A whole festival dedicated to a type of pig that is born and raised in Hungary, an animal which has been a fundamental part of Hungarian cuisine and that today is protected with supervised breeding of the highest quality: the Mangalica. It´s a pig of considerable size and of a unique appearance that also has long curly hair, almost like a ´funk´ pig. Of course, this is just the appearance because the important thing is the flavour, which is loved by all the people who attend this festival dedicated to this animal year after year.

Hungarian cooking tradition owes a lot to the Mangalica, something which has always been acknowledged, although it was in 2007 that a group of breeding enthusiasts and gastronomical entrepreneurs, as well as the local council, decided to organize a gastronomical festival about the products, sub-products, typical dishes, history, breeding techniques and everything about this type of pig. The result became one of the most popular festivals in Budapest.

The even consists in a large national exhibition of breeders of this type of pig as well as restaurants, chefs, wine stands, regional spirits, sub-products of the Mangalica and producers of honey, cheeses, chocolates and jams. As well as the gastronomical side, there are many activities for children and live music, the latter being a section that grows year after year, focusing on folk, medieval and traditional genres. On the other hand, there´s the cooking competition that can be individual or in group.

To participate in the cooking competition, you will have had to have sent a form well in advance, since nothing goes unplanned with the event organization board. The main thing is to have a large quantity of Mangalica meat, both for cooking in the food stands and in the competition, and this is never a letdown, since there might be too much of it but never too little. Regarding the food that is consumed at the festival, especially the roast food, it´s strictly controlled by the Mangalica National Association so that they don´t come across breeders that do not comply with the rigorous quality controls.

The festival has been taking place for six years in different locations in Hungary, being the biggest festival of the capital, Budapest. In this 2013 edition, it will be moving to Liberty Square due to the commodity of access to the place with public transport and also the commodity of having a large green area there. Also, there will be sheds for the exhibition of the different types of Mangalicas, the most popular ones in the country.

The festival will take place from the 8th to the 10th of February and entry is free, yet another reason to seriously consider visiting Budapest on these dates and enjoy the country´s most typical gastronomy and products. All of this will accompanied by an excellent selection of bands that will liven up one of the most popular winter festivals and, of course, with the best atmosphere, service and warmth on behalf of the people of Budapest.

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Traveling is more than geographically relocating, traveling is an experience or rather a set of experiences. When you have restless feet and feel the traveler itch in gut ,your brain is willing to experience new sensations. The unknown attracts us more than anything else, so many people are looking for more than just visit the most famous monuments and to take a few pictures. If you are thinking of visiting a European city and you have never been to Budapest,  you must know that it is a wonderful option where you will discover a fascinating culture. And, if you want to do something original we will give 5 proposals for Hungary live differently.

 
1. The wine route

As in the case of other Central European countries, the Hungarian wine is gaining a renaissance in recent years while recovering and adapting tradition to rival the best wines in the world. In Budapest you can book several wine tasting tours to visit various wineries and learn winemaking in different wineries while tasting delicious wines accompanied by delicious appetizers. Buda, close to Budapest, is one of the places to visit, because since the eighteenth century it has been an important spot in the production of wine. The development being carried out even with traditional techniques,something that will be very interesting to watch.

2. Tours by Segway

The Segway is a fashionable and a very practical and fun way to know a city without tiring too quickly. The segway tours that are offered are usually about two hours, including a learning period so that we learn how to handle this fun transportation and be virtually autonomous. Some of the best locations to visit in Budapest are the Basilica St Stephen or the Hungarian State Opera House.

 
3. Horse Riding

But you´re looking for a more traditional transportation method How about a horseback ride? Nearby Budapest several equestrian schools offer their services. In such places they teach us some riding notions and we can also see part of the Hungarian nature riding one of these beautiful animals.

 
4. Night Tours

Budapest is absolutely stunning at night. Its buildings are illuminated  mysterious and grand. That´s why some companies offer short cruises on the Danube river to enjoy this special view of the city. A romantic and unforgettable ride and a picture you will not forget.

