Rolling in Budapest Cultural information in English … Hear everything first hand

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Kyoko Aihara,   third visit to Budapest.

The famous book writer of the lives of the Geisha’s

PONTON   GALLERY – BUDAPEST

September, 6-10.

Over the past 10 years, this is the third time Kyoko Aihara, the fascinating and detailed book writer of the lives of the Geisha arrived to Budapest.  This time she bought along her own design collection of amazingly beautiful, rich in patterns kymonos and self taken photos, hand painted personal cards, hairpins, hand-made coloured silk and cotton shawl, wooden made footwear, special socks,  wooden and pearl made headdress  accessories. Kyoko Aihara  was wecomed  by Rita HALASI, the owner of the outstanding  PONTON Gallery  (Budapest, First District, 65-67 Batthyány Str.).  Dr.Györgyi FAJCSÁK, Director of the Ferenc Hopp Museum of Eastern-Asia Arts talked about the tradional background of the Geisha’s past and present lives. Kyoko also greated with kind  words  the huge gathered crowd of interest.

Asked Kyoko about her experiences throughout  the times of her visits. She said. “It’s been now almost 10 years since I first visited Hungary and ever since my first stay, I felt and saw so much beauty in the country’s landscapes and met friendly people. Been to  the Lake Balaton, at Villány and the surrounding mountain side, visiting also a vineyard area. Traveled  through  the country’s north-east part to Tokaj.  One of the famous wine areas in Hungary. Of course, tasted the worldwide know Tokaj wine. Have to admit  the rich taste was really enjoyable.” Kyoko also  spoked about the Hungarian traditional dishes, saying: “Even though my body was raised on the Japanese meals, I am  very much fond of the Hungarian food.”  Moving along from her past visit’s experiences she talked about her present exhibition regarding to the Geisha’s world and culture. This time  her stay is for 10 days, visiting sights before and after the exhibition and some other parts of the country.  Kyoko also said: “I am very happy to be again in Hungary. I feel very close to the Hungarians and hope I’ll be able to come back in a short time. From   Hungary I will be off to do another exhibition with this collection  in Lithuania”.

(Kyoko Aihara was born in Yokohama in Japan.
She graduated in History of Art from Keio University in Tokyo. Since 1994 she has been working as a freelance journalist and a photographer in Japan.)

Asked her how she went into writting a book of the Geishas. She said: “One day a representative from the BBC got in touch with me saying he read my articles and asked me to write a book of the Geisha’s.” At this point her whole world changed in 1999  within the realise of her book marked with her own photos she has collected among the Maiko and Geikoin. Her unprecedented access to the city’s tea houses of Kyoto, made her uniquely to write this outstanding book. With Kyoko’s original photos, her informative and honest text provides a fascinating and detailed portrait of a distinctive and intriguing aspect of Japanese society. During the period of collecting material and taking photos for her book was the time when she fell inlove with the Kymono. Kyoko also discovered that the to-day’s individuals have completely forgotten of the beauty that lies in wearing the traditionally artwork of the kimonos and only can meet the eye reading old books and seen in the world of the Bohemians.

Here in Hungary the first edition of  the Geisha’s book of 6000 copies had entered many homes. Hopefully, there will be a second edition coming sometimes in the near future.

The exotic appearance interest in Geisha world have spawned various popular culture both in Japan and in the West. Now-a-days mainly in Kyoto, whereas it has always been a deep tradition of the existing  strong  culture.

Special thanks goes to dr. Györgyi Fajcsák for the background assistance.

