Erzsébet Square

Erzsébet Square, the buzzing heart of Budapest’s downtown, is the place to be for foodies and fun-seekers. It’s like a culinary carnival, with a carousel of restaurants, bistros, and bars ready to tantalize your taste buds. But the real star of the show is the Budapest Eye, a colossal Ferris wheel smack dab in the middle of it all. Hop on, take a spin, and prepare to be spellbound as you soar high above the cityscape. From the top, you’ll catch a breathtaking view of Budapest, and when the holiday season rolls around, you’ll even glimpse the twinkling lights of the Christmas market below.

Paris Department Store

The Paris Department Store stands as a true gem, especially during the magical holiday season. Built on the site of the historic Terézváros Casino back in 1911, this grandiose shopping haven was the brainchild of wholesaler Samuel Goldberger. When you glance at it from Andrássy Avenue, prepare to be wowed by an exquisite Art Nouveau facade, which gives a glimpse into the golden era of architecture and design. On the rooftop, visit the 360 Bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail and take in the mesmerizing panoramic view of the city.

Opera House of Budapest

Step into a world of grandeur and enchantment at the newly renovated Budapest Opera House! With its recent facelift, this historic gem is now even more stunning, and they’ve opened their doors to curious visitors. Join one of their guided tours and get ready to be transported back in time while discovering the secrets of this architectural marvel. And what’s more, during the holiday season, you can revel in the magic of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” as it graces the stage. It’s the perfect blend of cultural exploration and festive cheer, making your visit an unforgettable experience in the heart of Budapest!

1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 22. | Website

Liszt Ferenc Square

Since 1907, this lively place has proudly donned the name of the musical maestro Franz Liszt, celebrating the grand opening of the Academy of Music at number 8. On one side, you’ll discover a majestic statue of the legendary composer, and at the end of Andrássy Avenue, there’s the spirited presence of Endre Ady. This square, nestled right in the heart of the city, is a whirlwind of dining delights. You can hop from one quirky eatery to another, with options like the hip Menza, the lively Korhely, and the charming Café Viant. So, take a stroll, soak in the musical history, and savour the eclectic dining experiences in this bustling hub of Budapest!

House of Terror

Andrássy Avenue’s House of Terror is a real eye-opener! It’s set up in the very place where the communist secret police used to do their thing once the Soviets took over from Ferenc Szálasi’s Arrow Cross Party. Inside, there is a permanent exhibition that pays tribute to the people who suffered under both the Hungarian Nazis and the Communist regime. You can step into a little voting booth and catch a video about that fishy election that landed the Communist Party in charge. Or how about taking a seat on a courtroom bench? The walls are decked out with secret police records and if you’re up for it, you can venture down to the basement prison.

1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 60. |Website

CSÓK Bistro

At CSÓK Bistro, the meeting point of contemporary art and good food, you can savour heavenly appetizers, delicious meals, and unique desserts, while sipping on some wine or a cocktail. Indulge in a delightful surprise when you dine at CSÓK Bistro! They are treating you to a tempting assortment of macarons in a wide array of flavours. Immerse yourself in the charming ambiance of the Andrássy Road Villa as you enjoy your meal. Secure your table reservation today to take advantage of this exclusive offer at the restaurant! Simply present the Funzine magazine or display our webpage on your mobile device to claim your special gift.

1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 112. | Website

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Kodály Circle

During the holiday season, Budapest’s Kodály Circle is a captivating mystery wrapped in history. Nestled between Andrássy Avenue and Heroes’ Square, this charming square boasts grand palaces, historic statues, and an ancient plane tree. Wander through the opulent past, admire the four impressive statues, and explore the iconic Andrássy Court, once home to luminaries like Zoltán Kodály. But this place is more than its residents; it’s steeped in mystique, from ghost stories to enigmatic events. Uncover the secrets and be enchanted by this unique square during your holiday visit.

Heroes’ Square

Framed by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Kunsthalle, Hungary’s grandest square is an architectural wonder designed by the dynamic duo Albert Schickedanz and Fülöp Herczog. It all started in 1896 for the millennial celebrations, but the star of the show, the Millennium Memorial, didn’t make its debut until 1906. The Millennium Memorial is a stunner, with Archangel Gabriel atop a towering column, holding Hungary’s Holy Crown. There’s a crew of seven Hungarian chieftains on horseback, four allegorical figures, and 14 significant figures from Hungarian history in two colonnades.

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The racetrack

During the event that strengthens Hungarian national spirit, Heroes’ Square becomes a horse racing track, with a “sand castle” built around the Millennium Monument ensuring the safety of horses and their riders. To create ideal circumstances for the horses in the concrete urban environment, multiple layers of special sand granules are used this way preventing injuries and slipping. The audience is seated around the racetrack, but those who would like to take a closer look can follow the race from the middle of the square.

