Halloween is a relatively new holiday in Hungary, but one which captures the imagination of many revellers. Whether you like the opportunity to dress up, or the crafty side of pumpkin-carving, or you just really like candy, the city of Budapest is bustling with Halloween-themed parties and events to check out this weekend.
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Halloween at the Budakeszi Wildlife Park
Commune with nature at Budakeszi Wildlife Park, where at
5pm on Saturday the 31st, the Halloween Night begins! Participation
in activities is free, and if you arrive in costume, you can redeem your
entrance ticket for a 50% discount! Learn about the habits of nocturnal animals,
glimpse into the mysterious lives of predators, watch wolves, lynx and jackals,
and learn about animal constellations. A full list of events can be found
on the park’s website (in Hungarian). The event ends at 10pm and, of course, masks must be worn at all times.
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Weekend celebrations at Hoff House
The newly-opened Hoff House has already made a name for
itself in hosting exciting English-friendly events for the expat community in
Budapest, so it makes sense that they would be the first to open their doors
for Halloween. In fact, their Halloween celebrations have been running since
Monday, but it’s not too late to get in on the fun. Today, Friday, the doors open at 5pm, with an interactive showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at 7pm, followed by
karaoke. On Saturday, the party continues with a DJ and costume contest, with
the winner getting a free voucher for a Hoff House brunch. Finally, Sunday wraps
up the festivities with a Halloween-themed pub quiz at 7pm. Find out more
information on all the events on the Facebook page.
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Celebrate like a Celt at Aquincum
Of course, Halloween all started as a pagan celebration with
the ancient Celts, so why not go straight back to the roots? This Saturday the
festivities kick off at Aquincum, the museum in Óbuda featuring
artefacts from Celtic and Roman Hungary, with activities like pumpkin-carving,
DIY crafts, divination classes and a Celtic fire duel in the evening. Kids’
events start at 1pm, grown-ups can join in the fun from 5pm.
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Felix x Black Swan Halloween
Hosted by the Felix Kitchen&Bar and Black Swan Budapest,
this special, spooky brunch event kicks off at 3pm on Saturday. The event will
be located right at the foot of Buda Castle, and promises to be a mystical experience. The only dress code is to wear something black… and something scary.
Reservations are strongly recommended: +36 30 735 5041.
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Halloween Czakó Market
Halloween is marked by pumpkins, after all, so why not use
this opportunity to dive into some fresh produce? This Saturday, Czakó Market invites everyone to browse their extensive inventory, which includes cheeses,
vegetables, jams and cordials, fresh eggs and meat, chili sauces, honey,
mushrooms, festive floral bouquets, eco-friendly bags and masks, cold-pressed
oils and much more. Maybe you can pick up some pumpkins or other gourds as
well, and do some carving at home!
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Halloween party at Neverland
From 6pm on Saturday, Neverland on Dohány utca hosts a
completely different, Mexican-style Halloween party. On Día de los Muertos aka
the Day of the Dead, Mexicans traditionally celebrate life and the living as
well, painting themselves in vibrant colours and remembering life’s joyful
moments. Visitors will have a chance to experience this atmosphere at Neverland,
where flowers and painted skulls will decorate the halls. Costumes are
obligatory. There will also be a face-painting artist at the event as well, if
you’re not confident with your own skills!
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Day of the Dead Party at Tereza
Another El Día de Muertos party will be hosted at the Tereza
Restaurant on October 31st featuring Mexican delicacies. Various
musical and cultural activities will be at the event, while the Freak Fusion
Cabaret lifts your spirits.