Update and snaps by: Aggie Reiter

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BUDAPEST CITY’S TRAFFIC STOPPED AND WATCHED THE WORLD GO BY

Around 11 a.m. the representatives of the high-riders started their galopp from the Hero square towards to their port of destination the Institute of Military History. Along the way through the Blvd. and roads to the scene, the traffic was on a short hold and only the horses clip-clops filled the air. Folks on guided tour’s: hop-on, hop-off and other foreigner tourist buses seeing this massive range of horses with the “Hussars” appearance of the 19th century’s costum made them suddenly jump up from their seats and grabbing, clicking their cameras and prehaps forgetting where/how they have gotten into this scene. Missed to look along their way to see the attractions of the Hero squares, the Opera House, the National Academy, the Chain Bridge and to view the landscape to the other side of the River Danube and the Castle area’s historical buildings. Probably, they will spread the word at their hotels and bring out others to do some hop-on, hop-off tour of tomorrow as to not to miss a show of their lifetime and that they won’t be able to see an awesom show anywhere else around the world. They may think, this is a regular event here in Budapest or a part of their sightseeing package. 🙂 Anyway, they were the lucky ones to be out there.

Shortly arriving to the Marble Hall at the Institute of Military History,  the National Galopp’s flag of celebration and the drawing of the riders took place.

Mr. Vilmos Lázár, six-time World Champion, President of the Hungarian Equestrian Association and the National Galopp started his talk by saying „I am absolutely in the mood and spirit of the national galopp already” He also said at the flag of celebration: “The national flag represents „one as a whole” the community and strongers the public spirit.

As for Mr. Lázár it isn’t an unusual mode to be riding on horses. He rides horses each and every day, but this time coaching through Budapest from the Hero square up to the hills of Buda along with the coachmen and horse-riders it was such a thrill for him. He was amazed to see the surprised faces, then the hands of the waving crowd,  their greetings, clapping, smiley faces, shooting photos, watching the passing “Hussars” and as they gain to see more-and-more coaches passing by. This was first occasion as a pre-event part of the National Galopp when horses riding through the city’s most traffic routes. It seemed like the pageantry “relaxed the drivers” because at the traffic lanes nobody was upset in having to have  had a bit of delay wherever they were heading.

Mr. Lázár continued his talk with some figures: “This will be 4th year of the National Galopp that has reached by deputy participants over 194 settlements. During the past  years, 12 new horse racing track premises were built in Hungary and hundreds from over the borderline arrived to this grand festival and more than a million viewers watched the race through television networks.

During the flag of celebration, the leader of the “Hussar” parade Mil.Lt.Col. Tibor Székely, traditional cavalry said: “The National Galopp is a horse race reviving the Hungarian “Hussar” culture within the military history of Hungary and we lift our flag high as to led us to faith, honour and courage”.

The second part of the ceremony was the draw of the participants to be in the qualifying heat. There will be a tie between each other at 12 qualifying rounds of a total of 72 settlements.

Updates and snaps by: Aggie Reiter

THE NATIONAL GALOPP

“NEMZETI VÁGTA”

HERO SQUARE

SEPTEMBER, 14-18. 2011.

The brilliant  idea of organizing the National Galopp  popped out of  Peter Geszti’s mind in 2008. The idea was to arrange  a festival that joints many culture events, but the main aim was to hold a gathering to introduce the historical, traditional equestrians. The past annual festival’s days were full of entertainment: paroxysm of incredible cavalrymen, spectacular horse rider’s parade, but the main goal was to have a horse race with well-known folks from veriest  fields.  Also brought together a range of nationwide country areas horse riders to show their local traditional horse shows. Before and after the race, throughout the days many concerts took place, that were all free of charge.

From the beginning, naturally, a high number of sponsors  stood by, supported this huge show of without whom it couldn’t have been brought under the umbrella. So far, this is just a brief information of the background of what’s to come at September 14-18 , which is just around the corner.

This year will be the  4th year of the National Galopp, that has made it’s way to be now as a traditional festival. There will be a  slight change in the dates compared to the previous years. It will be held between September, 14-18. This year not only the  horse riders, but the horse drivers will also have the chance to  measure their abilities.

Tomorrow, 6/9/2011. Tuesday, noon will be the first time in the history of  the National Galopp  that will cover main routes  in Budapest. Starting at  the Hero Square along the Andrassy Blvd. up to the hilly side of Buda to the Kapisztrán Square, whereas the flag ceremony will take place. The draw will be held in the „Marble Hall” at the Institute of  the Military History.  The National Galopp draw will be covered by charity round  winners,  well-known famous drivers, trolley pushers. The afternoon will be surely a delicate pageantry scene for those who wish to see the horse riders dressed up in way back era’s traditional  Hungarian uniforms and outfits.

