9th Judafest Street Festival – Budapest – 2016.

Smúzoljjjjj velünk 

Sunday, June, 5. 2016.

District, VII., Kazinczy Street – Budapest, Hungary

Admission is free and so is parking around event area!

At this time of season, it has become a tradition to hold the biggest social event the Judafest Street Festival in Hungary. It  revives this exceptional heritage introducing the cultural life that vibrant downtown in Budapest.

Indeed a multicultural event, traditionally attractions both for locals and foreign visitors, giving them chance gathering together with old friends and to meet new acquaintances.

This year’s Judafest will host Germany as guest of honor at the festival, which will dedicate a series of cultural and culinary gigs to the country. Special guests from Germany include H. E. Dr. Heinz-Peter Behr, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Budapest and German Schmitts Katze Klezmer Band.

The past years more than ten thousand visitors spent their day at the street fair and the participation number each year are arising. Throughout the day: live performances, concerts, free gigs, collection of craft art, plus children are offered several activities. For the smaller kids various opportunity await them to enjoy themselves at “kids court” just as: to cook at the kitchen, be a gardener, or do washing at the laundry and party the earned money in the kibbutz bar’s drugstore, or go for a ride on the swing! As for the adults…  getting hungry no worry, the food and drink specialties just at their fingertips to explore flavorful authentic Jewish and German dishes.

The Kazinczy street is between the Király and Wesselényi Street based in the historic Jewish Quarter  has always been the heart of what is today considered one of Europe’s must see urban attractions with an unmatched atmosphere filled with living Jewish and multicultural tradition dated back to several hundred years.

During the day offering a guided special district walk tour, having a chance to discover the hidden corners of the old Jewish Quarter.

Last years’ Judafest’s extraordinary events were the evening getting together around a 50 meters long table installed in Kazinczy Street, where the organizers hosted a dinner for indigent families. This year a similar meal will be held in the spirit of solidarity and raising awareness.

Update Aggie Reiter

 

EDEN Days – “Best ecotourism destination” – Styrian houses – 2016.

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Need not have to get too far from the highway, when driving from North-West Europe i.e. Austria to Budapest or  heading to other cities in Hungary to visit Kőszeg and its surroundings. Indeed, should not to be missed by foreigners to take a break, stop, visit the historical sites, stay for a couple of days, taste the local gastronomic delights.

The European Commission in 2006 launched the project title: Great European Destinations, which stands for the European continent’s natural, cultural and heritage diversity intending to introduce for the tourists. EDEN is an English acronym (European Destinations of Excellence), but also a welcoming, friendly expression … state of harmony and inviting destination.

Visit to Írottkő Park … In May, 2009, the Írottkő Park won the tender by the European Commission’s EDEN competition titled: “Best ecotourism destination”. In connection with the award of obtaining anniversary Írottkő Nature Park Association this year also organized EDEN days, in the name of the fascinating spectacle Styrian houses which we also visited. The nature park is an awesome experience to see, learn at the open-air museum how the tiddy styrian house look like in the old days.

Hungary specifically target a lot to choose from among the green economy: 21% of the area of our woodland, close to a quarter of that number is high global level, and 10% of the country is under nature protection.

Visit to Őrség seen the village deservedly won a European rating agency, destinations, EDEN Award. Protect and discover the wonders of nature, get to know the local customs and clear-eyed hospitable folks. An exciting and unusual itineraries in the green economy  talking a walk in their footsteps. Őrség offers a thousand pure springs, dark giant pines, bell-feet villages which preserved its natural, cultural and rich in sacred values. Tradition gastronomic event held yearly in several local village in autumn during the Pumpkin Festival  at: Őriszentpéter, Szalafő, Pityerszer, Magyarszombatfa. It is worth to taste the local dishes of pumpkin seed oil, the “dödölle” – potato dumpling  and watch the world go by with a sip of wine and relax. During the Pumpkin Festival  chartered bus runs between Kőszeg and the Styrian houses on the spot buffet and wine tasting available.