5. Extreme activities

Finally, if you love a good thrill Why not practice some of these extreme sports while on holiday? It makes sense especially in the case of the sports that move you  to the countryside, where you can enjoy wonderful Hungarian nature activities. Certainly the most interesting is cave exploration. The underworld labyrinth is called  the Volga-Maya-Heyi  Maze and is beneath residential neighborhoods of Budapest. Although you may have never done this kind of  activity a professional guide will instruct you to enjoy it to the fullest.

What do you think? Fancy something different to do on your vacation?

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If Ibiza has its Café del Mar, Berlin boasts about its Tacheles cultural centre and Copenhagen attracts thousands of people to the Christania district, the city of Budapest holds one of the most alternative spaces in Europe. Write its name down: Cöxpôn RestArt Ambient. This place is much more than a pub or a restaurant. It´s not just a cultural centre or an exhibition centre; it´s almost like a museum, or so they say on its website: www.cokxponambient.hu

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Heart of Europe, with this metaphor we sense how it will be  after visiting the Hungarian capital. There are many places to discover between the asphalt and green river. We record every instant we capture when we visit Budapest,  the best image of the five senses remain in a unique landscape.

If we get on the Corso, cruising the Danube  we will see baroque Gothic and Roman buildings from shore to shore.  The Pearl of the Danube hides the most charming places. One of them is the Fishermen´s Bastion. Enjoy a sunset on this site and see with the city lit up

Beauty also comes by hearing and so it is a good opportunity to go to the Opera House in Budapest. The interior is wonderful. Visit it by a guided tour or simply go and enjoy a ballet or an opera performance. It is difficult to chose a show, because there are performances almost every day.

Budapest was founded by seven Magyar tribes that defeated the Romans in 896 AD and today, if we take a tour of the Andrássy Avenue, we will find the de lSquare of the heroes , whose statues commemorate the leaders of the seven tribes founders .

Colors are manifested in the Central Market, the largest in the city. It has visited by many tourists and it generates a folksy and cheerful atmosphere. Saturday is a good day to get lost in it.

 
To cover all the wonder of the Pearl of the Danube, it can only be done one way, visiting to the highest point of the city, the Citadel, built by the Habsburgs in 1854. It was an old monitoring building which has only been recently used as a tourist area. In this citadel, we can see the surrounding viewpoints and from the heights, see a great view of the city.

The elegance of Budapest reaches the limits of its exquisite Cafes and bakeries. Traditionally, this city is full of iconic cafés, whose buildings themselves are a work of art. It would be interesting to visit the  Gerbaud Bakery, founded in 1858, and try its coffees and cakes. It is the most famous Bakery, probably all over Hungary.

Ending a day by visiting the Café Central, is also another good way to finish the day. In a relaxed atmosphere, occupying the chairs that once they have done in the same venue, writers, artists and intellectuals of the past.

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In a previous article I wrote about Budapest, I mentioned that the city “welcomes more than six million tourists every year.” I also said that if so many people are visiting this city, it has to be, because Budapest is a city of extreme beauty and charm. I still think the same; the capital of Hungary is a city that charms all its visitors and “force” them to come back again. A trip to this charming city is not enough, because the amount of things to discover and learn is truly enormous.

I am going to tell you what are the coolest things to see and do in the Pearl of the Danube:

The underground hospital:

Just below the famous Castle Hill, hides an amazing place that will make you go back in time. The Sziklakorhaz military hospital is a historical venue located about 10-15 meters deep below the city. After World War II, the hospital was closed and until 1953, when the Hungarian Communist government thought it could work again. Therefore new machines were purchased and the hospital entrance was camouflaged, because since its construction, this place was meant to be hidden. Today, everything inside the hospital is exactly as when it was open, there are even wax statues of doctors and patients to make it even more real. This is a curious and interesting place worth visiting.

