SPIRIT April 2014 Mamaison Hotels and Residences | Page 17

blossoms, and the early Spring breeze. This is
April, for you, in Budapest, one of the most
beautiful months of the year.

Visitors, don’t miss the local Húsvét traditions, the Hungarian Easter, and especially
the Easter Market on Vörösmarty tér, where
you can buy seasonal treats, authentic crafts
and souvenirs, all while enjoying traditional
Hungarian foods, specific to this holiday.
Even the mighty Buda Castle has a sunny
disposition these days, exhibiting the finest
of Hungarian traditions, art, culture and gastronomy before the curious visitor.

May Day Celebrations
May Day in Hungary is a public holiday,
an occasion to gather and celebrate together. In Budapest, the main events take
place outdoors under the sun, of course,
at the Városliget city park. There’s something here for everyone, young or old:
traditional foods, local beers and refreshments, music, contests and many other
fun, entertaining activities.
Wine and Dragon Boats
What’s the sun in Budapest, if you cannot
enjoy it at its fullest? Budapest captures
its essence in the rosé wines you can taste
at the prestigious Budapest International
Wine Festival, Rosalia (May 9-11 at Gesztenyés kert); the sun safeguards the boatmen on the Danube as they race in the
European Dragon Boat Championship on
May 11-12, and their fans gathered on the
Rákóczi Bridge to watch the race.
Roman Spring Festival
The ancient Roman spring festival, Floralia,
is a must in May too: the flowers are Nature’s
reflection of the sun, but the festival is not
just a flower exhibition. This is a celebration
of Flora, the goddess of flowers and Spring,
a celebration of life and light, an opportunity for you to feel and party like a Hungarian. Add the Museum of Aquincum to your
itinerary if you happen to be in Budapest on
May 24-25.

Photo: Fotolia

Summer Music Festival
The cultural quest for the sun culminates in
June with the Budapest Summer Festival,
with live music at the Margaret Island Openair Stage and Városmajor Open-air Stage.
Don’t miss it if you stay at one of our hotels
between June 14 and August 20, 2014. and
gastronomy before the curious visitor.
Sakura Festival
Then following the Easter events in early
April, all Budapest continues a sun seeking quest with the Cherry Blossom Festival
(Sakura) at the Füvészkert Botanical Gardens,
with Japanese traditions, and picnics under
the blooming trees. Two weekends claim the
honor of hosting this prestigious and popular event: the second, and the third in the
month. Pick your date, and enjoy the sun, the

St. Stephen’s Day
Speaking of August 20, this is the most important date in the Hungarian calendar:
St. Stephen’s Day, the foundation of the
Hungarian state. No other date is celebrated more enthusiastically. Everywhere you
go in Budapest you will find some special
event designed to honor the country, and
Stephen I, the first king of Hungary. Think
archery shows, air shows, and water parades on the Danube, concerts, free drinks
here and there, and spectacular fireworks
above both embankments of the river
Danube at night.

Take the family to the Budapest Zoo and the
Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, both are
close by our Mamaison Hotel Andrassy and
Mamaison Residence Izabella.

Nature in Budapest
Festivals and special events aside, if you
would rather enjoy a lazy walk in the sunshine, or an active day in nature, you don’t
need to “escape” Budapest to find the perfect spot. Hike up the Janoshegy to get closer to the burning ball of gas in the sky.
If you want a tan, the Budapest Plage in Castle Hill, an urban beach very popular with
the locals, will provide just what you need,
if you don’t mind the crowds.
At the heart of Margaret Island, Palatinus
Strandfürdő is powered by thermal springs.
Albeit touristy, this is the place to come to
unwind after a busy week, sightseeing the
historic heart of Budapest.
Yes, it’s easy to find the sunniest spots to
enjoy the seasons in Budapest, but don’t
forget that the best way to celebrate is by
meeting the locals, and getting to know
them. Just like the brightest stars in the
skies, Hungariens are kind-spirited, welcoming,