During the festival there will be an ongoing service of the „National Kitchen”, Palinka-town, Wine-town and many  interesting scenes to keep the visitors eyes wide open.

Follow-ups to be continued…

Update by: Aggie Reiter

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Billy Cobham (a/k/a “Boomer”)

This concert was layed  upon Budapest’s one of the biggest grass fields. Yes, the  grass was high, but not for smoking it 🙂

This afternoon Billy and the Morgan’s gave a concert full of Art of Jazz.

Who follows Billy’s career can identify him in the drum department field as the most influential drummers in the world of  jazz. Over the five decades the name Cobham is one of the most recognizable names. His presence was one of the reasons that a huge  crowd gathered and was interested to see and hear him personally behind his drums.

After the concert spent a few moments to talk with him.

AR: As a very young boy you hanged around with your cousins who prepared percussion instruments. Actually they drawn your attention to the drums, right? Did any of your cousins joined the music business, went into  playing in a group?

BC: Yes, they did –   that’s when my love for the drums started. No, aren’t playing in a band, they just stood beside their love of making  alsort of different kind of percussion instruments.

AR: This was a superb concert with many fields of music,  fusion jazz, improvisional music. Do you have any plans  for the future to go in studio to record with the Morgan’s?

BC: At the moment not that I am aware of doing it, because I am extremely busy on tours and teaching  but anything can happen.

AR: Maybe your manager can find the time for it?

BC:  No, I don’t think so, cause I am my own manager … smiling

AR: In Hungary there is an annual Castle Jazz Festival at the City Gyula. Haven’t seen you there this year. Earlier, I heard you participated at the festival and also you taught drums  there.

BC:.  G Y U L A  (Billy spelled  and pronounced the city’s name with a perfect Hungarian accent) I know that city well. Yes, last September, I was there, it was a frantic jazz sensation playing with all those great musicians on one stage. This year I wasn’t on the list for call.  Earlier, I was down their teaching drums. Looking forward to an invitation for the year 2012 to the Gyula’s Castle Jazz Festival.

AR: You just arrived for the gig. Do you have time to do a bit of a sightseeing, wonder around here in Budapest? There is on top of the hilly side of Budapest,  the  Buda area  at the King’s Castle  the Fall’s Wine Festival with „flowing pleasure”. Do you plan on getting there to taste some Hungarian wines and have a glance at the great landscape of Budapest?

BC: Yes, this time is a short stay, have many obligations. Concerning the Wine Festival, tasted some lovely smooth Hungarian wines already and seen some shows up there.

AR: It was a pleasure being here to-day, enjoyed every minute of it. Also the gathered crowd was taken into the mood and enjoyed this more than an hour of good music. Hoping to see you next year, if not before at the Gyula’s Festival.

BC: I will surely note the dates and  try to make it,  if they call me.

AR: See you next year at the Jazz Festival arranged at the City of GYULA

To show a bit of the gig, here are some snaps taken at the concert.

Update and snaps by: Aggie Reiter

THE MORGAN WORKSHOP WILL JOIN BILL COBHAM  THE  SPECIAL GUEST  AT THE 

PEOPLE’S PARK (NÉPLIGET)  – BUDAPEST

WATERLINE (VÍZVONAL) JAZZ  STAGE

September, 3. 2011 –  Saturday 5 p.m.

HOPEFULLY,  YA’LL SEE ON STAGE WITH ONE OF THE GREATEST RECORDING OF THE SPECTRUM

RED BARON

Arriving to, spending the week-end at Budapest, good idea, because the summer  warmth is still here and to spend an early evening at an open-air stage with terrific musicians is just awesome.

Mixture of music  from Panama – New York and Switzerland flows within the veins  of  BILL COBHAM, the jazz drummer, composer and bandleader.