The Youngest train:

Imagine a train that just travels 12 km and is driven by children between 10 and 14. Now stop imagining it, because this train actually exists in Budapest and it is called the Children´s Railway. The rail of this little train starts at Széchenyi-hegy and finish in Hűvösvölgy. The working hours vary depending on the day of the week, but you can check its website for further information. On Mondays, from September to April, the Children´s Railway is closed. If you are wondering how this unique place was born, I will simply say that when the Soviet Union (USSR) existed, several Children´s Railways were built so that children could learn railway professions. Today, many of the former Soviet countries have a Children´s Railway.

The Hungarian Statue of Liberty:

Budapest also has its own Statue of Liberty. To visit this monument, you have to climb one of the highest points of the city: the Gallert Hill, which is located 140 meters above the Danube. On this hill you’ll find the Citadella, which is a grand fortress built in 1854 by the Habsburgs that hosts the Statue of Liberty. This monument commemorates the Soviet liberation of Hungary from Nazi forces during World War II. Today, the statue is a remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives during the war. From here you’ll have the best views of the city, but there are other places where you can also see Budapest from top.

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Budapest was the favorite city of Sissi, Empress of Austria-Hungary. And no wonder, because the Pearl of the Danube, as it is known, offers visitors something wonderful. In spring it is packed with cultural festivals, but in winter it’s a winter wonderland, like something out of a Christmas movie.

The Spa City, which is full of hot springs and spas for all tastes, is also perfect for traveling with children. If little ones get bored visiting the many historic monuments (Castle, Chain Bridge, Heroes Square or Fisherman´s Bastion), here are some ideas that will certainly appeal to your children:

The Zoo

The Budapest Zoo, with wild animals in semi-freedom, has its own activities that include workshops, conferences and specific routes. A walk to enjoy the animals can be more than enough to satisfy their curiosity.

Városliget Park

Városliget Park was a former royal hunting ground that today is open to the public. In addition to the large green areas, there’s also a wooden castle from the late nineteenth century that looks like something out of a fairy tale. The building is used as an agricultural museum and also has a small chapel of great beauty. As if this were not enough, within the perimeter of Városliget, is the Vidám Park, an amusement park with a roller coaster, Ferris wheel and other rides. The Széchenyi Spa is located also on the premises.

Strandok Park

The Strandok Park is a water park that is open all year with fun activities, multiple pools and settings with little ones’ favorite heroes. It also has green areas and a spa inside.

The Railway Museum

The Railway Museum is suitable only in good weather, since it is not covered. What is surprising is that they have real, old locomotives and trains parked on the tracks. Children can learn how steam engines work and how journeys were made in the past by climbing aboard wagons. You can have a picnic there or ride the little train specially adapted for small children.

The Aquarium

The Budapest Aquarium houses tropical species of fish, birds and reptiles. The most fun part is the transparent tunnel that is surrounded by water to give you the impression of walking along the ocean floor. Marine animals roam about freely without noticing or being stressed by the presence of small children, who greatly enjoy themselves.

A river cruise

Another option is a cruise on the Danube. Budapest, as every city built on a river, offers tours aboard riverboats. Some of these boats also offer fun programs for families. Children can learn about the history of the city while enjoying the ride, which is also usually accompanied by music.

Millenáris Park

Millenáris Park offers a variety of activities for children. Their puppet shows and clowns are very popular.

The hot springs

If your children are tired or anxious, you can also take advantage of the healing power of some of the hot springs that flow into the city at the many spas. There are programs tailored to everyone’s needs and requests.

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With these ideas in mind, you´ll arrive home at your Budapest apartments with children who are relaxed, tired and satisfied from their full day full of fun in the city.

