Page 36 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Hungary

34  INTRODUCING HUNGAR Y HUNGAR Y THROUGH THE Y EAR  35

HUNGARY THROUGH Average Daily Hours of Sunshine
THE YEAR Hours Sunshine Chart
12
Hungary enjoys most of
10 its sunshine hours in July
Hungary is subject to climate extremes, thermal baths as soon as the bitter cold and August, although
with winters usually bitterly cold and makes way for spring. Autumn is the 8 September and even
summers stiflingly hot. This does have its favourite season of bird- watchers, who 6 October can often still be
advan tages – Christmas is often white, while flock to Hungary to observe the southward 4 very sunny. The southwest
of the country sees the
summer evenings are long, sunny and warm. migration of the birds, while the late 2 most sunshine, the town
Spring and autumn also have their charms: summer harvest is a popular time for 0 of Pécs being officially
spring is welcomed by bathers, who beset festivals in many towns, especially on the Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hungary’s sunniest city.
the country’s out door pools, beaches and Great Plain, as winter preparations are made.
Sopron Festival Weeks
Summer
and craft markets make this (mid-Jun–mid-Jul), Sopron.
Spring
the largest spring festival held Summer is the most enjoyable Hungary’s largest town festival
Spring festivals, often musical outside Budapest. season, and every town and outside Budapest showcases
events, take place in almost Revolution Day (15 Mar) village has its festival week. everything from gastronomy
every town and city, to The anniversary of the revolution Lake Balaton comes alive when and architecture to classical
celebrate the passing of winter. of 1848, and the beginning of the entire country seems to music and children’s theatre.
Often coinciding with Easter, the revolt against the Habsburgs, decamp here, while folklore, The Early Music Days at the
these festivals offer a chance to is commemorated with a music and artistic events tempt end of June are a highlight.
taste the many sweet treats – re-enactment of Sándor visitors (and residents) to stay Hortobágy Equestrian
such as gingerbread – that Petőfi’s reading of the Twelve in the capital. Days (late Jun–early Jul),
Hungarians prepare in spring. Points on the steps of the Hortobágy National Park.
National Museum in Budapest. June Horsey pursuits include com­
March Miskolc Opera Festival (mid- petitions in carriage­ driving
April
Budapest Spring Festival Jun), National Theatre, Miskolc and horse­herding, displays
(end Mar–Apr), various venues, Easter is a major event in (see p230). Hungary’s premier of horseman­ship, and a large
Budapest. Hungary’s cultural devoutly Catholic Hungary, opera festival is held for a week market selling equestrian goods.
year starts with this celebration and a large number of people in June. Each year, one or more Floats parading in the Debrecen Flower
of classical music. For more attend Easter Mass. Palm Hungarian operas and the work July Carnival on 20 August, a national holiday
than two weeks, renowned Sunday services, too, are Boys throwing water over the girls at the of one great foreign composer Jazz Days (Jul), Debrecen.
performers from the world interesting events, as people Hollókő Easter Festival are performed at the festival. Attracting world­renowned Sziget Festival (end Jul–early
of opera, music and dance take bright flowers to church to Danube and Chain Bridge jazz musicians, this is the most Aug), Budapest. The biggest
converge on various venues be blessed. Visitors should also Heritage village of Hollókő Carnival (throughout Jun), important jazz event in the music festival in central Europe,
in Budapest, including the State make sure they do not miss the (see pp218–19) showcases Budapest. The completion of country. Running now for more the three­day event on a
Opera House (see pp92–3). brightly decorated gingerbread Palóc traditional crafts, including Chain Bridge is celebrated in than 30 years, it brings together Danube island attracts the very
Pécs Spring Festival (mid- that can be found in sweet fine, delicately hand-painted a number of river­based a range of jazz styles. biggest names in pop and rock.
Mar–Apr), Pécs. Symphonic shops and supermarkets all over Easter eggs and masses of activities, which climax in the Visegrád Palace Games August
and chamber concerts, Hungary in the run-up to Easter. tasty gingerbread. powerboat races on the final (Jul). Hungary’s best castle
theatre and literary evenings, Hollókő Easter Festival (Easter May Sunday. There are also concerts festival, with jousting contests, Hungarian Grand Prix
folklore shows, exhibitions Sun & Mon). The UNESCO World and street perform ances, many archery displays, mock battles Formula 1 (Aug), Budapest.
Gizella Days (first/second of which take place on Chain and a festival of medieval arts Hungary has hosted motor
weekend), Veszprém. Bridge itself. to be enjoyed. races since the 1920s. For
The May Bank Holiday sees three days the F1 circus rolls
Veszprém honour Gizella of into Mogyoród.
Bavaria, St István’s wife, with Flower Carnival, Debrecen
a colourful procession led (Virágkarnevál, 20 Aug),
through the heart of the city’s Debrecen. St István’s Day is
old town. celebrated in Debrecen by
Sailing Day (first/second decorating the entire city
weekend), Balatonfüred. The centre with flowers. A large
opening of the sailing season flower market takes place on
on Lake Balaton is marked with Piac utca, and flower­bedecked
a colourful regatta of thousands floats parade through the city’s
of sailing boats. Sailing Day has streets. In the evening there is
been cele brated since 1935 and a free pop concert that is
continues to grow in size. usually well attended.
Supporting events include Fireworks over the Danube
exhibitions, concerts, street (20 Aug), Budapest. Pyrotechnics
The Budapest Spring Festival, ringing in the performance season parties and firework displays. Formula 1 race at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Mogyoród near Budapest to celebrate St István’s Day.

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