Autumn attractionsAfter the long and hot summer, the first cooling pushes of wind refresh the body and soul.
The parks and woods are filled with vivid colors, the trees and plants turn into picturesque compositions. The Gellért Hill is just like a painting swimming on the river. You shouldn’t miss the magnificent views of the Buda hills and woods with the chairlift at Zugliget or combine your relaxing autumn walk in the City Park with the exciting museums of the Heroes Square. There are not only outdoor events going on, but also it is the beginning of theatre and opera season.
The long hot summer will show its blessing deeds in the grape – and in its nectar. Here comes the harvest which promises us the liquid happiness: wine. If you can prolong your stay, it is highly recommended to spend a weekend at one of our traditional wine regions. You can taste even the king of the wines, the Tokaji Aszú at its birthplace, the Tokaj region.
The Hungarian people adore their cuisine and furthermore they like to eat and compete. If you put these together, you get cooking competitions. On visiting a small town you would surely come across such an event. Just follow the smell of lecsó, pork sausage, fish soup and not to mention goose liver which might remind you of the feast of Márton:
As Budapest is located by the river Danube, we have to take advantage of it all around the year. Excursion boats are having their winter sleep, but others - bar and restaurant boats are awake. The most special one is called A38, which does not only provide high standard food but indoor musical venues too.CultureBudapest doesn’t fall short of cultural events in autumn.There’s always some new exhibition in the Museum of Fine Arts, from Picasso to Hundertwasser, from Van Gogh to Dalí. The music, theater and opera scene awakens with innovative premières, so browse the new performances of MÜPA, National Dance Theatre, Trafó or the Hugarian State Opera House among others.
Budapest Autumn FestivalOrganized every year provides a wide range of alternative and modern performing art events, as well as numerous exhibitions and other projects.
Wine and Food Festivals
In September, while Indian summer allows us to sit outside, take the chance of outdoor wine festivals in Etyek (Etyeki Kezes-lábos), Budafok, Skanzen, Vörösmarty tér, or around lake Balaton.
Day Of St. Martin (Márton Nap)November 11th is the end of agricultural works on the farms and the day of the saint. According to the legend, he gave half of his cloak to a beggar which saved him from death in the cold.The day of Márton is celebrated with goose-festivals across Hungary, good pick would be the traditional celebration at Skanzen.
Short ExcursionsIf you don’t have much time, a half day excursion to Etyek can also give you the feeling. Taste some of the finest vines, take a walk at the vineyard or discover the village of Etyek, a fast developing resort near Budapest, with two good restaurants, the Cinnamon on weekends and the Rókusfalvy fogadó any other time, where you can also overnight if you had to much wine. To sample with professional care, your best is the Etyeki Kúria Winery.Autumn holidays
23rd October
The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was the first spontaneous nationwide revolt in Eastern Europe against the Communist regime. The uprising began at 23rd October as a student demonstration which attracted thousands as it marched through central Budapest. The revolt spread quickly across the country, and the Communist government fell. The new government lead by Imre Nagy became Prime Minister. Nagy was one of the few remaining communist leaders with credibility in both the eyes of the public and the Soviets.
After announcing a willingness to negotiate a withdrawal of Soviet forces, those in power changed their minds and put down the revolution. On 4 November, a large Soviet force invaded Budapest and other regions of the country. Nagy was secretly trialed, found guilty, sentenced to death and executed by hanging in June, 1958.After the fall of the communism on 23rd October 1989. the Republic of Hungary was declared. This day was chosen partly in commemoration to the ’56 revolution. Since then the country remembers with respect and dignity. Besides traditional ceremonies, such as hoist of the National Flag,(most of them take place in front of the Parliament) a wide range of programs are provided. Most of them call back episodes of ’56, so that younger generations can get familiar with the revolution and its reasons.A brave and strongly characteristic museum was opened a few years ago called House of Terror. Permanent and temporary exhibitions give revealing pictures of the 50s and the Communist era. What you can see there is the naked truth. The other side of the coin though can be seen in Statue Park, where huge sculptures are exhibited. These peaces of art are the original witnesses of the past.
’56 has been a subject of debate and discussions were suppressed for nearly 30 years. Certain members of the society still find it hard to identify themselves with the ceremony’s mentality because it was only after 1989 when the 56 events were rehabilitated. Those who find it important to see closely the country of 1956, will be pleased to choose from the interesting and fascinating programs that bring back history into the 21st century. Here is a little foretaste for the enthusiastic visitor: Ceremonial gala evening in the Opera House, recalling of the 50’s, special occasions of original documentaries in certain cinemas mainly in Budapest.Tastes of autumnBográcsozás (Cooking in the cauldron):
Hungarians love to go to the outdoors and cook their traditional dishes in their traditional pot „bogrács” on an open fire. We usually gather in groups of 8 or more and join in the preparations and the cooking as well. In the bogrács you can cook fish soup, paprika-potatoes, goulash. stew or almost anything. Enjoy „bográcsing”’ and don’t hesitate to drink a couple of shots of pálinka!
Sütőtök (Pumpkin) However Halloween is not part of the Hungarian culture, younger generations took up the habit and go to Halloween costume parties in bigger and bigger crowds. Apart from Halloween, the roasted pumpkin is a very popular dish on colder autumn nights in October or November.
However Halloween is not part of the Hungarian culture, younger generations took up the habit and go to Halloween costume parties in bigger and bigger crowds. Apart from Halloween, the roasted pumpkin is a very popular dish on colder autumn nights in October or November.
FruitsAs the harvest comes, grocery stores get filled with beautiful and tasty fruits and vegetables. Grapes, pears, apples, plums, figs, chestnut and walnut are only a few examples from the selection. Just visit a grocery or a market and enjoy world class Hungarian fruits!
Must Must is a freshly pressed grape juice that contains the skins, seeds, and stems of the fruit. Making must is the first step in winemaking. Back in the old days, the girls and ladies of the wine makers pressed the grape with their bare feet, singing and dancing. Today it is mechanized as many other activities, but if you’re at a wine fest in the countryside, don’t hesitate to taste the must, you can let even your little kinds drink it! Traubisoda Traubi is a Hungarian legend. It was extremely popular before the system change, it was sort of like the Hungarian Coca Cola, with grape flavor. It is sold in green bottles with silver stickers. If you wave it in your hands, you’ll feel yourself very retro and alternative!
