February means carnival time in Hungary, traditional masked-ball events heralding spring and bidding farewell to winter. Budapest has parties a-plenty – here are seven of the best.
Glitz and kitsch are the watchwords at the carnival party at the Kiscelli Museum. The fine line between these two terms will be erased for a night of unbridled fun. Apart from the glamorous party, there will be a glowing fashion exhibition, great music and a costume contest as well.
More details here.
Tilos Radio DJs blast the walls of the Dürer Kert on 8 February in four separate rooms. Expect a diversity in style but unity in enthusiasm from all of the performers, including the popular DJ Palotai, Perrin and Zuboly.
More details here.
Dress up as a superhero on 9 February for a super masquerade at the Akvárium Klub, where DJ Superman will provide the beats for the whole family. A baby corner, a kids’ craft table, confetti, bubbles and superheroes await.
More details here.
In Hungary, Busójárás is celebrated in the town of Mohács, where locals dress up in woolly costumes and scary masks. The Studios invites everyone to break out their best busó rags and Mardi Gras beads and come in for the party of the season!
Tickets start at 2000HUF. At the door in costume is 4000, and anyone arriving sans fancy dress will have to pay the penalty! More information can be found at the Facebook event.
A cheerful children’s band led by Bori Rutkai occupies the kids’ corner of the Puskin Cinema and transforms it into a magical land for carnival time. They take the costumed children on a fairy-tale journey with fun music, dancing and a number of masked, mysterious creatures.
More details here.
Party in the Upside Down at this special retro party inspired by the Netflix hit series Stranger Things. A night where Dürer Kert turns into Hawkins with the best songs from the ‘80s and current hits in a retro-flavoured DJ-set, hosted all night long by Quixotic, the main pioneer of the Hungarian retro-wave scene. Make sure to dress up as something cool to have a chance at the costume contest.
More details here.
The second edition of Carson Coma’s retro party brings the best songs from the beat generation, the hippy era and dance festivals to the Dürer Kert on 21 February, so dig out your best corduroy jacket or polka dot dress and boogie to the best retro songs this carnival season.
More details here.
