With the onset of spring, compassionate deeds are undertaken to pay respect to women in Hungary, similarly to happenings in many countries worldwide to observe International Women’s Day on March 8th. This occasion is observed in honor of womankind’s centuries-long struggle for fair treatment and equality, and while Women’s Day has many different roles and meanings in various societies, for Hungarians it is especially hallowed, thanks to the particulars of the holiday’s long history here.
A day dedicated to celebrating women was first observed here in 1913, when the National Organizing Committee for Women handed out flyers to draw attention to this event that was already growing internationally to promote women’s equality. Later, during Hungary’s Soviet oppression, the communist government declared Women’s Day as a mandatory celebration, dedicating March 8th for celebrating the event in line with the Russian observance.
Even though Women’s Day in Hungary lost some of its importance after the country’s regime change in 1989, there are still various celebrations held here on March 8th that now represent genuine appreciation towards women, instead of being politically motivated. Today, Women’s Day is characterized by aromatic blooms and a variety of little trinkets given to ladies out of respect, gratitude, and everlasting love. Hungarians continue to honor this sweet holiday similar to how Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day is celebrated, and on this day Budapest offers various programs citywide:
Free or discounted entry into museums
Once the home of graceful Magyar writer Gyula Krúdy, the Hungarian Museum of Trade and Tourism in Budapest’s District III is dedicated to preserving the country’s historic hospitality scene and it's complete with service-industry settings from bygone days, including a recreated confectionery, a hotel lobby, and a restaurant. On Women’s Day, ladies who register in advance are granted free entry to see this one-of-a-kind display (registration: kiss.hajnalka.mkvm@gmail.com).
Meanwhile, hidden beneath Buda’s Castle District, the Hospital in the Rock displays a collection of lifelike wax figures and all sorts of medical equipment inside its recreated wards that used to serve as a refuge for wounded soldiers and civilians during World War II, and later during Hungary’s 1956 Revolution. On March 8th, women are granted a 50% discount on full-price passes to descend into this underground landmark.
Women’s Day celebration with concerts
Budapest’s Downtown Market in District V has become one of the city’s go-to locales for sampling a delicious selection of dishes that represents local and international cuisine. Housing a stylish sausage eatery, a Spanish paella haven, or the recently opened Stand25 Bistro of revered Hungarian chef Tamás Széll, it often becomes a tough decision to pick the most ideal dining hotspot here. On March 8th, the market hall awaits visitors with extended opening hours and melodious concerts beginning at 6pm, where renowned Hungarian singers perform soul and gospel music, while local band Budapest Bár heats up the scene with lively Gypsy-music tunes.
Women’s Day Dinners
To celebrate ladies on this special day, many Budapest restaurants offer exclusive events on Women’s Day. Amid pleasant live music, Araz provides couples with a five-course wine dinner (11,990 forints per person + 10% service fee), where meals include Scottish salmon, fillet of veal, and a delicious dark-chocolate dessert, while matching Hungarian wines accompany each delicacy.
Beginning at 7pm, Deák St. Kitchen serves a delicious three-course dinner (8,000 forints per person + 10% service fee) for guests with dishes including beef consommé as a starter, grilled mackerel fillet offered as a main course, and rosemary-chocolate mousse and raspberry-pecan brownies served for dessert. Besides these delicious treats, live music entertains diners while ladies are treated with surprises during the event.
On Budapest’s panoramic March 15th Square, KIOSK provides a glass of Prosecco to ladies who dine here during the restaurant’s Women’s Day event, while pleasant live guitar tunes create an intimate atmosphere.
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Rendeld meg itt vagy keresd a nagyobb könyvesboltokban!
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