Mesterségek Ünnepe: Festival of Folk Arts
This one’s a celebration of tradition, crafts and, perhaps seemingly curious considering its location, France. Mesterségek Ünnepe (which means, “celebration of crafts”) has grown steadily over the years, attracting huge crowds to the city’s stunning Castle District. As the years have progressed, so has the variety of craft and folk art and artists involved, leading to an eclectic array of the most noted representatives of all branches of folk art.
The event’s a chance to see some of the most noted Hungarian masters and traditional craftsmen at work, as well as to celebrate folk art and all that it entails. Artists will lead both children and adults in hands-on workshops, divulging the age-old secrets of their crafts and teaching techniques; they’ll also be bringing their workshops to the festival! Be wowed by the skills of wood carvers, mat makers, calico makers, felt makers, embroiderers, wheel-wrights, rope makers, blacksmiths, potters, musical instrument makers, harness makers, weavers, lance makers, egg painters and honey cake makers. Phew!
During the four-day celebration, in addition to the workshops and artisan, well, artistry, the area around the Buda Royal Palace will be bejeweled with musicians, singers and dancers from across the world. They’ll be performing folk arts, of course!
Beside handicraft exhibitions, traditional fairs and music and dance performances, there’ll also be a huge emphasis on childrens’ folksy fun. Piles of activities for little hands will be laid on, including playhouses to practice planking, reed-mace spinning, ragdoll making, string weaving, leather washing, paper flooding and pottery. Just be prepared for the development of some difficult-to-maintain hobbies.
This year, France will be the specially invited guest of the event. As a result, regional masters, traditional craftsmen, folk dance, gastronomy and fine wines will all feature. As well as a French theme, a specific focus of the event will be basketwork (you know, the funky way to go to market). Familiar with straw, reed-mace, husk, wand or sedge? No? Then get down there! Check out the related exhibition at the Hungarian National Gallery(August 18th-27th), too.
Dates: August 20-23
1011 Budapest, around the Buda Castle
More info:
Népművészeti Egyesületek Szövetsége (Association Of Hungarian Folk Artists) www.nesz.hu