Page 13 - -SPIRIT April 2014 Mamaison Hotels and Residences

blossoms, and the early Spring breeze. This is St. Stephen’s Day
April, for you, in Budapest, one of the most Speaking of August 20, this is the most im-
beautiful months of the year. portant date in the Hungarian calendar:
St. Stephen’s Day, the foundation of the
May Day Celebrations Hungarian state. No other date is celebrat-
May Day in Hungary is a public holiday, ed more enthusiastically. Everywhere you
an occasion to gather and celebrate to- go in Budapest you will find some special
gether. In Budapest, the main events take event designed to honor the country, and
place outdoors under the sun, of course, Stephen I, the first king of Hungary. Think
at the Városliget city park. There’s some- archery shows, air shows, and water pa-
thing here for everyone, young or old: rades on the Danube, concerts, free drinks
traditional foods, local beers and refresh- here and there, and spectacular fireworks
ments, music, contests and many other above both embankments of the river
fun, entertaining activities. Danube at night.
Visitors, don’t miss the local Húsvét tradi-
tions, the Hungarian Easter, and especially Wine and Dragon Boats
the Easter Market on Vörösmarty tér, where What’s the sun in Budapest, if you cannot
you can buy seasonal treats, authentic crafts enjoy it at its fullest? Budapest captures
and souvenirs, all while enjoying traditional its essence in the rosé wines you can taste
Hungarian foods, specific to this holiday. at the prestigious Budapest International
Wine Festival, Rosalia (May 9-11 at Gesz-
Even the mighty Buda Castle has a sunny tenyés kert); the sun safeguards the boat-
disposition these days, exhibiting the finest men on the Danube as they race in the
of Hungarian traditions, art, culture and gas- European Dragon Boat Championship on
tronomy before the curious visitor. May 11-12, and their fans gathered on the
Rákóczi Bridge to watch the race.
Roman Spring Festival
The ancient Roman spring festival, Floralia, Nature in Budapest
is a must in May too: the flowers are Nature’s Festivals and special events aside, if you
reflection of the sun, but the festival is not would rather enjoy a lazy walk in the sun-
just a flower exhibition. This is a celebration shine, or an active day in nature, you don’t
of Flora, the goddess of flowers and Spring, need to “escape” Budapest to find the per-
a celebration of life and light, an opportu- fect spot. Hike up the Janoshegy to get clos-
nity for you to feel and party like a Hungar- er to the burning ball of gas in the sky.
ian. Add the Museum of Aquincum to your
itinerary if you happen to be in Budapest on If you want a tan, the Budapest Plage in Cas-
May 24-25. tle Hill, an urban beach very popular with
the locals, will provide just what you need,
Take the family to the Budapest Zoo and the if you don’t mind the crowds.
Summer Music Festival Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, both are
The cultural quest for the sun culminates in close by our Mamaison Hotel Andrassy and At the heart of Margaret Island, Palatinus
June with the Budapest Summer Festival, Mamaison Residence Izabella. Strandfürdő is powered by thermal springs.
with live music at the Margaret Island Open- Albeit touristy, this is the place to come to
air Stage and Városmajor Open-air Stage. unwind after a busy week, sightseeing the
Don’t miss it if you stay at one of our hotels historic heart of Budapest.
between June 14 and August 20, 2014. and
gastronomy before the curious visitor.
Yes, it’s easy to find the sunniest spots to
Sakura Festival enjoy the seasons in Budapest, but don’t
Then following the Easter events in early forget that the best way to celebrate is by
April, all Budapest continues a sun seek- meeting the locals, and getting to know
ing quest with the Cherry Blossom Festival them. Just like the brightest stars in the
(Sakura) at the Füvészkert Botanical Gardens, skies, Hungariens are kind-spirited, wel-
with Japanese traditions, and picnics under coming, and warm, with beaming sunshiny
the blooming trees. Two weekends claim the smiles during this season. ■
Photo: Fotolia ular event: the second, and the third in the Welcome to Budapest!
honor of hosting this prestigious and pop-
month. Pick your date, and enjoy the sun, the

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