Unlike many of Budapest's summertime festivals, the Danube Carnival does not feature loud rock or electronica music - this is an occasion for cheerful relaxation, where all that matters is the dancing, the music, the culture, and the community. Held in Budapest for the 19th time this year, the Danube Carnival highlights a colorful assortment of entertainment compared with many other events. In addition to promoting Hungary's cultural heritage, this event strengthens the intercultural dialogue of many different countries. There will not only be domestic traditional and contemporary productions, but many European, Asian, and overseas troupes will perform as well.

The festival is celebrated across Europe every summer since 1996, and is even included on the list of Europe's 500 most prestigious events. The Danube Carnival initiated several cultural projects in the European Union, several of which are now integrated into the festival’s programs. In addition to entertaining people, the Danube Carnival aims to preserve regional traditions amid modern urban areas like Budapest, since our busy city lifestyles do not always allow for enjoying the customary charms of old-time artistry.

Main Events of Budapest’s Danube CarnivalTraditional Folk Art Exhibition and FairVörösmarty Square Wednesday, June 18 through Sunday, June 22 – 10am to 8pm daily Hungary’s esteemed Folk Arts Association hosts a gathering of varied craftspeople creating, displaying, and selling a plethora of traditional handmade goods, such as jewelry, woven textiles, ceramics, leatherwork, and delicious “mézeskalács” – Hungary’s own version of gingerbread cookies, baked in all sorts of creative shapes.Children and Youth Folk Dance FestivalVörösmarty SquareWednesday, June 18 – 4pm Giving Hungarian and international children’s dance groups the opportunity to introduce themselves, this event teaches everyone to respect and learn from each other’s traditions and culture through shared community experiences.Fifth Chain Bridge International Folk Dance CompetitionErzsébetliget Theater – Pest XVI, Hunyadvár u. 43/DThursday, June 19 – 6pm This friendly competition of international dance groups aims to strengthen the global intercultural dialogue in the spirit of preserving traditions. An international jury evaluates the performances to give out the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Chain Bridge awards along with special prizes.Danube Carnival GalaHungarian Heritage HouseFriday, June 20 – 8pm Enjoy a unique performance of foreign and domestic dance groups all sharing the stage, starring the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble and the Danube Folk Ensemble.Carnival ParadePesti Vigadó through Váci Street to Vörösmarty SquareSaturday, June 21 – 3pm Nearly 700 dancers and musicians create a genuine carnival atmosphere in the heart of Budapest, welcoming all to enjoy a dance gala amid the streets of the city.

The Danube Carnival offers programs citywide between June 13 and 22 – check out www.dunakarneval.hu/en for complete information.