Welcome to the grand celebration of Budapest’s 150th anniversary!
The 17th of November is going to be an exceptional date for the city of Budapest. The unification of Pest, Buda and Old Buda happened in 1873. In the annals of Hungarian history, this pivotal moment forever changed the life of the three cities and gave birth to a small metropolis in Eastern Europe. The capital of Hungary Budapest celebrates its 150th anniversary. As we commemorate a century and a half of rich history, vibrant culture, and dynamic growth, join us in honouring the heart and soul of this enchanting city. The government organises a bevy of interesting programmes and events for the occasion. In this article we would like to give you a little history how Budapest came to be and recommend you exciting programmes all over the city.
From the iconic Danube to the majestic Buda Castle, Budapest has evolved into a symbol of resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of its people. Let the festivities begin, as we revel in the past, relish the present, and anticipate a future filled with continued prosperity and cultural brilliance. Cheers to 150 years of Budapest’s timeless charm!
The story of three cities
photo: Silverline cruises
The two main part of the city Buda and Pest coexisted next to each other divided by the Danube.
Pest is relatively new compared to the other parts. Its name according to one theory derives from a Transylvanian – Slavic word “pech” meaning furnace or oven. This refers to the numerous potteries and related claypits near the banks of the Danube. The first settlements were established around the 13th century. After Pest became a thriving merchant town.
Óbuda (Old Buda) is the oldest of settle among the three. Originally it was a Roman settlement established around 80 A.D. Even today there are visible traces of the Roman civilization in the Aquincum region. However slowly Óbuda lost its significance over time later giving birth to the future seat of power Buda.
Buda became the successor of Óbuda roughly during the 11th century. However, the settlement on the top of the Buda Hill was fortified only after the Mongolian invasion in 1242. Laying down the foundation of the Buda Castle district we all know and love today. Only during the reign of Matthias, the royal court was moved to Buda. During the Turkish occupation Buda hold high importance for the Sultan, also using the surroundings as main military headquarters for future assaults on the West.
It wasn’t until the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, marking the establishment of the Dual Monarchy, that the prospect of unity emerged. Franz Joseph I, recognizing the need for cohesion within the Hungarian realm, sanctioned the unification of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda into a single entity in 1873. The birth of Budapest was thus realized, forming the vibrant capital that stands proudly today.
This amalgamation was not merely a union of geographical entities but a convergence of cultural, economic, and political forces. The iconic Chain Bridge, spanning the Danube, became a symbolic link, solidifying the unity of Buda and Pest. The amalgamation fueled an era of rapid urban development, witnessing the construction of architectural marvels that still grace the cityscape.
So what’s happenin’ in town?
If it’s a birthday, then it’s a cake!
When: 17, November 2023
Where: MKVM (Magyar Kereskedelmi és Vendéglátóipari Múzeum)
Address: 1036 Budapest, Korona tér 1.
Phone: +36 1 375 6249
Photo: sweetpsbaking.blogspot.com
Budapest is preparing for its 150th anniversary with a birthday cake that symbolizes the past in its ingredients and the future in its appearance. Celebrate Budapest’s 150th birthday with a genuine Budapest cake!
The Budapest 150 Cake will be the first confectionery product officially bearing the city’s name. The winning cake from the competition will be unveiled for the first time on November 17, 2023, in a solemn ceremony commemorating the 150th anniversary of Budapest’s unification. From this point on, you can taste it in any pastry shop that applies to the Hungarian Confectioners Guild.
The ingredient groups were compiled based on research by the Hungarian Museum of Commerce and Hospitality. Therefore, the flavor of the cakes submitted to the competition will match what the people of Pest could taste in a Budapest pastry shop in 1873. However, the form and the technologies used are modern, allowing the past and present to coexist in a single creation.
Be sure to taste the flavour of Budapest.
Party on the tram?!
When: 16-17-18 November 2023
Where: On tram 49 between Deák tér and Kelenföld
Photo: 150.budapest.hu
Let’s go party before we go to party! For the occasion of Budapest’s 150th birthday, the party tram is rolling out again, one of the city’s most unique, mobile party venues! On November 16-17-18, DJs will be heating up the mood on tram line 49 between Kelenföld and Deák Ferenc tér stops!
Register in the ÉnBudapestem application, open the Party Tram event in the Discounts for Budapest’s Birthday section, and get the picture needed for boarding! Don’t miss out on this special journey.
Celebrate the birthday of the capital in one of the prestigious baths!
When: 17 November 2023 from10AM
Where: Various Spas and Thermal baths run by BGYH.
Registration required!
Photo: i.pinimg.com
The Budapest Baths and Thermal Waters Co. offers entry for 150 forints from November 4th in honor of the November 17th celebration. But if you have the ÉnBudapestem Application, you can already enjoy the discount on November 3rd. With a downloaded, functional app, you can purchase 2 or 4 tickets in a single transaction depending on the bath capacity in the BGyH webshop, all. The tickets are only valid for entry on November 17th.
You should know that it’s worth hurrying with the ÉnBudapestem App ticket purchase on November 3rd because only 2000 tickets will be available that day. During the purchase, you need to provide your name, and on November 17th, you must present your valid ID with a Budapest address in your name. Temporary addresses for the baths are also accepted, but they must be in Budapest and match the buyer’s name.
Unfortunately, only locals and expats who have the valid Budapest address cards and the pre-purchased tickets can enter the spas on this day.
The music steps out of the usual framework
When: 16 November 2023
Where: Various locations
Picture: Fanpop.com
Classical music at popular entertainment venues for those who seek this experience less frequently in concert halls. The organizer of the harmonious events is the Capital, the Budapest Brand, and the Budapest 150 project, with the Festival Orchestra joining as an artistic partner. For the first time in history the lineup becomes international. Alongside BFZ artists, this time, international students from the Liszt Academy will bring their instruments to their favorite places, and young foreign artists organized by the embassies of partner countries will also participate.
The music will move to dozens of locations, not only in the city center but also in the outer districts. The concerts start in the late afternoon and may last until midnight at some venues.
Locations:
- Tomory Lajos Múzeum telephelye, Herrich-Kiss villa
- Külvárosi Kávéház – 1041 Budapest István út 26.
- Béla Bár – Bartók Béla út
- KEG Sörház – Orlay utca 1.
- Szatyor/Hadik – Bartók Béla út
- Mitzi Café – Bartók Béla út
- Három Holló Kávéház – Piarista köz 1.
- Magvető Café – Dohány u. 13.
- Lumen – Horánszky u. 5.
- Púder Bárszínház – Ráday u. 8.
- ISON – Hársfa u. 25.
- Babka Étterem – Pozsonyi út 20.
- Turbina Kulturális Központ – Vajdahunyad utca 4.
The concerts mainly start at 18:00 and finish around 22:00 at most locations. Három Holló and Turbina are the two venues where concerts start later. In Turbina, the first concert begins after 23:00.
Participation is free everywhere, but where possible, it’s advisable to reserve a table as seats fill up quickly.
X-mas is right around the corner!
Photo: dailynewshungary.com
In addition, the Christmas markets also kick off on this weekend on 17th November. Both significant Xmas markets, on the Vörösmarty square and in front of the St Stephan’s Basilica are ready to attract people from all around the world. We are going to discuss them in detail in December, so stay tuned and be sure to check out our next entry soon!
