The city of festivals

In Italy we do say that every occasion is worth tossing a party and I can apply this popular saying to what I am experiencing here in Budapest. As a big European capital, there is always something going on but, as spring comes, the time of open air festivals begins and it is pure fun. As soon as the climate becomes warmer and the sun shines brightly, weekend-long festivals pop up all over the city, each one characterised by a different theme.Do you love to taste new flavours and beverages? From typical Hungarian food to vegan treats, up to street food sold in trendy food trucks, food events represent a great deal in the city. Along with them, you can also sip delicious wines and home made brews, and palinka as well, the typical Hungarian fruity spirit.

Maybe you prefer taking part to more folkloristic events and getting to know something more about particular society groups? Then specific festivals have been designed for showing the complex diversity characterizing the city: from the Jewish festival to the event staging the traditions of the Székely of Transilvania, up to the folk festivals staging gypsy music and dances, the insights into the story and cultural complexity of the city are manifold and captivating. If you are looking for something more trendy, there are always places offering Latin music and food, such the celebration of the Cinco the Mayo, belonging to the Mexican cultural background, or more general Latino festivals giving insight into the South American traditions and folklore.
So far, however, I should say that one of may favourite festivals has been Kazinczy’s Day of Birds and Trees. This special event has roots in the need to provide a more liveable city centre, free from cars and traffic and noise, and supports the cause in favour of the pedestrianisation of one of the most vibrant streets in Erszebetvaros. Apart from this, this manifestation does not hold a specific theme, so that you can come across different activities while strolling down the street. From art labs to old style photo sets, from food tasting to sport, there is plenty to see and to do.
Simultaneously, social and environmental themes are at home here and you can happen upon a talk on social issues hold by local non profit organisations or stands spreading information about helping homeless people, or again practical laboratories aimed at teaching the importance of recycling and treating the environment in a fairest way.
Beside their attractive amusing activities, what I like most about these festivals is their abundance and their varied locations: if you want to participate in one of these events you might have to travel across the city, thus allowing you to discover the city as you move from one spot to another. Furthermore, the location of some of these events is perfect to come upon new nice spots in the neighbourhood that might have gone previously unnoticed: huge, awe-inspiring painted walls, hidden gardens, artistically organised bars and pubs, and many more, drifting away from the main touristic places and making you reconnect with the core of the city and its most “local” side. So, if you happen to come across one of these festivals, enjoy your time and take a lookaround, you might make some interesting discoveries!

This article was written by Silvia Buia