Living in a crowed city with all the rush and noise around a perfect place to get loose by visiting, spending a couple of nights at Őrség where many neat  family houses are out for rent, where visitors can get close to nature, and for the active sports travelers  hiking, cycling take them around the different faces of the landscape. Those who want to learn about the typical local atmosphere may roam between the villages of romantic times.

Visiting the City of Kőszeg myriad of historical, natural and cultural treasures. Once the visitors are at Kőszeg, worthwhile to visit the tourist destinations which were featured in the internationally prized „EDEN program”. Worthwhile to stay several days because it is a city with buildings that has its own story. Kőszeg and the surrounding neighbourhood is unique by itself as the locals place in front of their gates a pot for the price to leave  buying their homemade products as jams, season’s fruits from their garden and collected local honey  therefore the city is basically called the “Honor Pot City”.  Also the relationship between Kőszeg and wine history has a centuries-old relationship. The history sources are from the past centuries about the vineyard and its role of the city. Recently established the Kőszeg Wines worthy guardian of the wine culture featuring the grape and wine history, the wine making traditions. wine. The Kőszeg winemakers community preserved in caring the history of the local wine shoots in the “Book of Grapes” from 1740.

Visit to the Jurisics Castle … After enjoying the picturesque small villages providing the peaceful atmosphere and harmony, we visited the main square, the Jurisics castle, which is now a museum and cultural centers.

Mentioning a couple of the so many programs that awaits tourist to enjoy whilst visiting Kőszeg and its surroundings: Museums, World Heritage Site, active recreation, mineral spa, Wine Tour and Wine – Wine House, Museum of grape and wine processing local history collection, ski jumping, Sport Fishing, boating on the Lake and so forth.

In August –  Turkish siege of days, and at the Castle Theater will hold several performances.

On the  last week-end in September each year on the main square is held the harvest festival. In the evening a parade from local and international brass bands … even arriving from Australia will entertain the visitors.

Nature and wildlife is definitely recommended for those interested families to visit the István Bechtold Nature Conservation Visitor Center, which presents the area’s wildlife, bird life and especially unique for children to take the adventure trail, also gain the experience in store for European Crested Tit.

Stayed at the Gotthard Thermal Hotel & Conference****, which is situated in Szentgotthárd at the most western  town in  Hungary and just a short distance from the Hungarian-Austrian-Slovenian borders.  The hotel got all what it takes to recharge yourself , enjoy the mediterranean feeling with its sunbathing terrace, thermal spas, roman baths, wellness treatments, outdoor sport facilities, good cuisine and for the  tourists to explore the surrounding area can take an easy excursion to Őrség.

Update Aggie Reiter

 

 

Beer Sheva Theater – Guest performance – Atrium-movie theater – Budapest – 2016.

Beer Sheva Theater Photo by : MaayanKaufman

Beer Sheva Theater Photo by : MaayanKaufman

Jewish Art Festival –  Saturday, May, 28. –  Tuesday, June, 14. 2016.

Slichot – Yom Kipur – Day of Atonement

Tuesday, June, 7. 2016.

7 p.m.

Original Hebrew performances with Hungarian subtitles!

In the frame of this year’s Jewish Art Festival the Beer Sheva Theater as guest performance will be for one night on stage with the play Slichot – Yom Kipur – Day of Atonement.

 The story goes on as … one day Massouda Ohana return the keys of the house to the Amidar housing company, and disappeared. The four daughters … Malka – the homemaker,  Evelyn – very religious woman, Fanny – the  sexy business woman and Amira –  the student studying cinema arrive to their home to clear out the house. Their intention is spend together the holiday  season of Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement with their mother. While packing, packaging, memories come forth, family secrets come upon surface, and their relationship becoming increasingly intense. By the end of the day they realize that despite the fact they originate the same mother, actually they all in a way  perceive to have different personality and in a way hardly know each other. At the end of the day it is like as though someone else would be their mother.

