  |
||||||
|
|
Hungarian Midyear Castle FestivalsCelebrations and Festivities at Some Hungarian Castles During July
Many Hungarian castles are picturesque ruins, either on lonely hilltops or in town centres, but they form a focal point for cultural life, hosting many themed festivals.
From food to folk dancing, medieval tournaments to musical events, Hungarian castles form a great backdrop for festivals. Ancient stone walls reverberate to the sounds of clashing armour and horses' hooves, or sword against sword, and rousing cheers or groans of disappointment as a favourite falls. Enticing smells drift amongst the towers and battlements as jams or stews are concocted in courtyards. Then there's the swirl of music, medieval, modern or jazz, and the bright dazzle of costumes as colourful dancers sway and twirl under the starlight and the flood lamps. Permanent Exhibitions and InformationSummer is the time for festivals, but most castles have events all year round to entice travellers and tourists. As well as the festivals, the castles also have permanent museum displays outlining life in their heyday, their history and highlights, making them worth a visit at any time of the year. You can obtain further information about the towns, castles and festivals by checking with the Tourinform office. Eger CastleOne of the best known castles in Hungary is at Eger, where, in 1552 for over a month 2,000 Hungarian soldiers commanded by István Dobó, held out against 100,000 Turks - the numbers vary according to which account you read! When human spirits lagged, the Captain broke out the reserves of red wines, and the legend of the famous red wine of Eger - Egri Bikavér (Bull's blood) - was born. Special Turkish Day in EgerTo commemorate these events, in the middle of July Eger hosts the Border Castle festivities, which include a special Turkish day with belly dancing, food, music, and even a prayer call from the tower of the mosque, the only relic of Turkish occupation left in the city. VisegrádThe Visegrád International Castle Festival - usually the first weekend in July - includes a knights' tournament and royal procession, handicraft fair, and activities reminiscent of the Middle Ages. DiosgyorThe Queen's castle at Diósgyor, a suburb of Miskolc, also reached its zenith during the Renaissance. The castle hosts three festivals in July: the International Dixieland festival for fans of music, and the International Folklore Festival. There's also the "Golden Arrow" Historical Archery Day that features competing archers in historic costumes from Hungary and other countries. KisnanaKisnána celebrates its history with Medieval Games in July. There's also folk dancing, music, and wine tasting, among other activities. It also hosts an apricot festival and on the 25th of December a Christmas Heart Warmer celebration at the castle. Füzér CastleTo the north east of Hungary, this castle also celebrates "Traditional Preserving Days" in the middle of July. There's also an International Ethnic singing Festival, and to end to month on a light note, a Court Jesters' day. Other Hungarian Castle FestivalsGyula, to the south of Hungary, has castle evenings at the end of the month. The programme includes concerts, street theatre, and arts and crafts. At Szerencs castle there's an art festival that goes into August. Sirok castle sees the Hungarian Historical Knights Fighting Championship on Horseback - a stirring event! And tiny Hollókõ, in the Cserhát Hills, is one of the host towns for the Palóc Folklore festival, attracting groups from around Hungary and neighbouring countries. Sárospatak castle has its celebrations a little later, hosting a seven-day Zemplén festival in August.
The copyright of the article Hungarian Midyear Castle Festivals in Hungary Travel is owned by Christiane Birkett. Permission to republish Hungarian Midyear Castle Festivals in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|||||
|
|
||||||
