Five Traditional Easter Celebrations
In Hungary Easter (Húsvét) is symbolized by Easter eggs, Easter bunnies, Easter bread, Easter ham and the tradition of sprinkling the women with perfume. The best Easter programs are in the countryside where traditional Easter celebrations are held. Here are some recommendations:
Easter Festival in Hollókő
Easter Monday in Hollókő
The Easter Festival in Hollókő is probably the most famous in Hungary. Hollókő is known for embracing the folk traditions of the 18th century, where locals dress up in traditional costumes for the Easter festivities. There are several programs and activities during the two-day Easter Festival, including egg painting, folklore programs, arts and crafts and kids programs. Visitors can sample traditional Easter dishes.
Easter Mondays are usually lot of fun in Hollókő, as 'Dousing Day' is practiced following old traditions. Boys would douse the girls with buckets of water to ensure they become good wives. In exchange for the dousing the girls would reward the boys with Easter eggs – the main reason for which Easter eggs are decorated in Hungary.
When: April 8-9, 2012
Admission: HUF 2,000 for adults and HUF 1,000 for kids/students/seniors
More info: holloko.hu
Hollókő is approx. 2 hours from Budapest
'Matyó' Easter at Mezőkövesd
Mezőkövesd Matyó Easter
Another town known for its old folk traditions, beautiful embroidery and uniquely decorated Easter eggs is Mezőkövesd, the home of the Matyó, an ethnic group in Hungary. Easter celebrations are held in the ‘Hadas’ district, the oldest part of Mezőkövesd. Easter events and activities include folk crafts, Easter egg painting, wine tasting, Easter ham sampling and petting zoo for the kids.
Photo courtesy of hattyu
When: April 8-9, 2012
Where: Hadas district, Mezőkövesd
Mezőkövesd is approx. one and a half hour from Budapest
Easter in Noszvaj
Oven backed Easter bread from Noszvaj
This small village near Eger is one of the few places in Hungary where many of the locals still practice traditional folk crafts as their profession. These range from woodcarving to egg painting and visitors can partake in many of the activities and enjoy live folk music and dance performances. Visitors can sample traditional, oven backed Easter bread with raisins, walnuts or poppy-seed and taste the local wine.
When: April 8-9, 2012
Admission: HUF 600 for adults and HUF 300 for kids/students (admission includes Easter bread tasting)
Noszvaj is approx. 2 hours from Budapest
Easter in Szépasszony-völgy, Eger
Known for its famous red wine, ‘Bull’s Blood’, Eger is also a favorite destination for Easter celebrations. The place to visit is Szépasszony-völgy, ‘The Valley of the Beautiful Women’, just south of the city, where visitors can participate in Easter egg decorating, learn traditional folk dancing, visit the folk art fair and of course taste the regions’ full-bodied red wines.
When: April 7-8, 2012
Where: Szépasszony-völgy, Eger
Eger is approx. one and a half hour from Budapest
Easter in Szentendre
Egg painting in Szentendre
Another great place to witness a traditional Hungarian Easter is Szentendre, which is just outside of Budapest. The festivities take place at the Skanzen, the Open Air Ethnographic Museum, and they include Easter egg painting, dance and music, various kids programs, articraft and gastro fair.
When: April 8-9, 2012
Where: Skanzen, Sztaravodai út
Admission: HUF 1,600 for adults and HUF 800 for students/seniors, family tickets are available
More info: skanzen.hu
Szentendre is approx. 20 minutes from Budapest
Opening Hours & Good to Know
Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are public holidays in Hungary and most businesses are closed on both days. Also, the metro, buses, streetcars, trolley buses, etc. will run less frequently. Restaurants, cafés and cinemas will be open. Shops and businesses are open on Good Friday.
For Easter programs in Budapest and a brief overview of Easter traditions in Hungary visit our Easter page.
Book your Budapest Hotel Stay for Easter
If you are planning to be in Budapest for Easter check out or hotel guide.
very helpful info for easter time in bpest
thanks