The Slichot is a funny play, dynamic dialogues game in which family issues, such as child-parent relationships, women’s jealousy, the deep gap in generation. Painful secrets and deep emotions come upon the surface.

Update Aggie Reiter

Vietnamese Days are here again – Grand Market Hall – Budapest – 2016.

visiting Vietnam in Budapest

Tuesday, May, 31. –  Thursday, June, 2.2016. 

8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

District, IX., 1-3.Vámház Blvd. – Budapest

Coming up reminder to the next National Days at the Grand Market Hall – Budapest. Another far away country will be introducing their culture with crafts and all sorts of programs.

What you will not find …

Grand market hall

BUT …You can admire and even buy the products made of bamboo, textile, silk, semi-precious stones and objects made of wood from this beautiful and far-away country.

Vietnam welcomes locals and foreigners to join at the 2 days exhibition to learn about its culture, Vietnamese cuisine, spices, soups, pastas, sauces, all sorts of hand-made crafts also available to buy on the spot.

During the 2 days program the visitors walking into the market hall may hear the original Vietnamese music, photography and get a hint of travelogues.

Update Aggie Reiter

 

Two new gastronomy members on the charts of Hungaricum – HUSZ – Budapest

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The best way to learn about the country is by its gastronomy !

József Birinyi – President  and Gábor Mathiász – Vice President of the Hungaricum Association … hereinafter: HUSZ welcomed by invitation the previously and lately added members to the Hungaricum Association. Also guests and press individuals were greeted by  attending the ceremony.  During the past  weeks  round 20 members have been added  to the “HUSZ”.  Lately these iconic were the Omega band’s musical heritage, the 100-member Gypsy Orchester –  the Hungarian Gypsy music and its songs as musical heritage. The ceremony took place at the  St. George Residence Budapest‘s first “All Suite” hotel. Europe recorded among the hundred best hotels, five-star hotel on the basis of written documents dating back  from 1311, it is actually a three medieval foundations Baroque corner building complex. The 700 year-old buildings and more than 200-year-old hotel rightly bears the oldest hotel in Budapest.

Among the special guest, the HUSZ invited actor Gabor Koncz. Many knowing him as an excellent horse rider as well, but only a few know him as a Fishman. As for the story of his love for the fish he spoke of his own little island  where  the carp are brought up by him at a hundred square meters pond. He spends a deal of time in fishing his special way.  In connection with the fish soup, he entered at the local cooking contest and by the evaluated expert jury his fish soup named as “Orvhalászlé” –  Poach soup won the first prize. Before giving over the floor to the new HUSZ members the actor read a poem by poet András Szabó – The fishermen Lord’s Prayer on which the fishermen, anglers around popping poach.

Before presenting  the two new members heard a short overview of the association’s  task, highlighting the importance to wider the list of Hungaricum, not just for the Hungarians to learn, but for especially to bring attention to the near-and-far individuals not to only ring the bell of Hungary to foreigners as they say  “Yes Puskás”. Also to learn for those living abroad that the so-called „Gulyás” – Goulash is a heavy soup and not a stew! The value philosophy is important because it show the different regional traditions at the gastronomy festivals.