Bill Cobham born in Panama, whereas he fell inlove and became fascinated with the percussions as a very young child when he was gathering with his cousins as they played on these instruments.

Over the decades in general Cobham has acclaimed as fusion’s greatest drummer, but actually he is really a master of Art’s in Percussive.

In the early days, Billy Cobham’s explosive technique powered some of the genre’s most important early recording,  including groundbreaking efforts by Miles Davis and the Mahavishnu Orchestra.

He was capable of subtler, funkier grooves on the one hand, and awe-inspiring solo improvisations on the other. In fact, his technical virtuosity was high that his flashes sometimes overwhelmed his music. Cobham drumming history is like milestones after milestones,  backed over the years with hundreds of well-known musicians like: Miles Davis, George Benson, The Mahavishnu Orchestra, Stanley Turrentine, Freddie Hubbard, Hubert Laws, Grover Washington Jr., Shirley Scott, Peter Gabriel, just to mention a few of the long list of  honourable musicians he played with.  Cobham branched out to his lightness of spirit, despite the heavy music, jazz fusion, which blended elements of the jazz, rock  and roll and funk styles. Cobham is well-known at festivals. A regular „visitor” at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Toured around the U.S. and Europe with Silver in 1968,

ln the late 70s he was highly active as a session drummer.

Deciding to make a go of it on his own, Cobham formed his own band, named Spectrum, which initially featured the group of mates from his ex-Mahavishnu. His debut as a leader, also called Spectrum, was released in 1973, showcasing an exciting blend of jazz, funk, and rock by  Cobham experimenting a bit with electronic percussion. Spectrum is still generally acknowledged as the high point of Cobham’s solo career, and holds up quite well today. One of the most know Spectrum’s hit was/is the RED BARON.

Early 90s more to the world music. Cobham has also covered extensively by “hyperfunk” jam-band.

During the end of the 90s he turned a bit more to be in the acoustic-oriented  field.

Members of the Morgan Workshop: György VUKÁN, Zsolt KALTENECKER, Balázs BERKES, Béla LATTMANN, Attila LÁSZLÓ, Gyula BABOS, Kornél FEKETE-KOVÁCS, Gyula CSEPREGI, András JÁSZ, Dániel ZSOLDOS and Béla ZSOLDOS.

The  Morgan Workshop exist of superb  worldwide known Hungarian  musicians. It will be a recharging  evening of fantastic good music!

As once Miles Davis said  “Good music is good no matter what kind of music it is.”  and he was surely right!

ENJOY YOUR STAY !

update by: Aggie Reiter

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August, 26-28. 2011.

Under the leadership of  Mr. Gábor Talmácsi, 

the Hungarian competitor, Hungarian servicemen and Hungarian  team are off to the

UEM  Alpe-Adria  Road Racing Championship at Rijeka.

Gábor Talmácsi (nickname: TALMA) was in  2007  the World Champion at Grand Prix Motorcycle racing 125cc.  This was the first occasion of motorcycle road racing World Champion of  Hungary and also in the Center and Eastern Europe. After winning his World Championship, the Hungarians renamed him as “Talmageddon“.  His achievements were highly honoured in 2007 as the Hungarian Sportsman of the Year.

The opening of to-day’s press and media conference was  at Budapest’s Budagyöngye’s Shopping Center, whereas Gábor Talmácsi  talked about  the decade ago times when he began his speed motorcycle career.  He had no one to guide him, nor get any advice. He had to learn step-by-step or should I say “wheel-by-wheel” the experiences, by on his own “wheels”. These times were surely hard for him, therefore he decided to give a helping hand to those youngsters who have the abilities and commitment  to be in the racing motorcycle world.

Gábor Talmácsi, started seeking for his posterior at the college for training speed motorcycle race technic and mechanic servicemen, whereas he found the  16years old Richard Bódis – RICSI (Richy) one of those motorcycle youngsters who brought the attention to Gábor Talmácsi.  Ricsi’s skills and faculties was visioned by Talma and from then and now on he was under the guarding wings of  Talma. Ever since the day they met, they carry out together body and mental trainings in the frame to be jointly in conscious of building Ricsi’s carrier to reach the top-level in the road motorcycle race.