Millennial history

The history of Hungarians is closely linked with our horse riding culture. Our ancestors were known all around the world for being an equestrian nation: they arrived at the Carpathian Basin on horseback as roaming herdsmen, and horse-riding was part of their lives for centuries. Horses played a decisive role in the battles of the time, and were used for agricultural duties and functioned as a primary means of transportation. To this day, equestrian traditions continue to be prestigious in Hungary.

Equestrian tradition

The western model of Hungarian horse racing was adopted by an iconic figure of Hungarian history, István Széchenyi. The idea was planted in his mind when, as a hussar officer, Széchenyi visited England. With his assistance and the blessing of the emperor, the very first race was organized on 6 June, 1827 in Üllői út, Pest. Approximately 25,000 people watched excitedly as horses trained by English professionals raced against each other. Horse racing was a huge success from the start, and as a result, the number of breeders increased and numerous towns decided to organize races in the countryside.

Hussar uniform

The past of hussars was defined by the centuries old Hungarian equestrian culture. The so called light cavalry was first mentioned in written sources in the 15^th century, but their heyday was in the 16^th and 17^th centuries. The hussar uniform and armour became known in several European countries by the 1700s; it was characterized by good quality tanned leather. The world-famous short-coat of the hussars flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. A fur-trimmed coat with braided cords (“mente”) was part of the hussars’ military uniform that they wore over their tight inner jacket called dolman, or over their shoulders. They took this piece of clothing everywhere; in winter, it kept them warm, while in times of war it shielded them from the slashes of the enemy’s sword. The hussars’ footwear was an ankle-strap shoe with a steel heel buckled on it, while on their head they wore a helmet equipped with a nose protector, or a calpac made of lamb leather. Their light armour consisted of a sabre and a lance, and later they also used muskets.

Traditional Hungarian horse-herder attire

A horse-herder’s main tasks included grazing and guiding the herd. The most characteristic part of their attire was their handmade bullwhip that they used not only for steering the stud but also as a weapon. When used properly, the imposing tool makes a distinctive snapping sound. Horse-herders’ unique clothing consisted of a navy blue shirt and pants, but it was easy to recognize them by their wide-brim shepherd hat and black boots too.

Culinary delights in Andrássy út

During the National Gallop, Budapest’s popular avenue will be filled with life – even more than usually –, thanks to the Kitchen of Hungary gastro fair, where guests can choose among mouth-watering traditional Hungarian meals. Beside experiencing the authentic Hungarian hospitality, people are welcome to taste gourmet dishes, quality wine and pálinka. The Kitchen of Hungary will showcase meat dishes typical of Hungary too. The multifaceted Hungarian cuisine’s flavours will be presented to gastro adventurers in different regional sections. Cooking competitions and colourful programmes will also take place.

Gallop symbols

• The chest of fate: A few weeks before the National Gallop the names of the settlements are pulled out of the treasure chest to make up the programme schedule.
• The board of fate: The names of the settlements are put on the Board of Fate during the draw. The winners of races get higher and higher on the Board, until the crest of the fastest racer reaches the top.
• The sword: The team of the winner settlement can take home one of National Gallop’s iconic symbols, the sword, and keep it for a year. The sabre is a real hussar symbol from the 19th century, and its different parts originate from different eras.
• The golden spur: The champion wins a golden hussar spur.
• The flag of the National Gallop: the figures of two fighting hussars can be seen on the flag.
• The bouquet: It is given to the winner horse that can proudly wear it.
• The horseshoes: Every contestant gets an iron horseshoe. Those who finish at third place can also get the bronze horseshoe, silver goes to those who win second prize, and the golden is won by the champion of the National Gallop.

Lajos Kazinczy, the 15th Martyr

It has become a tradition that every year the event chooses a significant historical figure to honour. This year the National Gallop pays homage to the late army colonel, Lajos Kazinczy. The nobleman was studying in Tulln’s cadet school, and in 1848 he enlisted in the army. Kazinczy took part in the battle of Pákozd, fighting till the very end. He was barely 29 when they executed him in Arad. We keep him in our memories as the 15^th martyr. Gyula Kedves, National Gallop’s historical advisor helped us recall his story.

Lajos Kazinczy showed signs of patriotism at a very young age as the youngest child in his family. He studied in Tulln, where he engaged in military studies together with Artúr Görgei. After completing his studies, he applied for the 9th Miklós hussar regiment where he tried himself as a commander. In the spring of 1848, the time of the revolutionary movement in Hungary, he enlisted in the army where his military experience, which was a rare capability those days, gave him the chance to deploy his professional skills.