In recognition of many years of work the two new representatives officially join into the line HUSZ … on one hand with the Golden Carp – Fisheries Ltd. – Hungarian Fish soup, …  on the other hand  the “Betyárgulyás” – Outlaw Goulash – the Hungarian Goulash Gastro-Tourism whom both gave a short overview of keeping up with the tradition,  their presence in the history of the values in the Hungarian traditional gastronomy. Ferenc Lévai –  owner  – CEO  Golden Carp Fishery Ltd spoke about the fish soup acutally revealed initially by the Hungarian people  who were simple fishermen. Fishing in the homeland and enjoy this science brought to Hungary from the Carpathian basin rivers. Even King Sigismund loved to go fishing as well and his favorite fish was the  ” Viza – Sturgeon”.  When he was elected as  the Holy Roman Emperor, closed down near Győr all dead branches –  sturgeon migrating upward from the army. During his era huge quantities of fish were taken to the Vienna market.  The river’s richness in fish lasted until the beginning to the river regulation. Thereafter,  the batches, swampy areas fish farms were established. Our country has become the second largest producer of fish in Europe! To 15 countries were delivered carp in special wagons.  Way back, the fish-eating people were much healthier than are to-day.  There is no religion that prohibits to the consumption of fish.  The fish could be prepared in dozens-and dozens ways but one of the most successful recipe was just the simple carp fish soup made in so many different ways – depending on the region’s tradition.

Perhaps there are only a few countries around the world where as saying the word goulash, would not immediately connect it to  Hungary. The  Hungarian Association of Gastro-tourism – President Sándor Csányi  mainly talked about the Szolnok Goulash Festival first organized in 1998. It became unexpectedly such a huge success, that since then this year will be organizing  the 18th  Goulash Festival at Szolnok. Also said: Q.:  “The goulash is like a football – everyone thinks they know …  it all.”  Same with the Hungarian goulash  which is not that simple, yet easy to cook. Originally shepherds cooked as a stew  and called it goulash meat. Today, the  housewives  prepare the goulash soup completely differently, as a heavy soup, but traveling to any region in Hungary you will not find the  same in taste named goulash soup, yet it is a real experience to gain the notably  difference in the rich flavors.

After the official presentations on behalf of the Association was handled over the Hungaricum membership Charts.

Szabolcs Szécsi – Mayor of Tarpa announced that they intend to move into the line of HUSZ partnership. Emphasized … One of the village’s greatest value is the “Golden Plum Pálinka” BUT there is much more to see and taste in the village more than that. Many folks know about Tarpa from the history time the name  Tamás Esze who was the bravest captain in the 18th century in the  war of independence, but beside that Tarpa is famous of its local plum  the “Penyige” and as the locals call it  ” Unknow Plum”.   The Gold Plum Pálinka is a real trademark of the region .This pálinka is developed on centuries-old tradition. When the ripe season entered, the whole village move out under the plum trees, stripped, cooked jam, prepared pálinka and by the end took them back home. The former traditional Szatmár-Bereg Plum Days, renamed as the “New Pálinka Festival”  is still on. The Szatmár-Bereg co-jury assess the pálinka together with the Order of Knighthood. In the beginning the festival was held only for domestic participants, thereafter, Romania, Transylvania and Ukraine joined the event. The plan is to hold the “New Pálinka Festival”  not  only as for a one-day festival, but to be able to create for the Hungarians and tourists arriving to Tarpa to spend time at the 4-5 days  festival filled with not only pálinka, but enjoying the gastronomy and the local traditional programs.

The next event is coming up this weekend with the XV. Kuruc Day –  this is a traditional event brought back from the past, with also Kuruc gastronomy combined with traditional  programs.

Further info: https://rollinginbudapest.com/2016/05/25/the-xv-kuruc-day-back-to-evoke-the-heroic-age-tarpa-hungary/

The ceremony continued by a guided tour inside the St. George Residence Hotel,  then after invited to taste the two new HUSZ members cook of the day … fish and goulash soup, taste the wines from Kecel, champagne from the cellar of Törlei and naturally the famous golden plum pálinka from Tarpa.

With the two new members the Hungarian gastronomy and  the Hungaricum Association “HUSZ” definitely became richer!

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

The XV Kuruc Day … Back to evoke the heroic age! … Tarpa – Hungary

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Community Center

25/c Kossuth Street

 Tarpa

Saturday, May, 28. 2016.

10 a.m.

