489-4200
www.inst-france.hu
Armenian Cultural and
Information Centre
1054 Budapest, Deák Ferenc u. 17.
(1) 267-3181
Austrian Cultural Institute
1065 Budapest, Benczúr u. 16.
(1) 351-1770
www.austrian-embassy.hu
Czech Centre
1063 Budapest, Rózsa u. 61.
(1) 342-5818
www.czech.cz
Danish Cultural Institute
6000 Kecskemét, Zimay u. 4.
(76) 323-923
www.oturai.subnet.dk
Goethe Institut
1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 24.
(1) 374-4070
www.goethe.de/ms/bud
Istituto Italiano di Cultura
1088 Budapest, Bródy S. u. 8.
(1) 483-2040
www.datanet.hu/iic
Polish Institute
1065 Budapest, Nagymezô u. 15.
(1) 311-5856
www.polinst.co.hu
House of Rumanian Culture
1146 Budapest, Izsó u. 5.
(1) 343-6293
Slovakian Cultural Institute
1088 Budapest, Rákóczi út 15.
(1) 318-1522
Russian Cultural Centre
1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 120.
(1) 332-2154
Estonian Institute of
Hungary
1114 Budapest, Bartók Béla út 19.
IV.em .32a.
(1) 386-2462
www.einst.ee
Aula Cervantes, Universidad
Eötvös Loránd
1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt.4/C
I. em. 265.
(1) 267-5444/2291, 2292
http://cervantes.es
-
IV
89
M I S C E L L A N E O U S
Religious Services
AddressesHungarian Catholic Church
1071 Budapest, Városligeti fasor 45., (1) 342-6959Hungarian
Reformed (Calvinist) Church
1085 Budapest, Abonyi u. 21., (1) 343-7878Hungarian Evangelical
(Lutheran) Church
1146 Budapest, Üllôi út 24., (1) 317-1637Federation of Hungarian
Jewish Communities
1075 Budapest, Síp u. 12., (1) 342-1335Hungarian Greek-Catholic
Church
1027 Budapest, Fô u. 75., (1) 212-6962Hungarian Orthodox
Church
1052 Budapest, Petôfi tér 2., (1) 318-4813Buddhist Congregation
(Gate of Dharma - A Tan Kapuja)
1068 Budapest, Börzsöny u. 11., (1) 280-6712Community of
Hungarian Krishna Believers
1028 Budapest, Máriaremete u. 77., (1) 391-0435Szent Margit
Anglican Church
Budakeszi, Vörösmarty u. 31., (23) 452-023
English language servicesPresbyterian_Scottish Mission Church of
St. Columba
Budapest, VI. Vörösmarty u. 51. Sundays 11:00 a.m.
Baptist_Budapest, II. Törökvész út 48-54. Sunday 10:30 a.m.
Catholic_Church of the Sacred HeartBudapest, VIII. Mária u. 25.
Saturday 17:00 p.m.
Anglican_Church of Hungarian SaintsBudapest, XI. Goldmann Gy.
tér Sunday 10:30 a.m.
German language servicesLutherrischer Gottesdienst
Budapest, I. Táncsics M u. 28. (Burgberg)Sonntag/Feiertag 10
Uhr
Reformierte GemeindeBudapest, V. Alkotmány u.
15.Sonntag/Feiertag 10 Uhr
-
IV
90
Discos
Every major type of disco is available in Budapest (Rock, Acid,
Techno, Rave, Funk and House), but mind the bouncers!
Musical events are often organised at unique sites such as
thermal spas, industrial warehouses or natural caves. These attract
large crowds that can enjoy not only the music but also some famous
architectural and natural sites of the country.
Other common places for entertainment are the university clubs
where entrance for students is often free of charge (e.g. Cellar
Club of the Budapest University of Economic Sciences and Public
Administration (IX. Fôvám tér 8) or the E-club (X. Népligeti u.
2.).
Dance Houses
Dance Houses (táncház), popular among Hungarian students,
provide a special type of entertainment. Originally created in the
1970’s as a forum for the preservation of traditional Hungarian
folk music and dance, they eventually spread both in scope and
popularity, creating a whole new type of cultural community. The
movement that openly undertook the idea of preserving and
emphasising national identity (and thus was often surrounded by
political disputes) today offers outstanding cultural programmes.
The Dance House scene is now totally multi-ethnic: in addition to
Hungarian, Greek, Balkan, Irish, Jewish, and Latin American ‘dance
houses’ can also be found. Since the language of music and dancing
is international, such places are ideal for visitors.
www.tanchaz.hu
Get-togethers
University life is inseparable from partying. College dorms have
wild annual parties. The previously mentioned Stork Balls organised
for freshmen are somewhat more ‘respectable’. It is worth
mentioning that besides birthdays Hungarians also celebrate name
days – a good excuse as any to party.
‘ P A R T Y I N G ’
-
IV
91
Sports
ActiveWhen abroad, it is easy to get lazy. Many Hungarian
universities,
however, have their own sports facilities, including running
tracks, swimming pools, and so on.
Do not wait for others to inspire you to become physically
active: they probably will not! You will rather have to be
self-motivated. The so-called ‘Pesti Est ’ program booklet provides
detailed information about sport facilities and events.