The young soldier played an inevitable role in organizing and leading the army. His technical knowledge helped him successfully lead the organization of the sapper unit in Pozsony and Győr in November and December 1848. His peers discovered his exceptional talent early, and as a result, Kazinczy was appointed as a regimental commander at the beginning of 1849. He had major success in the spring expedition. In June, 1849 he was responsible for guarding three important munition producing bases, Ung, Bereg and Máramaros. By the beginning of August, he organized an entire army that he led into battle in Transylvania, where they fought till the very end. After the surrender, he was brought to Arad where they sentenced him to confiscation of property and execution by firing squad. He was shot on 25 October, 1849.

Lajos Kazinczy’s parents passed away by the time of the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1848-49, but his other family members took his death with quiet resignation. A few years later one of his older sisters tried to commemorate his brother, and make his name known in the country. A brother of his, who was very proud of Lajos’s achievements, served as military volunteer and later was appointed lieutenant. His oldest brother kept serving as palatine hussar lieutenant under the emperor, because he valued his foreign military career more than returning home and serving his own country. A few years after the suppression of the war of independence, he retired as major. He was never supportive of Lajos’ freedom fighter activities; fortunately, they never had to face each other in war.

Lajos Kazinczy’s 29 year-long life was mostly about military duties and bloody fights, and for this reason he never settled down to have a family. He died unmarried and childless. Legend has it that a Polish duchess was in love with him, praying for the young military man to return from war safe and sound. No sources were left behind to verify this statement. The young soldier was buried in an unmarked grave somewhere around the rampart of Arad Castle. Kazinczy’s remains were never found, and his final resting place is unknown to this day. In Széphalom, the village where he was born, a monument often mentioned as his grave was built to honour his memory.

The list of programmes is available on National Gallop’s official website!

The Gallop is a noble race and a chance to honour our ancestors, as well, commemorating the achievements of those Hungarian troopers, hussars and soldiers who made the word “huszár” famous around the globe. The motto of the National Gallop is the same as it was for those brave men: Fellowship and honour.

This year, the event doesn’t commemorate a particular historic person, but an important happening, called the “verbunk”, meaning recruitment. That’s how the idea was born that every participant of the Gallop should be recruited: supporters, dancers, musicians, guests of the jubilee. The festive atmosphere will be even more enhanced by the increased presence of hussar, having 100-300 traditional huszárs attending the National Gallop, joined by another line of the National Cavalry’s horsemen.

The Programs of National Gallop:

16 September

12-11pm, Saturday

12:00-13:00 Opening Ceremony of National Gallop • Wreath Laying Ceremony • Ceremonial Resolution of Competitors

13:15-13:45 HUNGRANA Hussar Gallop – Relays

14:00-15:55 National Gallop – Relays

15:10-15:25 Dance House – Gallop Promenade • Cuisine of Hungary

15:55-16:00 OMÉK Vintage Procession

16:00-16:10 KINCSEM+ Carriage Gallop – Relay

16:20-18:05 National Gallop – Relay

17:05-17:20 Dance House – Gallop Promenade • Cuisine of Hungary

18:10-18:20 OTP Bank Celebrity Charity Race

18:20-18:30 OMÉK Vintage Procession

18:30-18:40 ADRENALIN Carriage Competition – First Qualifying Race

18:40-18:50 KINCSEM+ Carriage Gallop – Relays

19:15 Dance House of Hungary with the Best Horse Dancers of the Country

20:15 Herding of Hortobágy Nonius Horses

20:30 Fiery Gallop

21:30-23:00 Dance House of Hungary – Heroes’ Square

17 September

10:05am-6:30pm, Sunday

10:05-10:30 MVM Parasport Competition with Horses

10:45-12:10 National Gallop – Semifinals

12:20-12:50 OMÉK2017 International Race – First Qualifying Race

12:50-12:55 OMÉK Vintage Procession

12:55-13:00 ADRENALIN Carriage Competition – Finals

13:00-13:20 Dance House – Gallop Promenade • Cuisine of Hungary

13:20-14:00 LONGINES Show Jumping – High Jump Competition

14:15-14:30 Epona Horse Riding School • National Equestrian Ornamental Unit – Horse Show

14:30-14:40 Gábor Jr. Szegedi’s Show

14:40-14:50 OMÉK Vintage Procession

14:50-15:10 Historical Horse Show Gala

15:25-15:40 Show of Horse Archers of Kassai Lajos

15:40-16:00 Győri Ördöglovasok – Magical Horse Show

16:00-16:15 Dance House – Gallop Promenade • Cuisine of Hungary

16:15-16:30 HUNGRANA Hussar Gallop – Finals

16:30-16:45 KINCSEM+ Carriage Gallop – Finals

16:55-17:15 Historical Horse Procession

17:30-17:45 OMÉK2017 International Race – Finals

17:55-18:15 National Gallop – Finals • Awards Ceremony

18:20-18:30 Herding of Hortobágy Nonius Horses