1/11
“The Suffering of Light” Alex Webb photo exhibition
The multiple-award-winning photographer of Magnum Photos, Alex Webb, showcases a total of 63 of his most iconic images taken all around the globe from throughout his 30-year career. Webb is recognized as a pioneer of color photography, consistently creating images with intense, vivid, and vibrant colors and lights, presenting not only a scene, but complete stories and moments captured. The exhibition called “The Suffering of Light” is on view at Budapest’s Kunsthalle during March 1st-April 9th, in the framework of the Budapest Photo Festival. More details
2/11
Budapest Architecture Film Days
During March 2-5, the Hungarian Contemporary Architecture Center invites everyone to the biggest architecture-related film festival of Central Europe, happening at a beautiful Budapest art-house film theater, Toldi Cinema. The four-day-long cinematic journey aims to create a dialogue between the architectural practice that draws inspiration from cinema, and the film industry that often uses architecture as a subject, featuring a wide selection of films that focus on storytelling and personal relationships with a city, presenting buildings in a subjective manner. The films not only offer new ways to look at the transformations of a city – such as vanishing old neighborhoods, renamed streets, new districts, and multiculturalism – but also help viewers better understand the architectural processes in a city. Visitors to the film days can enjoy a personal video diary from Denmark titled The Infinite Happiness, a German production about a house without supporting walls called La Cupola, an intriguing documentary from China titled By Way of Display, as well as many other exciting productions. More details
3/11
Fat Thursday half-price restaurant offers
According to Hungarian tradition, the day after Ash Wednesday – Fat Thursday – is dedicated to excessive eating, and this custom is ensured here as everyone can wine and dine for half price at various participating restaurants countrywide on this day. This event derives from the folk tradition of feasting on all the leftovers of the Carnival season – called Farsang in Hungary – and Shrove Tuesday, as in case there was still any meat and goods left after the festive season, it was considered a minor crime to clear out the fridge right at the beginning of the fasting period rather than leaving any food to waste. This year, the gluttonous food-fueled day falls on March 2-3, and many eateries in Budapest – such as Vörös Postakocsi, and Bajnok Palacsinta – individually join the jamboree, so it is worthwhile to check out the Facebook page of your favorite restaurants in Budapest.
4/11
Jason Mraz concert
American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz started out singing at coffeehouses in San Diego, and soon stole the heart of half of the world with his 2008 hit, “I’m Yours”. His humble voice that can hit ridiculously high soprano notes and his soulful pop-folk sound often fill concert venues around the world, and already earned him two Grammy Awards. Besides being a surfer, gardener, filmmaker, photographer, and an excellent singer, Jason Mraz is first and foremost a world citizen who also actively fights for human rights and for a sustainable environment through various philanthropic activities in order to make the whole world a better place, which he simply calls home. Jason Mraz’s intimate solo performance is held on March 14th at the Budapest Congress Center.
5/11
March 15th public holiday
On March 15th, many Magyars don red-white-and green cockades over their hearts to commemorate Hungary’s 1848 Revolution against the oppression of the Hapsburg Empire. This special day is honored with solemn celebrations countrywide, especially in the capital where the uprising broke out. After the flag-rising ceremony at 9am at the Parliament, anyone interested in this proud part of Hungarian history can follow the procession of one of the greatest revolutionaries, Sándor Petőfi, and his fellow rebels as they roamed the streets and squares of Budapest towards the National Museum, where a performer recites Petőfi’s revolutionary poetry. Furthermore, several day-long fun-filled festivities are held citywide on this day awaiting families, such as at the Buda Castle, and at Fishermen’s Bastion. More details (in Hungarian)
6/11
Lukas Graham concert
The Danish four-piece pop and soul band, Lukas Graham – named after lead singer Lukas Graham Forchhammer – released their first eponymous album in 2012, and even though the record peaked on the top of several local charts, the band only earned international fame with their second album that includes superb singles like “Mama Said” and “7 Years”, which charmed crowds worldwide. It seems like the boys burst into fame from nowhere, and now they embark on an expansive tour that crisscrosses the globe through mid-April, including stops at several major European cities like Budapest, where they step on stage on March 19th. More details
7/11
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
On March 19th, the first Sunday after St Patrick’s Day, Budapest dresses up in emerald colors, and face-painted people in funny hats join leprechauns, bagpipe groups, and folk dancers at central Szabadság Square for a daylong festive parade fueled with perfectly poured Guinnesses and intoxicating Irish-style fun. Everyone is welcome to join the jolly march of the shamrock flock as it weaves its way through the heart of the city, likely arriving at a local pub where the party goes on late into the night. More details
8/11
VinCE Budapest Wine Show
The VinCE Budapest Wine Show welcomes an elite crowd at the prestigious Corinthia Hotel Budapest during March 17-19, where altogether 160 international and Hungarian exhibitors showcase their best reds, whites, and sparkling potables, as well as Magyar-made pálinkas amid an exclusive and elegant atmosphere. Furthermore, the event is complete with seated wine tasting, master classes, and exciting workshops. More details
9/11
International Macaron Day
March 20th is dedicated to the flavorful round-shaped French delight that makes mouths water worldwide: macarons. On this day, sweet-toothed fans can visit several confectioneries citywide – such as Cake Shop, Chez Dodo, Gerbeaud Confectionery, and Desszert.Neked, among many – to try a wide variation of the tasty and colorful meringue-based cakes, and vote for their favorites, while also supporting the Autistic Art Charity with every purchase. Furthermore, visitors can also learn how to recreate the special sweets at home by attending macaron-making workshops. More details
10/11
Non-Aligned Art – Marinko Sudac Collection
This exhibit – on view between March 23th-June 25th – is comprehensive array of avant-garde art from the former Yugoslav states and some neighboring countries, especially focusing on the Cold War era. The selected artworks are from the private collection of Marinko Sudac, which, in addition to pieces of art and groups of works, also comprises complete documentations and archives of great art historical significance. More details