Advertisements for swimming pools, fitness clubs, sports fields,
training programs and associations are also included in the
booklet. The ice-rink of the City Park opens in the autumn, while a
large variety of outside sports are available for visitors from the
spring. Those who are interested in spending time in the fresh air
can find numerous hiking routes and more and more bicycle routes in
the mountains of the country. In considering water sports, Lake
Balaton is a popular destination (swimming, surfing etc.) while
fishing and rowing can be a lot of fun in Hungary’s larger rivers
(Danube, Tisza, Kôrös, Dráva). Renting kayaks and canoes is
possible for example in Budapest at Római-shore and in Tiszafüred
on the Tisza River. Travel agencies offer horse-riding tours all
year round, golf-courses are also available (e.g. Budapest –
Hajógyári Island), and finally the truly brave might even try
gliding or skydiving!
F I T N E S S
HELP_If attending an FTC v. Újpest football match,
be careful of who you make friends with. Choose
oneof the more ‘peaceful’ areas of the grandstands,
where the authentic fans out-number the more ‘over-excited’
followers of the game.
-
IV
92
Sport Events
Everyone is invited!
F I T N E S S
DATE EVENT LOCATION
February 24 Ice-day Budapest
March 24 Canoeing tour Római shore - Szentendre
April 6 MATÁV-Vivicittá Running Race for City Protection
Budapest
April 13 Mátrabérc 2002 Achievement Tour Mátra (Sirok, Kékes,
Galyatetô)
April 14 Canada Dry Duatlon Gala (running, bycycling)
Budapest
April 21 Marathon Visegrád-Budapest Budapest, Visegrád
May 4 14th Libresse Women’s Running Race and Fitness
Festival
Budapest
May 4 ABN-AMRO Biking Tour Dunaújváros
May 11 Lantern Running Competition Majális Park, Miskolc
May 12 Pécs-Szigetvár Marathon Pécs - Szigetvár
May 15-16 Running archery competition Gödöllô, Pest County
May 29 Challange Day countrywide
June 2, 9 9th Dreher Marathon Relay Budapest
July 6 - 7 Duna Marathon Mountainbike Contest
Budapest-Visegrád
July - August 4th National Amateur Beach Ball Championship
Balatonalmádi
July 7 Balaton Cross-Bay Swimming Balatonboglár
August 10 - 18 Grand Triathlon Week Tiszaújváros
August 24 Extreme Sports Festival Budapest
September 1 17th NIKE BUDAPEST International Half Marathon (21
kms)
Budapest
September 7 - 8 Competition around the island Danube bend,
Horány
September 15 Városliget Roller-skating Festival Budapest, City
PArk
September 22 ‘Futapest’ Street Running Competition (12km)
Budapest, Népstadion
September 29 17th KAISER’S PLUS Budapest Marathon Budapest
October 6 World Walking Race countrywide
October 12 Tour de Pilis Cycling Marathon Pilis Mountain
November 16 9th Lillafüred Running Competition Lillafüred
-
IV
93
Sport Spectacles
F I T N E S S
DATE EVENT LOCATION
May 17 - 19 Offroad-Festival Somogybabod
end of June Old-timer car derby Tapolca-Pápa-Sümeg
end of August - middle of May
Regular Sports Events (soccer season) countrywide
June Hortobágy Equestrian Days Hortobágy
June 22 - 23 Formula-I motor boat world championship
Budapest
July International Triatlon Championship Kisköre
July Hungarian Derby Park Kincsem, Budapest
July 18 - 21 Adult Kayak-canoe European championship
Szeged
mid-August Formula One Grand Prix_www.hungaroring.hu
Hungaroring (near Mo gyo ród, approximately 24 kilometres from
Budapest, on the M3 motorway)
August 25 International High Jumping Gala Somoskô
end of August Budapest Athletics Grand Prix Budapest
-
IV
94
Thermal Baths
Budapest Many hot springs can be found within the city of
Budapest.
This was fully appreciated during the nearly 150 years of
Turkish occupation when several Turkish baths were built (Rudas,
Király, etc.). These are still operating today. Other spas built
around the turn of the century, such as the Széchenyi or the
Gellért, are also integral parts of the city’s bath-culture, and
most definitely worth visiting.
Around the countryThere are several interesting thermal spas
elsewhere in
the country. Gyula, Hajdúszoboszló, Sárvár and Harkány are
important to note. If the opportunity arises, be sure to visit the
Cave Bath of Miskolc Tapolca, and the Thermal Lake at Hévíz.
F I T N E S S
PuskásFootball, the most popular game in the world is a real
national matter, and a source of legends in Hungary. This is partly
related to the fact that, at certain points in history Hungarian
football achieved extraordinary results. This was so already in the
1930s, but the true peak was reached during the first half of the
1950s. The legendary eleven, the Golden Team comprised of Grosics,
Lóránt, Lantos, Zakariás, Buzánszky, Hidegkúti, Bozsik, Budai,
Puskás, Kocsis, and Czibor went undefeated for a most remarkable
period of time. During their series of victories they defeated the
English team at Wembley stadium in April 1953. Although the
dictatorial communist regime took full advantage of the team’s
success, the football stars, most of whom emigrated from Hungary,
and Puskás Öcsi in particular, have become living legends for
Hungarians. Public opinion holds that it is primarily through them
that Hungarians are known outside Hungary, and this explains the
significance of Hungarian football, despite the fact that its level
and internal state today are light-years away from those early
achievements as well as from contemporary European standards.