Over 300 types of brandy, the best Hungarian specialties and great music in a fascinating city: Budapest invites you to spend a week drinking the most famous Hungarian liquor, Palinka, during the fifth annual Palinka Festival, celebrated from May 6th to May 9th.

This celebration of one of the most historically important and famous Hungarian drinks will take place in the centric park Vásrosháza. First mention of palinka was made in the 14th century as “Aqua Vitae Reginae Hungariae”. Most likely, these spirits were used as a remedy for common ailments. Today palinka is a product which bears the label Designation of Origin, which means that following EU regulations only what is produced and bottled in Hungary may use the name palinka. It also must be distilled from 100% fruit, normally prunes, apricots or pears, but also sometimes apples, berries or herbs. There are various main types of palinka with an infinity of variations, including the classic Kisüsti (twice distilled), Érlelt (aged for 6 to 12 months in wooden barrels), Ó (aged for 12 to 14 months), Ágyas, (palinka aged for three months together with the fruit) and Törköly (distilled from grapes),which is used above all as a digestive.

The festival will bring together the best manufacturers of Hungarian palinka, along with small family distilleries who make limited productions of very high quality.

Musical programming every day from 18 h. to 20h features both Hungarian and international groups.

Even if you are not a lover of fine spirits, remember that the Palinka Festival offers much more, excellent Hungarian dishes and afternoons of live music right in the heart of Budapest. The event is a singular opportunity to sink into belly of Hungarian culinary culture, and get to know the traditions which will make your trip to Budapest even more exciting. For the best lodging rent centric apartments in Budapest.