Gábor Talmácsi gave a short overview of this coming week-end’s international race at Rijeka, whereas the previous load of work will be measured.  Talma said, it was a long time since he has been at Rijeka’s  racing ground. He will surely have that  nostalgic feeling  all over him to be there again.  On Friday they will hit the racing circuits together to observe  of what to be aware of, the laps  measured in time, and to share  all his previous experiences with Ricsi.  Talma said, “The main aim of Ricsi’s participation  at this international motorcycle race ground is to gather experiences.”

Now-a-days, Talma is busy and thrilled to be around to give professional, technical, mental support to the young kids who have placed aside their two-wheel  bicycle  to the wheels of the motorcycle. These youngsters listen carefully and take the advice of Talma’s notes. These young kids and young adults are very enthusiastically and that is what they need to be, if they chose to be in the  motorcycle „Raceland”. In the beginning most of them are a bit wary, but after their first lap their chill of fear is gone and by feeling the engine, the „propelling force” enchants them in the world of motorcycle.

Ricsi’s first words were: „This is my first press conference, whereas I am not here as a guest, but being here  as the  main protagonist. At the same time indeed, I am very happy and excited. Also know that the most important thing for me at the race in Rijeka is to reach the final line, but  at the same time I wish to gain my best result. I would like to prove to Gábor Talmácsi that his intuitions about me were good and  to show him I have a place in the international field and above all,  I will  live up to be worthy for him of supporting me into my motorcycle career”. Previously, Ricsi raced with a 125cc motorcycle. This time at Rijeka Ricsi will be in race on his 600cc motorcycle.

This week-end for Ricsi, will be  his first time race at the Rijeka’s Alps-Adria  international platform. This will be a good opportunity to see Ricsi’s  present level and the criteria for his assessment.

Of course a race is never a „one-man-band” show. There are background supporters without whom this  set out wouldn’t have came into existence:  the MAMI,  Hungarian College for training speed motorcycle race technic and mechanic servicemen. and Ádám Gabossy,  one of the  team’s sponsor, the manager of SZEGA, the Grand Store of Camembert Cheese and Ham Specialities at the Budagyöngye said, from his side there was no question in supporting this project. Also added: “Our store has the profile of  professional, dynamism what  embody’s Gábor Talmácsi’s group in the  field of the motor sport.”

Károly Lévai, Headmaster,  Hungarian College for training speed motorcycle race technic and mechanic servicemen. Mr. Lévai said, they were  extremely in favour and fully of support when they heard that Gábor Talmácsi, decided  to be  in guidance for the rising generation of motorcycle riders. They felt especially honoured to have a professional specialist in this field like Talma.  Mr. Lévai assured they all are motivated  and hoping for the mutual success.

For sure it is needed to have a talented mechanical and servicemen  on the road. Young adults of good parts is  as  important  as  the good parts of the motorcycle.

Gábor Talmácsi’s close friend Zsolt Erdei,  Hungarian boxer, 1997  World Champion in Budapest, both in 1998 and 2000 European Champion, 2000 Olympics middleweight bronze medalist  in Sydney, also joined and spent the last hours before they head to the Rijeka’s international  road racing championship with his Mate.

update and snaps by: Aggie Reiter

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Many things can be said in three words and the 60th Anniversary show of  Ecser Wedding Dance and Dreamtime by the Hungarian State Folk Orchestra’s surely deserves these three words.

Phenomenal breathtaking show!

This show had all the ingredients that needed to say this was an awesome Gala

Ecser Wedding Dance

The folk music,  dance performances well deserves to be along in the Hungarian Heritage.

The range of dancers were absolutely superb.

Excellent choreography that was made by the founder Miklós Rába.

The  Szolnok Symphony Orchestra and  the  Béla Bartók  Chamber Choir was an excellent combination to bring out the exquisite of the sound.

