
“Let there be a Holiday on Earth! “
Press and media individuals were invited this in the morning hours Friday, Nov.28 to the opening exhibition.
At the opening of the exhibition, said Zsolt Sándor – communication and marketing director of the Castle Governor’s Office: “It is a tradition during the Advent period to organize an outdoor exhibition that is somehow connected to the Christmas holidays and we try to present a slice of Hungarian culture that we think may be of interest to both domestic and foreign tourists visiting us.”
Róbert Török – Director General of the Hungarian Museum of Commerce and Hospitality, recalled that this is the second time the museum and the Castle Governorate are organizing a joint exhibition, as last year they presented a selection of colorful, illustrated postcards from almost a hundred years ago on the boards.The exhibition offers a real retro holiday experience, nostalgic and atmospheric remembrance in a real social and economic historical context.
In the sixteen illuminated installation elements that can be viewed for free, the curators of the exhibition, Kinga Veress and Gabriella Jenei, chief museologists, recall the wait for Santa Claus, the preparation for the Christmas tree festival, the atmosphere of New Year’s Eve house parties and the carnival costume parades that defined the rhythm of winter. The advertisements and shop windows promised abundance, while most people stood in line for even the smallest gift. Yet a special, profane cult of the winter holidays developed, which for those who grew up in Hungary in the seventies and eighties still fills with nostalgia now brought a smile on some faces, that once meant miracles that were desired.
Selected period posters, postcards, product labels and photos of iconic objects from the collection of the MNMKK Hungarian Museum of Commerce and Hospitality can be viewed until March 1.
The exhibition can be viewed free of charge from November 29, 2025 to March 1, 2026 on the path ramp leading up to the Gloriette at the Várkert Bazaar Budapest.
Those folks interested what it was like in Hungary getting ready for the coming season of Xmas, may see on the large size posters telling the era’s stories through the path ramp leading to the Gloriette at the Várkert Bazaar Budapest The posters background of the items,objects and gadjets can be read in Hungarian and English language from November, 29. 2025.
Also may visit guided tour with full of stories, where may relive the memories of the old winters together, or just discover what it was like to celebrate back then those communist era.
Photos from: Castle Captaincy
Riport by Aggie Reiter