An eventful June in Budapest

Photo: blikk.hu

We had a quite e few exciting events this June which spiced up the mundane life of the citizens of Budapest. As summer is kicking in, temperature is rising day by day, still a lot of rain has fallen causing a minor flood in Budapest which could have had far worse consequences. In Passau and other tributaries of the Danube catastrophic flood event. We had Municipal/European Parliament Elections. The hit boyband Coldplay band gave 3 consecutive concerts mid-June. Lastly, the city and its bars are “filled to brim” with football enthusiasts as the European Football Championship was underway from mid to late June. And to topple it all school year is almost over; therefore, a lot of music festivals and outdoor events started this month.

In this article we would like to summarise, or should we say summerize :) the main events which stood out this month in the city of Budapest.

Rising Temperatures and the onset of summer

thermalhungary.net

June marks the beginning of summer in Budapest, with temperatures steadily rising day by day. The warm weather draws people outdoors, filling parks, cafes, and the banks of the Danube River. Especially the Jane Haining quay which is closed off from traffic during the weekends. The place becomes a lovely landscape for youngsters and families alike. This section boasts with places to sit down and marvel at the Danube while enjoying a cool or two. Bike events, yoga classes and perfect opportunity to jog makes the Jane Haining quay a splendid choice for everyone in the summer. The city’s residents and tourists alike bask in the sun, enjoying the longer days and the lively atmosphere that summer brings. Outdoor activities and events become the norm, as the city gears up for a season of festivals, concerts, and sporting events.

Early June flood: A close call

Photo: bellenews.com

Early June brought a minor flood to Budapest, reminding residents of the power of the Danube. While the flood was not devastating, it served as a stark reminder of the river’s potential to disrupt daily life. Heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt in the upper Danube basin led to rising water levels, causing concern among city officials and residents. Due to the recent heavy downpours across Europe the water level of the Danube had risen drastically.

Fortunately, Budapest’s flood defences proved effective in containing the water. The city’s emergency services were well-prepared, ensuring minimal disruption. This flood could have been much worse, especially considering the catastrophic flooding in Passau, Germany, around the same time. There the water level has risen above 10 meters. The severe conditions in Passau highlighted the importance of vigilance and preparedness in Budapest.

Coldplay’s concerts at Puskás Arena

Photo: globalticketing.us

Mid-June saw a series of spectacular performances by the legendary band Coldplay. The band, known for their electrifying stage presence and timeless hits, performed in Budapest on three occasions, drawing massive crowds from all over Hungary and beyond. The concerts took place at the Puskás Arena, which was filled each night. The band spares no effort, putting great emphasis on visuals, stage design, sound, and, of course, the atmosphere at every performance. The theme for 2024 is space, so they released planet-shaped balls into the audience, who joyfully tossed them around during the spectacular party. Additionally, they distributed wristbands to fans before the concert, which lit up in different colours and rhythms with each song, making the experience even more epic. The band also performed their latest song as a surprise for the Hungarian audience for the first time, and Chris Martin attempted to greet the crowd in Hungarian.

Coldplay’s performances were a highlight of the month, with fans singing along to classics like “Fix You,” “Viva La Vida,” and “Yellow.” The band’s interaction with the audience and the mesmerizing light shows added to the magical experience. For many attendees, these concerts were a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and they left with memories that will last a lifetime.

Football Fever: European Championship

Photo: Thrillist

Even though hosted in German, June also saw Budapest become a hub for football enthusiasts as the European Championship kicked off. The city’s bars and public viewing areas were filled to the brim with fans cheering for their favourite teams. The excitement was palpable, with people donning their team’s colours and flags waving in the air. Fans from various countries flocked to the city, bringing a diverse and energetic vibe. The influx of visitors provided a significant boost to local businesses, particularly bars, restaurants, and hotels for a short time.

The championship’s impact extended beyond the matches themselves, as fan zones and public screenings brought people together to celebrate the spirit of football. The shared excitement among fans, regardless of their team allegiance, highlighted the unifying power of this sport.
If you are in Budapest and you do not want to miss out on a favourite match or sport event be sure to visit one of the numerous sports bars which Budapest has to offer.

End of the school year and the start of Festival Season

Photo: cvc.org

As the school year ended, students across Budapest eagerly anticipated the summer break. The end of exams and the beginning of the holidays brought a sense of relief and excitement. For many, it marked the start of a season filled with music festivals, outdoor events, and cultural activities.
For smaller children, the Island of Children (Gyerek Sziget), the Hahota Theathre in the City Park, and the Nagyrét Feszt in Hűvösvölgy provided fun this month. With hiking, crafting, and theatrical activities respectively these were truly fun for the whole family.

Budapest’s festival season kicked off with a bang in late June. The city hosted several music festivals, attracting both local and international artists. These festivals offered a wide range of genres, catering to diverse musical tastes. From rock and pop to electronic and classical music, there was something for everyone.

One of the standout events was the start of the annual Budapest Summer Festival, which features performances in the city’s parks and open-air venues. The festival showcases a mix of concerts, theatre productions, and dance performances, providing entertainment for all ages. The lively atmosphere and high-quality performances drew large crowds, adding to the city’s vibrant summer scene.

Outdoor Events and Activities

Photo: legfittebbmunkahely

June’s warm weather and long days provided the perfect backdrop for a variety of outdoor events and activities. The city’s parks and squares hosted markets, fairs, and cultural events, inviting people to explore and enjoy the offerings. One popular event was the weekly farmer’s market at Szimpla Kert, where visitors could buy fresh produce, artisanal goods, and enjoy live music. The Promenade above Jane Haining quay hosted the Book festival. Stretching until Vörösmarty tér, all the Hungarian publishers along with a few ones from neighbouring countries were present on this event.

Unfortunately, this month from the 3rd until the 30th one of the most visited parks of Budapest is closed for renovation. Hopefully the constructions will not delay ensuring that the Orczy Park will be opened in July.

The Danube River also played a central role in the month’s activities. River cruises, kayaking, and speedboating became popular pastimes, allowing people to experience Budapest from a different perspective. The riverside promenades were bustling with joggers, cyclists, and families enjoying leisurely walks on the weekends. The Move by Night (Mozgás Éjszakája) on the 14th attracted a lot of active residents of the city, to exercise even in the late-night hours.

In addition, the cold-water leisure swimming pools such as Palatinus and Dagály, Budapest’s famous thermal baths, such as Széchenyi and Gellért, saw an influx of visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The outdoor pools provided a refreshing escape from the summer heat, while the historical architecture added to the charm of the experience.

XI. SUP festival on the Danube

Photo: Budapest SUP fesztivál FB page

And to topple it all on June 29th (in case of rain 30th) as soon as the water level got fine the announcement for the XI. Sup festival was announced. Lovers of this board sport start their journey from Római part and gently sail down toward Kopaszi gát. For the ninth time, you can discover our wonderful capital from a completely new perspective, from the middle of the Danube. This event is not only for the domestic and international SUP community but for everyone who loves nature, is open to new sports, and wants to get to know Budapest from the Danube. This fun and colourful event is a spectacle to witness when visiting Budapest. Better yet, participate! Here are the details:

(20+) IX. Budapest Sup Fesztivál | Facebook

We hope that we collected all the interesting topic in June, be sure to read our next entry in July.
Enjoy your summer vacation in Budapest!

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