8 Reasons to Spend Easter in Budapest

“Epic architecture. Fascinating history. Hot springs. Just a few of the things that makes Hungary’s capital such an appealing destination for a city break, all year round. And Easter is as good a time as any to visit. If you haven’t quite made up your mind, we’re here to help. Here are eight top reasons on why you should spend Easter in Budapest.

1. The Traditional Easter Eats
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After 40 days of lent, locals in Budapest like to feast. Holy Saturday is an excuse to dine well and, like most Hungarian meals, the food is hearty. Traditionally, an Easter meal here consists of smoked ham, boiled eggs, chunky potato salad and sweet milk bread.

If that’s got you feeling peckish, head to SonkaArcok, a downtown restaurant known for its menu of local and international smoked hams. It’s a top choice.

2. Crafts at The Spring Fair
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Each year Vörösmarty Square comes to life with colourful stalls selling Hungarian crafts and delicacies. Pick up souvenirs like ceramics crafted by Magyar clans and embroidered textiles.

It’s a great place to try local foods like lángos – a deep-fried bread eaten with sour cream topping – warming goulash soup or smoked mangalica sausage. The square is right by the Danube, so you can walk off your Easter treats by the river afterwards.

Vörösmarty Square, Budapest, Hungary – By Dguendel – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46982185

3. Egg Painting at the Várkert Bazár
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Held in abundant parkland, overlooked by Buda Castle, the annual Easter Market at the Várkert Bazár celebrates the start of the warmer seasons.

Join in workshops teaching you how to paint eggs – a tradition that dates back pre-Magyar times – and let little ones loose in the petting zoo.

Once you’ve unleashed your artistic side, stay for the programme of entertainment, which includes flamenco dancing and puppet shows.

4. Easter Egg Hunting
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You don’t have to miss out on traditional chocolate egg hunt in Budapest – the Riverside Church, for one, will hold an egg hunt for children on 11 April this year. Head to leafy Csörsz Park to join the search for 800 eggs. Expect games, quizzes and snacks too.

If you can’t make it to that one, head to the Hungarian Railway Museum to search for Easter Bunnies hidden in the trees in the surrounding park.

_The Southern Railway type 17c No. 372 steam locomotive at the Budapest Railway Museum – By Tábla – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17429784_5. The Skanzen Hungarian Open Air Museum
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Take a trip back in time in Skanzen, a huge open-air museum that’s just a 40-minute drive from Budapest.

A purpose-built village, the Skanzen Hungarian Open Air Museum offers you a glimpse into how life in the region would have been 200 years ago. Over 60 hectares, you can see actors dressed in folk costume going about their daily duties. At Easter, Skanzen celebrates with traditional dances, games and feasts.

6. Music at the Pont Festival
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Over three days at the Várkert Bazár, artists from around the world come together to celebrate Hungarian heritage.

This year the focus will be on Georgian and Armenian artists and the programme incorporates vocal polyphony and kochari dancing. Events will take place in the main hall and outdoors in the Castle Garden Bazar and there’ll be stalls selling local wines and beers too.

Catch the festival between 11 and 12 April 2019.

_Várkert Bazár, Budapest, Hungary. Central Europe. Pont Festival 2017 – By Elekes Andor – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57700414_7. Easter Mass at St Stephen’s Basilica
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Over Easter weekend you can see processions and services at Budapest’s majestic St Stephen’s Basilica. The largest church in the city, it features a huge domed ceiling – step inside for a service and look up at the intricate decorations.

When the celebrations have finished, walk up to the observation deck for a panoramic view over the city.

8. Locsolkodás in Hollókő
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One more reason to put Budapest at the top of your Easter travel bucket list is Locsolkodás. With pagan roots, this unusual tradition sees men drenching women with buckets of water and being rewarded with alcohol and pastries.

While it’s no longer a regular sight on the streets of Budapest, you can travel to Hollókő – about an hour’s drive from Budapest – for the annual Easter festival. Locals dress in folk costume and drench the women before feasting and dancing at a medieval outdoor party by the castle.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed village is in full swing for Easter between 12 and 13 April 2019.

### Plan Your Easter Break

Hungarian treats and quirky traditions await, book your Budapest break or find Budapest hotels with Expedia.

#### Photo Credits

Cover pic: Danube River – Credit: Imagebox/TM”