Dreamtime

Agnes Herczku, is the well-known ethno-singer in Hungary at the moment.

The music influenced into modern chamber-folk as it lifted higher and higher. Music can easily cross boarders.  Well recognized  the folk music to the influence of modern chamber-folk music:  Bulgarian, Macedon, Rumanian, Arabian and Turkish.

The dancers light and pliable performance was stunning.

Hope those who were there yesterday left the scene with happiness that they made it to this single evening show.

update and snaps by: Aggie Reiter

 HUNGARIAN  STATE FOLK ORCHESTRA

ECSER WEDDING DANCE

AND

DREAMTIME

Festive Gala at 8 p.m. August 18.

Come and spend a lovely summer breezy evening to the Margaret Island by ship !

At the Margaret Island’s open-air stage will be holding  its  60th anniversary of the Hungarian State Folk Orchestra  with  the performance of the legendary and worldwide known Ecser Wedding Dance.

This show will be a single time only.

The  Hungarian  State  Folk Orchestra will be completed with  the Szolnok Symphony Orchestra and  the  Béla Bartók  Chamber Choir.  This  jubilation festive  gala  stands of  two parts. Will start off  with its first production drifting way back to  the early 50′s:  Ecser Wedding Dance. After the break, the second part will continue bringing on stage the company’s  latest production: Dreamtime. Throughout the six decades the music of the Hungarian  State  Folk Orchestra continuously kept the light on staying within the folklore musical genre.  These two shows will bring alive the past and present  of the  Hungarian  State  Folk Orchestra’s  60 years.

Ecser, is a name of a Hungarian village.  The town’s name  is an existing name since the 16th century and settlements started in the 19th century.  The tale says,  the name of the village was  in relation with an oak tree (in Hungarian “cserfa”).

Just a peak into the Ecser Wedding Dance. In the past and still  to-day in general, the young ones only have the oportunity to get acquainted with friends at/during these country folks  marriage-making  gatherings, national holidays or at  balls.

As to the Dreamtime, it’s the folk orchestra’s latest production. It unifies the postmodern pop with the traditional music. Within the dances you can recognize the association of emotions, thoughts, identities of  to-day’s modern personal and fellowship of man.

It will be a splendid production to be seen, but if you wish to higher the level for this evening then take a boat-ride to the Margaret Island and view the awesome evening lights on Budapest’s attractions.  Rolling on the River Danube to the port of the open-air theater is reachable in a short time.

Wishing you all an evening you will remember.

You bet I will,  I wouldn’t want to miss this grand production.

Update by: Aggie Reiter

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MISS SAIGON  is one of the most heartbreaking  legendary musical by Claude-Michal Schönberg, that will be brought alive as a joint production by the Operetta  Theater –  Budapest  with correspondence of  the NKB Musical Arena –Sopron.

During the evenings of  August, 19-20-21 at  Sopron, the city will be full of locals and tourists from home and abroad to  be present at this huge spectacular  show with its unique sights and sounds of the young casting stars of the Budapest’s Operetta  Theater.

During the decades  some  musicals come-and-go, but this musical is already a legend, wrote the Sunday Times and they were surely right.

Miss  Saigon is in the top 10 musicals played in Hungary.

Briefly, to this upcoming sensational open-air  super  production,  had a chance to be present at the press meeting at the  City’s Park (Városliget) on  April, 20 2011, whereas,   Mr. Miklós Gábor Kerényi   KERO®, general director of the Budapest’s Operetta Theater gave a  background preview of the 17 years ago and to-days grand musical  that has become a  cult. The casting stars arrival on an open awning truck  set the  scene in  time and age.  The casting stars sang parts of the musical.  Also witnessed one in a million idea, as a helicopter flew above the area of the  City’s Park (Városliget) and landed with the two stars,  the american soldier  – Attila Dolhai, as Chris  and his best friend  Pál Feke, as John. They were  wearing the outfits of the musical’s hero. Folks, spending their day out, walking by the City Park  stopped and gazed  the landing of he helicopter  probably interested what’s this all about,  what to come next. The show’s  breathtaking art design  has been achieved out by Kentaur, the mysterious planner and art designer.