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Budapest is one of the biggest cities in Eastern Europe and it´s practically located in the heart of the continent. At first, it was three different cities: Buda, Pest and Obuda, until they all united as one in 1873 as Budapest. The city is divided by the river Danube. In what used to be the old city of Buda, which was the main city, you can find most of the historical monuments and the landmarks that gather most of the cultural history of the city. However, in Pest, you can find the most commercial area, the one that began to develop in the late 19th century and especially in the  20th.

The Hungarian capital characterizes itself mainly for having incredible hot springs, and from that we get the name of the city, Buda (water) and Pest (oven). That´s why visiting this city and not going to a spa is like going to Paris and not visiting the Eiffel Tower.

Budapest is one of those charming cities to get lost in and discover the places that only locals know about. That´s the real wonder, what encloses the visible and the invisible.

Two of the main streets in the city are Váci utca and Andrássy Avenue. The first one is totally pedestrianized and easily walkable without worrying about traffic, as well as having hundreds of shops and bars and cafés where to have a drink and a bite to eat. The latter is a large boulevard next to Városliget Park, a park that has a zoo, a mini theme park, a spa (Szechenyi) and a castle.

In this city on the banks of the river Danube, it´s hard not to recognize the most emblematic buildings, such as the Parliament Building, the third biggest in the world. The Chain Bridge, the oldest in the city, was inaugurated in 1849 and it was built because, until then, the only way to cross the river was by boat or by walking over the ice during the winter. After the Second World War, it had to be rebuilt since it was blown up by the Nazis. You can also visit Buda Castle, also known as the Royal Palace, where the kings of Hungary used to love. If we enter the castle, we will find the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery.

This city is a mixture of art, history and tradition that also mixes old and modern, light and shadow, grandeur and simplicity, picturesque and classic. It would be a shame to miss out on it, not only because of the landscape that it offers but also for the kindness of its people. Since Hungarian is quite a tricky language for tourists to grasp, the locals are always helpful and pleasant to those who lose themselves in the city. 

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Budapest is one of the few cities in the world that have access to hot springs and it is also known as the city of spas since the 30s.

Visitors have the chance to visit a wide variety of hot springs spas, which offer many health treatments and other leisure services.

At the end of the 19th century, a sauna and a therapeutic swimming facility were added. The bath also has an outpatient hospital during the day, which contains a complex physiotherapy section and a drinking hall, where the water of the springs Hungária, Attila and Juventus can be consumed.

Gellert may be the most famous spa in Budapest, but Rudas is the oldest one. The building dates from the 16th century, when the Turks built the spa facilities to make the most of the 80 geothermal springs in the city. The Ottoman influence can still be seen in the octagonal pool, covered by a huge 10-meter diameter dome, eight pillars, six pools and steam baths. Try a massage under water at 3 am (the bathroom is open until 4 on Fridays and Saturdays). Note that the spa is open only for men during the week, except Tuesdays when it´s just for women; the weekend is mixed bathing.

For just 4 € you can access the baths in the morning, from 10 € you can enjoy the baths at night and the cheapest package of massages costs 8 €.

The spa is open from 6 am every day and closes at 6 pm from Monday to Wednesday and at 8 pm from Thursday to Sunday. The hot spring section is open from 6 am to 8 pm every day. The bath section is open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday only. The night swim schedule is from 10 pm until 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Remember that on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the spa is only open for men and Tuesday is a day only for women. Saturday and Sunday is open to both men and women, during which time the bathing suits are required.

The spa is located below the Gellert hill right next to the Danube, close to Elisabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd), on the Buda side of the city. To reach the Rudas spa, you can use public transportation. To get there by bus: take lines 5, 7, 8, 86 or 112. It is also easily accessible with the tram: lines 18 and 19. The address is Döbrentei tér 9, H-1013 Budapest, Rudas Gyógyfürdő és Uszoda.

This spa was built in 1550 and then rebuilt in 1566 by Mustafa Pasha Sokoli. Some characteristics of the Turkish period are still being used today: the octagonal pool, the four small pools, each with different water temperature, and the characteristic Turkish dome.

