Spending Easter in Budapest?
Photo: hdqwalls.com
In our latest entry we would like to provide you with interesting facts and explanation of the Hungarian perception on Easter. Maybe the habits and customs described below slightly differ from your country’s traditions. As we receive guests from all over the world, chances are, you do not celebrate Easter, so we thought it would be a nice idea to give a little explanation on the traditions related to Easter.
Additionally, in the other half of our article, we would like to recommend you 5 things to do in the city during the Easter holiday! So, let’s bunny hop to our article.
Thing you need to know about traditions, customs, and top programmes to do in Budapest during Easter
Photo: szallas.hu
The lore of Easter – what do we celebrate on Easter?
Easter, or “Húsvét” in Hungarian, is one of the most significant holidays in Hungary, blending religious reverence with vibrant traditions and customs. This joyous spring occasion commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, signifying hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over death.
Religious Significance
At its core, Easter holds profound religious importance for Hungarians, marking the culmination of the Lenten season and the climax of the Christian liturgical calendar. The observance of Lent begins with Shrove Tuesday, known as “Húshagyó kedd” or “Farsang.” This day marks the culmination of Carnival season and is traditionally associated with indulgence before the period of fasting. Hungarians partake in feasting on rich, fatty foods like pancakes (“palacsinta”) and doughnuts (fánk), symbolizing the use of up ingredients before Lent begins.
For devout Catholics and other Christian denominations, Easter Sunday represents the pinnacle of faith, symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of salvation.
Photo: romkat.ro
Traditions and Customs
Easter in Hungary is celebrated with a rich tapestry of traditions and customs passed down through generations. One of the most beloved customs is the decorating of Easter eggs, known as “hímestojás” or “festett tojás,” where eggs are intricately painted with colorful designs and patterns. These beautifully adorned eggs are often exchanged as gifts among family and friends, symbolizing new life and prosperity.
Holy Week Observances
Leading up to Easter Sunday, Hungarians observe Holy Week with solemn religious services and processions, reflecting on the passion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Churches across the country hold special liturgies, including Palm Sunday processions and Good Friday services, where worshippers gather to commemorate the crucifixion.
Easter Sunday Celebrations
On Easter Sunday itself, Hungarian families come together to celebrate with feasting and merriment. A traditional Easter breakfast typically features a sumptuous spread of delicacies, including smoked ham (“sonka”), freshly baked bread (“kalács”), and various types of Easter cakes and pastries. One iconic Easter dish is the “túrós csusza,” a savory noodle dish made with cottage cheese and bacon. Just to give you a few ideas about what to try during the holiday season.
Easter Monday Traditions
In Hungary, Easter Monday, known as “Húsvét hétfő,” is celebrated with unique customs, the most notable being the tradition of “locsolás” or “sprinkling.” On this day, young men playfully sprinkle perfumed water or cologne on women and girls, symbolizing fertility, health, and prosperity. The true tradition is a bit more inhumane towards ladies. Young men team up ans hurl buckets of water on girls. In return, the lads receive decorated eggs and sweets as tokens of “appreciation”. Super unfair holiday custom for the ladies!
During the entire holiday there are several workshops where you can learn some ornate patterns to decorate eggs with.
Photo: symbolonintezet.hu
We would also like to share a few ideas where you can spend the holidays in Budapest. We give you a top 5 list of things to do in Budapest around the Easter celebration.
Top 5 Easter Programmes in Budapest
Photo: Travel Triangle
Even though Easter is a banking holiday, and a lot of shops are closed for the holidays, there are several things what you can and should do in Budapest on this spectacular weekend. As we have Easter early this year, this weekend also coincides with the start of the official tourist season in Budapest. Join the numerous open-air programmes and activities what the holiday season has to offer! Hike in town, or if you are more adventurous join excursions in the vicinity of Budapest. In this half of our article we would like to offer you our favorite activities to partake in.
1, Witness the blossoming of cherry trees
Photo: Silverline Cruises
Due to the unusually mild weather this year, the ornamental cherry trees have also started to bloom earlier, so you should be aware if you want to take one or more walks under the pink-covered trees in time. Besides the most visited Tóth Árpád promenade in the Castle district, the Füvészkert in district VIII, the Japanese garden on the Margaret Island, or the Japanese garden in Szentendre are also great places for spring strolls. Szentendre on its own is well-worth to visit during Easter time!
2, Week-long Easter Fair in Újbuda
csodalatosbudapest.hu
Újbuda welcomes families to the Easter Fair held in the district from March 22nd to 30th, 2024. The programs will be available at multiple locations, offering exciting cultural or craft activities from Kelenvölgy to Bartók Quarter to Őrmező. In addition to egg painting, participants can create miniature flower gardens. There will be Easter bread baking and a matinée by the Kolompos Ensemble, as well as a communal egg tree decoration in Őrmező.
Alongside art history lectures, traditional Easter crafts and egg painting await both children and adults. It’s impossible to list all the diverse programs, but the detailed schedule of the fair lasting more than a week can be found here. The program is free, but most of the programmes require registration. For more information check out the link below:
Húsvét Újbudán 2024 | CsodalatosBudapest.hu
3, Easter evening programme on the Danube: Dinner and Folklore show
Photo: Silverline Cruises
If our article had piqued your interest, in terms of deep diving into the holiday customs what better way to learn more about Hungarian traditions than to participate on a Folklore programme on the Danube? Enjoy a lavish 3 or 6 course dinner while feasting your eyes on the flamboyance of the lit-up sights of Budapest. And to topple it all during your cruise talented musicians and dance artists will entertain you. Embodying the true spirit of Hungary. For more details check out the link here. Be sure to embark on a journey with Silverline Cruises and crown your Easter visit in Budapest.
4, Depeche Mode – Memento Mori
Photo: Gotourist.hu
A few days before Easter the MVM Dome is going to be a little bit loud…
This time, one of the most influential synth-pop bands, Depeche Mode, will perform at the MVM Dome. Dave Gahan and the others can show why they are still considered one of the best concert bands on March 26, 2024. The Memento Mori tour returns to Budapest, so after last year’s concert at the Puskás Aréna, this time in a closed space, in a slightly more intimate atmosphere. Depeche Mode have once again partnered with luxury Swiss watchmaker Hublot to support the band’s charity efforts.
Around the tour, Hublot and Depeche Mode will be supporting Conservation Collective, a global network of foundations promoting grassroots environmental initiatives, with a special focus on projects aiming to tackle plastic pollution, waste management, and environmental cleanups. For further information and ticket purchase, be sure to check out the link below:
Depeche Mode (mvm-dome.hu)
5, Take a dip in any of the spas of Budapest
Photo: amusingplanet.com
As we mentioned above in our Easter tradition section, water plays an important role during Easter. As a metaphor of fertility and cleanliness you should visit the spas and relax your tired muscles. We suggest the spa treatment last, as after a busy weekend you need to unwind. Either it is the Széchenyi Bath or the Gellért, Rudas or Lukács, all of them will rejuvenate you for sure. Explore the facilities within each establishment as there are unique features and treatments for you to try.
Easter in Hungary is a time of spiritual reflection, familial bonding, and cultural celebration. Rooted in religious reverence and enlivened by cherished traditions, this holiday serves as a reminder of the enduring values of faith, hope, and love. We hope that you find our programme recommendations to your liking and enjoy at least one activity while you’re spending time in Budapest during the holiday season. Be sure to check our blog next time!
We wish you all Happy Easter!