At the Rákóczi Memorial Park, cultural programs, traditional groups awaiting the region’s and tourists to join the unforgettable day by entering into the world with Kuruc demonstrations evoking the heroic age.

Throughout the day, Kuruc traditional food  originally from recipes dated way back from 1698 will be prepared to taste. Also the era’s folk attractions, arts and crafts booths, horse show, dragon boat, drums, dance, programs to entertainment the visitors.

Get the feeling of the Kuruc festive atmosphere  who  will visit  Brigadier Tamás Esze home village at Tarpa.

The Kuruc Day Festival is awaiting all visitors no matter of age … kids, young adults, families, elder folks to get into the mood of being back in the 17th century.

Just a reminder… do not miss to taste the village’s famous Golden Plum Pálinka, if you wish to taste something the unmistakable to any other pálinka, then go for it!

The event is free of charge.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Musical … “La Cage aux Folles” … Atrium-Film and Theater – Budapest

Musical … “La Cage aux Folles”

Musical in two acts

Music and Lyrics – Jerry Herman

Upon the book by – Harvey Fierstein – Hungarian text by – István Ugrai

Directed by – Róbert Alföldi

Based on the play by – Jean Poiret

Another play with English language subtitle after the superb play of “The Lonesome West” is soon coming up the “La Cage aux Folles”  – Crazy Women’s cage.  The Átrium-Film and Theater, venue: District, II., 55. Margit Blvd. – Budapest from June  presents the musical “La Cage aux Folles” not only to the Hungarian public but the foreigner audience living, staying throughout Hungary.

The Atrium film and theater is a great advantage to the foreign theater lovers, because they can easily follow the pieces simultaneously on the projector above the stage.  Also a superb idea for the Hungarians to hit two birds with one stone by polishing their English language knowledge.

La Cage aux Folles is a place where everyone can be what they are. Or what they want to be. But what if you cannot show what you truly are? Faith, hope, love, work, family, country, yesterday, today, tomorrow, me, you – and us together. The production is not suitable for children under the age of 15.

Performance dates: June, 30. – 7.30 p.m., July, 1. – 30 p.m.,  July,2. – 7.30 p.m., July, 7.- 7.30 p.m., July, 8. – 7.30 p.m.,  July, 9. – 7.30 p.m.

The length of the play is 3 hours – 15 minutes, including one interval. Tickets are available on the spot at the ticket office, or through online at atriumfilmszinhaz.jegy.hu

Photo by  Judit PUSKA

Update by Aggie Reiter

Gyula Castle Days … Gastronomic, Sport, Culture Festival – 2016.

Castle of Gyula – 71. Széchenyi Street – Gyula

May, 20. – 22. 2016. 

This time not rolling in budapest, but bring your steps to rolling in gyula!

Within the Castle of Gyula the Castle Days Gastronomic, Sport and Culture Festival a 5-year-old tradition of cooking the wild-meat national competition held in Gyula, and a fine time to spend an outdoor event. The 3-days festival hold many adventures to discover the neat City of Gyula  The sporty lovers will surely find their fun of the day. Countless cultural programs in-and-around the Castle of Gyula. Within the 3-days festival an exciting show to be presented. On Friday, May, 20.  at 6 p.m. the Békés Band will bring for the nostalgia lovers their place is to be. On Saturday, May, 21. on stage with the Samurai Kyokusin Karate performance. Dancing time with the Bakator band and folk dancers will be one of the highlight program.  Still staying on the Saturday’s program, the main attraction starts off  at 7 a.m. with the National Wild Meat Cooking Competition on  the Sport courts. Of course this does not mean the visitors have to wake-up so early to be at the start, but definitely worthwhile to take a visit and see how the competitors are doing, then after enjoy the taste of the Hungarian way of  unique A’la wild-meat. Sunday, May, 22. will be filled with superb events to be visited  as … Python magician show, VI. Gyulavári Castle Cup – a-side football tournament, plenty of concerts one after the other and last but not least being in the area of Gyula, stroll around the spectacular romantic park, enjoy the sights in-and-around the Castle of Gyula, the pond with wonderful old trees around the paths, not to mention worthwhile to go for dipping into the superb AquaPalace – Medicinal baths and the Castello Wellness and Sauna Park.

