From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

Around August 20th tourist season begins to wrap up and children get ready for school, but first comes the celebration of St. Stephen's Day (Szent István napja), the celebration of the day King Stephen was crowned and the Hungarian (Magyar) state was founded back in the year 1000.

In Budapest, some of the festivities occur at Castle Hill, including the weekend-long Festival of Folk Arts (Mesterségek Ünnepe). Skilled craftsmen and women from all regions of Hungary come to show, sell, and demonstrate their talent and passion at preserving tradition. Booth after booth colorfully displayed felt work, lace, hand-painted wood pieces and pottery, puppets, kids' toys, porcelain pieces and baskets, and so much more. One of my personal favorites was the historic maps and Hungarian poems printed on authentic feeling parchment. And as you may have picked up from other posts, another favorite thing of mine is Hungarian food--so I was delighted to see the kürtőskalács (chimney cake). paprikáskrumpli (paprika potatoes), and kemencés kenyérlángos (a pizza-like lángos).

Whether it was a chance to enjoy the food, watch the dancers and musicians, or to admire the skilled artisans at work, the event was well-attended, even crowded at some points, and a healthy mix of nationals and tourists. Festivities wrapped up with an air-show on Monday afternoon (which I got to see them practicing on Saturday) and fireworks that evening.

If you find yourself in Hungary at this time year, you will not want to miss the chance to celebrate Hungary's birthday and enjoy the festivities on Castle Hill and the Danube.

From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

Sitting just below one of Budapest's most famous landmarks (Castle Hill), the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi lánchíd) allows visitors to cross the Danube and head easily for Vörösmarty tér, the northern end of the popular shopping street Vaci utca. Not that the bridge doesn't get plenty of use from city dwellers going about their daily lives, it is in the middle of the city after all. However, in the summer months this architecturally famous bridge takes an even grander role in drawing tourists and home folks alike together as each weekend the bridge closes to vehicular traffic and throws a party.

Here's not only your chance to view the noble Castle Hill and Parliament buildings or enjoy the calming effect of watching the Danube valley boat traffic, but to peruse dozens of craft booths. And no party is complete without food and music. While the food is similar on both ends (with typical fare like kemencés kenyérlángos (a pizza-like lángos), kürtőskalács (chimney cake), sausages and peppers), the music won't be the same. There's a stage set on both ends, and one in the middle too, so there's a variety of traditional and contemporary music and dance to choose from. And so that everyone's got something to do, the stage on the Pest side offers children's programs earlier in the day and one booth offers bike rentals.

Although not as spectacular as an event like Taste of Hungary, the Summer on the Chain Bridge (Nyár a Lánchídon) has its own flavor and it's free.

From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

A trip to Budapest is not complete without visiting the Central Market Hall (Központi Vásárcsarnok) ... although avoid it on a Saturday if you can, as this place is exactly what it sounds like--a hall of markets. Built in 1897 as part of the effort to unify Buda, Pest, and Óbuda, Hungarians have been coming ever since to select their fresh meats, produce, fruits, dairy, and breads for the week. Yet this collection of dozens of farmers' stalls under one roof represents just one floor of the Hall.

After strolling through each of the three long ground rows, you may want a pick-me up. There's a mini-CBA store that makes a decent cappuccino for 100HUF, there's more options of course, or if you're looking for something more filling, head upstairs. The second level offers a dozen or so food booths and a larger restaurant. The Fakanál Étterem not only allows you to select a meal off their traditional Hungarian menu, for 20E you can sign up for a one-day class and learn to cook it yourself!

Once your energy is topped off, you're ready to let the real shopping begin. For the food court is but a small part of the second level. The rest is dedicated to souvenirs of every sorts. Keychains, mugs, and magnets. Playing cards and toys. And of course, t-shirts, caps, and bags. If you're wanting something that represents Hungary instead of just saying it, there's also leather bags and jewelry, paprika and drawings. Porcelain dolls in regional folk dress who stand guard over finely embroidered linens and lace, shirts and dresses. And while the folks downstairs may not know English or take VISA, there's a good chance that the folks upstairs do.

If your feet are not aching too much or you've got time, there are a few booths in the basement, as well as a full-fledged grocery store ... just in case you need a bag of chips, cold drink, ice cream bar or a stop at the cash machine for your trip home or more likely, your stroll down the famous shopping street (Vaci utca) just across the way (but that's a whole other entry--soon to come).

From my photos at Flickr Produced by Kayakman Media

Visitors expecting only to see the wonderful views, architecture, and art available on Castle Hill were afforded an extra treat this past weekend. June 28-July 1st found Hungarians celebrating a few of the things that make up who they are--great food, drinks, and tradition--at A Magyarok Nagyasztala (The Grand Table of Hungary). As attendees from all over the country stroll through the dozens of booths that line both sides of the castle they are surrounded by a feast for the senses. Pastries baking over slow burning fires. Savory meats roasting. Various blends of fruit and nut balls creating a rainbow of colors. And the beverage of your choice, including an award-winning palinka, to cleanse the palette--or cool it off if you stopped at the paprika booths!

As you satisfy your taste buds, you have only to turn about to find enjoyable entertainment. Street performers in medieval dress stroll about--some singing, some dancing, others jesting and jousting. If you prefer more formal entertainment, you need only to stop by the main stage. A small folk band plays so that partners could be twirled and heels slapped in traditional dances until cooks who battle in the back step forward to claim their awards in different categories. Of course, if you need to walk off a few off those delicious calories and still have some forint in the pocket, walking the lower drive could allow you to deplete both. Vendors there offer both traditional and contemporary books, maps, clothes, furniture, and more.

It may be no coincidence that this great taste of Hungary falls during the Duna Nap (Danube Day) which celebrates the cultures of the Danube River Basin.