Jewish Festival 25 August to 1 September 2013

Budapest is home to one of the largest synagogues in the world, the beautiful Dohány Street Synagogue, which is the centre for the Jewish Festival that started back in 1998 as a way of introducing Jewish culture (music, dance, fine art, books and film) to as many people as possible. Now it’s a firm favourite in Hungary and around the world, attracting many renowned artists to perform at several venues around the city. It’s a chance for visitors to understand and learn the traditions of the thousands-of-year-old culture and be entertained by one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe. For more info visit www.zsidonyarifesztival.hu/

Debrecen Flower Carnival 15-21 August 2013

The Flower Carnival is a week-long festival that takes places in Debrecen, Hungary’s second largest city in the east of the country. The exquisite flower cars that take part in the parade on 20 August are exhibited throughout the city during the week, so that visitors can see some of the most amazing blooms and creative designs of the floats. The history of the Flower Carnival dates back to the beginning of the last century when the Debrecen Civil Bicycle Association organised a bicycle competition on the association’s new field. The highlight of the competition – reported the newspaper of the age – was a large-scale flower corso. Now flower cars and dance groups come from all over the world to take part. The city more than doubles in size and visitors are treated to lots of entertainment programmes and a wonderful party atmosphere. For more info visit www.iranydebrecen.hu

Budapest International Wine & Champagne Festival 11-15 September 2013

Wine lovers can enjoy an excellent weekend of tasting award winning wines in the atmospheric grounds of the Buda Castle Palace in the Castle District, overlooking the city, when Budapest hosts the International Wine Festival in September. Bringing together boutique wine producers from Hungary’s 20 wine regions this is a great opportunity to try some of the superb wines that Hungary is producing, as well as wines from some international producers. There are also many gastronomic delights on offer for visitors to try traditional Hungarian cuisine as well as music and other performances. Entry is HUF 2,500 (around £8.50) per person per day and includes a crystal tasting glass and holder, plus free entry to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest Historical Museum. Tasting tickets cost from HUF100 to HUF1, 000 (30p to £3.30) and can be purchased at the festival. For more info visit www.aborfesztival.hu   

Budapest Marathon 13 October 2013

Runners looking for a picturesque and almost entirely flat course should head to Budapest for the 28th Spa Budapest Marathon in 13 October. Highlighted by CNN Travel recently in their list of the top worldwide marathons the course runs along both sides of the Danube, through the historic district and pass some of the city’s most iconic sights. The start line is Heroes’ Square and this year it is expected around 20,000 runners will take part. Combine it with a city break to this fascinating capital city and you are onto to a winner - or personal best at least. For more info visit www.budapestmarathon.com

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For further information please contact: Karin Jones karin@ipr-online.co.uk