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From the 23rd of November 2012 until the 17th of February 2013, the Ludwig Museum, Budapest´s contemporary art museum, will hold the exhibition The Freedom of Sound. John Cage behind the Iron Curtain.

John Cage was undoubtedly one of the most influential composers of the past century. To put him simply as a great musical artist would be a far cry from the achievements this unique American artist got.

To be able to summarise John Cage´s CV, we could say that he was a pioneer in the art world. In many fields he is known as the father of electronic music. He experimented with rhythms, with musical structure and with the instruments themselves. He had a huge influence inside the movement known as aleatoric music. He was a revolutionary in each of his controversial works. This skill meant that he had a huge number of detractors, although they were overwhelmingly beaten in numbers by his supporters and admirers. Cage was influential to more than one generation of composers and artists. Modern dance wouldn´t exist as such as we know it today had it not been for the collaboration of John Cage and Merce Cunningham.

He also participated in the field of visual art of the 20th century. Chance was the essence in which he based his works. he also innovated in the use of materials to carry out his works. Foam, stones, cotton wool or even fire were used by Cage for the making of some of his most famous works.

He even produced a film, also based on the aleatoric phenomenons of One, although he never saw it on the big screen since he passed away before the film premiered.

John Cage is also catalogued as a philosopher and writer. His dense bibliography is made up by a large variety of books, essays and articles.

Without doubt, he was one of the most influential figures of the post-war avant-garde. His light illuminated even the composers of Eastern Europe, as he was invited to numerous events and conferences in the main capitals of these countries.

This exhibition pays a deserved tribute to the mark left by this 20th century genius in the countries behind the iron curtain. During that time, Cage collaborated often with the Ludwig Museum in Budapest.

For two months, the second floor of this museum will exhibit writings, documents, works of art and visual and sound files by both John Cage and many artists influenced by him. Also, many lectures will be carried out, documentaries will be screened and colloquia will be organized. This is a great chance to present this fantastic figure of the 20th century to the new generation.

The museum will offer guided visits in order not to miss a single bit of the exhibited material. You can book your tickets in advance from the official museum website for 5 euros each.

Hungary is a beautiful country and its capital, Budapest, has all the ingredients to leave the visitor satisfied: culture, leisure, history and hidden places with a lot of charm to get lost in for hours on end.

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Budapest is known for its elaborate bathing experiences, which combine the therapeutic qualities of city’s mineral-rich thermal waters, with the ornate grandeur of Ottoman architecture. Adding to this luxurious traditional experience, is the novelty of night bathing, as offered at the well-known Rudas Baths throughout December 2012.

As winter sets in with a stubborn chill, visitors to the Rudas Baths will now be able to warm their bones during night-time bathing sessions, which are open between 10pm and 4am on Fridays and Saturdays in December 2012. This evening novelty is fast becoming popular and offers a enchanting edge to the mystic ritual of thermal bathing.

The 16th Century Rudas Baths, with their colour glass windows, vibrant Turkish tiles, streaking natural light, grand domes overhead and soothing hot springs, have long been a popular day retreat for locals and tourists alike. While traditionally only men were admitted to the baths, modern changes have introduced women-only bathing on Tuesdays, and both male and female admittance on weekends, when bathing suits are a must.

Sourced from hot springs beneath the city, the hot water is believed to be a medicinal treatment and is recommended for relaxation and relief of muscle and joint pain. With a series of renovations over the centuries, the complex has expanded to include six steam pools of various temperatures, a sauna, changing chambers, as well as an octagonal swimming pool that sits under a stunning dome that is ten metres in diameter. A range of services, including massage and physiotherapy, are offered at this wellbeing hub at additional charge.

Access fees to Rudas Baths start at 1300 Hungarian forint (HUF) and increase according to activity.

Rudas Baths are located at Döbrentei tér 9. Budapest 1013. You can make your way to Rudas Baths by tram (numbers 18 or 19) or bus (numbers 5,7,8 and 86).

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