Miss Saigon will be a gigantic blue-chip during the round-up  programs of the “Picnic of Sopron”

The range of interest is already by far the best.  Hotels, pensions, apartments are already fully booked. Yet, there could be one day stays available.

Previously, the audience  were  only able to watch a  spectacular show like this forthcoming  musical at the utmost European  open-air stages.

Miss Saigon goes to Sopron

9 p.m.  August, 19 – 20 – 21

This show will be only a one time occasion to be seen in an open-air enviroment  at  Sopron.

The snaps  taken at the press conference are just to give a taste of  what’s to come  at the NBA Musical Arena.

Miss Saigon comes to Budapest

Operetta Theater

7 p.m.  September, 17 – 18 – 20 – 21

3 and 7 p.m. October, 15.

update and snaps by: Aggie Reiter

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 SPECIAL DAY FOR THE ZOO – CELEBRATES ITS 145TH ANNIVERSARY

EVEN THE LIONS WON’T SLEEP TO-NIGHT

.

Beautiful bright day welcomed  the gathering individuals aged only weeks  and up to the age of  90 or above.

Such a huge crowd was interested  to be present  and join the fun and excitements in a symbolized reopening celebration on the Zoo’s 145th Birthday. What is a Birthday without the Birthday Cake!?!  The organizers thought of everything. The Birthday cake slowly came to the scene on four wheels managed by the confectioner. It was a 145 slice of  chocolate cake covered with marzipan. On the top was in miniature replica the old bird’s house. It really looked like a masterpiece of art.

Over the past 145 years, the zoo has continued making improvements to the facility to enhance the lives of the animals and to ensure an enjoyable guest experiences.

Continuous improvements to the zoo’s infrastructure and animal exhibits ensured that the Budapest Zoo will remain a treasured attraction in Budapest.

Why to-day? It was to symbolize the opening of  Budapest’s  Zoo in the month of August, 9. of 1866.

Honorable guests: István Tarlós, Major of  Budapest György Habsburg, President of the Red Cross, Géza Szöcs, Under-Secretary of Culture were invited by Dr. Miklós Pesányi, Director-General of the Zoo to join the celebration  of  the Zoos’s 145th Birthday.

During the opening ceremony the general director said,  in 1866 the Budapest zoo was the first zoo in Hungary and the 25th in  the World. Also spoked about the beginning times saying the zoo opened  with 500 different animals, 9 monkies and  with multifarious birds (parrots, cockatoos)  and of course with native animals. In those days Christopher,  named bear was the most popular. Sisi – Queen Elizabeth, was our most famous visitor, she had great love for animals and often visited the Hungarian Zoo. By her intervention, Budapest’s  zoo received the first giraffe from the Schönnbrun Zoo. General director also stated “We are especially proud of our zoo, from its focus on animal welfare,  to its interactive capabilities.”  He was happy to say, “We are also a breeding zoo,  helping to ensure the survival of threatened and endangered species around the world.”

Throughout the decades there were many developments. As to the last year’s,  whereas major developments took place, as to build the House of Australia, also to rebuild the old Giraffe  House and the  Buffalo House within the original plans.

The general director took the time and care to bring up to the stage two elder persons who  have worked  almost 40 years at the Zoo. One of them was a retired gentleman, once the main gardener, the other was a lovely lady called Edit,  the ticket controller (see her with flowers in her hands). She still is fulfilling that mission. I bet she gave entrance to generations, many of  those little kids  who now-a-days  bring along their own kids.

Before  the public entered the zoo the general director’s words were: “Take your time, look at the animals, look at the Palm’s House, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and help us make the world a better place for animals and people.”

The zoo is celebrating it’s 145th Birthday, yet  it seems like getting younger and younger.

Yes, the zoo shares great hours with family friendly attractions.

Update and snaps by: Aggie Reiter