Easter Traditions and Christian Cultural Programs over the Long Weekend

As the long Easter weekend is here, everyone across the country can look forward to a colorful program of activities. Turizmus.com has put together a list of places to go if those interested are looking to get out and about on one or more days over the weekend.

If someone is not too keen to get out of the Budapest area but still wants to experience a village Easter, the Hungarian Openair Museum in Szentendre is the perfect middle ground, as it offers both Christian cultural traditions and Easter folk customs.

However, there are other places outside Szentendre where those interested can experience the Easter traditions.

The Sóstó Village Museum in Nyíregyháza (northeastern Hungary) transports visitors back to the 19th century village setting, turning traditions into an Easter weekend experience.

In addition to cultural festivals and religious commemorations, Lake Balaton is also hosting an increasing number of sporting events promoting a healthy lifestyle. In Siófok (southern shore of Lake Balaton), for example, there will be an egg and rabbit race and a 15-meter world record sandwich.

Those who want to cycle around Lake Balaton should visit the BalatonBike 365 stations, where bikes of all sizes can be rented, and there will be a bike egg hunt from Balatonfüred (northern shore of Lake Balaton).

The Folly Arboretum in (Badacsonytomaj, northern shore) offers extended opening hours and a renewed, special program for the long weekend. In the evenings, plants are brought to life by light painting and light animation, along with a pinecone exhibition, and a new detective game.

The Kőröshegy Lavender Field opens on Easter, where visitors are welcome to harvest daffodils and tulips. The tulip harvest was only scheduled to start on April 4, but a post on their Facebook page reveals that the special event started on March 29. There are selfie points as well as rows of flowers that cannot be picked, with a separate tulip field to guarantee a colorful backdrop for photos.

Not far from Budapest, several villages offer special Easter activities for families. This year, the Hollókő Easter Festival runs for four days, with programs such as plum dumpling cooking and dance lessons.

At Mátraverebély-Szentkút (national shrine in northern Hungary), visitors can immerse themselves in the holiday and even join in an evening liturgy.

Moreover, folklore performances, egg painting, decorating demonstrations, as well as craft activities are held at the Art on Egg Museum in Zengővárkony (Míves Tojás Múzeum, southern Hungary) between March 24 and April 1.

On Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, visitors can learn about the Matyó traditions at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mezőkövesd (northern Hungary). Museums, exhibitions, art galleries, and the Zsóry Thermal Bath and Spa are open during the holiday.

In addition, on the first day of the spring break, Hungary’s first and only safari car park reopened its doors.

With new attractions, an extended long Easter weekend program, more animals, and safari themed accommodation available for booking, the Richter Safari Park awaits visitors.

Among the park’s animals, visitors are able to admire wild animals, mainly from circus work, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, camels, llamas, ostriches, horses, and this season’s new resident Pablo, the Nile hippo, on the more than three kilometer-long safari trail.

On the opening weekend, the park welcomes nearly 100 families from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in special activities, alongside the park’s free Easter weekend programs.

Via Turizmus.com; Featured image via Facebook/Siófok Guide