For those visitors arriving from other parts of Hungary, the City of Gyula can be reached easy through: GPS: 46.64509963989258 | 21.282100677490234.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Indonesian Days – Wandering in the world of Indonesia flavors – Budapest

indonesia gastronomy 2016

Indonesian Days – Grand Market Hall – „Vásárcsanok – Nagycsarnok”

 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

May, 17-19. – 2016.

District, IX., 1-3. Vámház Blvd. – Budapest

The award-winning market also regularly plays a role in hosting country-themed food days, celebrating food, culture from countries all over the world.

There are many events taking place in the biggest and most beautiful market hall of Budapest, at the Grand Market Hall – “Vásárcsarnok – Nagycsarnok”

The Indonesia Days  coming up at the Grand Market Hall which is jointly organized with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center in Budapest.

Indonesia is kinda “starlight”, faraway for many people, but for many Indonesia is known for its rich in culture, gastronomy, silver and pearl jewellery, handicrafts, clothes and accessories, home decoration, special batiste clothes.

Unfortunately, the amazing spots for sea diving, cannot be brought over to the Grand Market Hall to the visitors, but their special gastronomy, the wide variety of exotic spices will be present at the Indonesian Days.

Yet, a fine time to learn about another country’s culture. The Indonesia coffee is one of the highest quality in the world … and learn how rich  the coconut plays a part in the Indonesia gastronomy. Also learn about the numerous strengths of Indonesian chili pepper used to-day in their gastronomy, that once the Spaniards and Portuguese brought from America to Indonesia.

The Indonesia products will also be present for sale.

During the event a special stage will be set where those who are intrested can hear and see traditional Indonesian music and dance performances. The show is held by the musicians and dancers of the Indonesian Embassy daily at 11:00 a.m. and 2 p.m.

A real attraction not to be missed for locals and tourist!

Update by Aggie Reiter

Tamás Széll won the European final at the Bocuse d’Or chef Olympics in the European final – Budapest – 2016

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This year was the first time the capital of Hungary hosted twenty top chefs to participate in the Bocuse d’Or contest on the continent of Europe.

The title of the competition came from Paul Bocuse, one of the world’s famous chefs. He was dedicated in using the high-quality of fresh ingredients. He was the father – founder of the International Bocuse d’Or cooking competition  in 1985. Since then, the Bocuse d’Or competition is considered as the world’s most prestigious culinary tournaments. It is organized every two years at the Sirha International Hotel, Catering and Food Trade Exhibition in Lyon – France.

For the past three days, the world of gastronomy most probably kept their eye on watching the superb chefs preparing their dishes at their very  best in Budapest.

The last day was having the most prestigious chef competition as part of the BOCUSE D’OR European Selection took place at the Hungexpo – Budapest Fair Center and Sirha Budapest trade show. “Sirha” – worldwide event for the food service and hotel sectors and in gastronomy particularly the Bocuse d’Or Europe and highlighted its presence in Budapest.

Representing Hungary –  chef Tamás Széll and his team … Kevin Szabo – Commis, Frigyes Vomberg – Coach  and  Szabina Szulló –  Team Captain coined the Hungarian team … won the world’s most prestigious cooking championship in the Bocuse d’Or European final – Budapest. The photo is taken by the “index.hu”. The main prize involves 12 thousand euros, and this will be divided between the team members. 

The runner-up was the Norway team, while the third was Swedish chefs.

The Bocuse d’Or world final will be held in Lyon next year with the best chefs from America, Europe and Asia.

Update and snaps:  Aggie Reiter