FolkFest

An Evening of Authentic Blues and Community

We’re drawn to traditions, and this time we ventured into the world of traditional blues. 🎸 On September 8, we brought the duo of Jenő Fekete & Misi Horváth to Margit Quarter, where the audience at MANYI Cultural Workshop could have a memorable concert experience. And now we are hungry for more! The event was supported by the Municipality of Budapest’s 2nd District. #blues #feketejeno #horvathmisi #margitnegyed #manyi #manyikulturalismuhely #masodikkerulet

A Journey through the Fruit-Drying Houses

On the first Saturday of September, members of FolkFest Cultural Association visited Vlachovice and Vrbětice in the Czech Republic, where the annual “Fruit-Drying Houses Day” was held once again. The term sušírna, or sušírna ovoce in Czech, refers to traditional wooden buildings used for drying fruit. These structures are characteristic remnants of traditional rural life and farming practices in the Valašsko (Wallachian) region of southeastern Moravia. According to the local municipality, around one hundred years ago there were 25 fruit-drying houses operating in Vlachovice and Vrbětice. Today, only eight have survived, four of which have been restored and are once again regularly used. The local community therefore considers this tradition a unique part of its cultural heritage. Drying fruit was much more than a simple way of preserving food for household use. Dried fruit was an important source of income and, at times, even served as a substitute for bread. Dried fruit produced around Vlachovice – particularly plums, pears and apples – was sold not only in other parts of Moravia, but also transported to Vienna and Bratislava. The fruit-drying houses are not merely remnants of vernacular architecture; they are tangible reminders of a former local economic system. In Vlachovice, however, they are not simply preserved and displayed as museum pieces – local people are once again putting them to use. This living tradition has also inspired the cultural and tourism programme Putování po sušírnách (“A Journey through the Fruit-Drying Houses”). During the event, visitors can explore the drying houses, taste freshly dried fruit as well as local food and drinks, and purchase traditional handicrafts, while cimbalom music and Valašsko folk traditions add to the atmosphere. The fruit-drying houses of Vlachovice are an excellent example of how a simple, everyday agricultural building can become the centre of a community, cultural, tourism and heritage-preservation project, where the knowledge, gastronomy, music and community life associated with the drying houses continue to thrive. #culturalheritage #folkarchitecture #moraviatravel #visitmoraiva #putovaniposusirnach #vlachovice #susirna #valassko #folkfestculturalassociation #culturalheritage #folkarchitecture #traditionalcrafts #moravia

Jenő Fekete & Misi Horváth Duo Concert

When it comes to blues in Hungary, the name of Jenő Fekete is impossible to overlook. The eMeRTon Award-winning guitarist and singer has been one of the most influential figures in the Hungarian blues scene for more than three decades. His passionate guitar playing, distinctive voice and authentic performance evoke the world of Delta and Chicago blues, while still reflecting his own unique musical voice. His partner this evening, Misi Horváth, is one of the most outstanding harmonica players of the Hungarian blues scene. His playing is characterised by an instinctive sense of music. For him, the harmonica is not merely an accompanying instrument, but a means of storytelling. Jenő Fekete and Misi Horváth have been playing together for more than twenty years. Their musical collaboration has created a unique harmony that is at once instinctive, honest and captivating. Time: 8.00 pm, September 8, 2026 Venue: Manyi Cultural Workshop The concert is supported by the Second District of Budapest and organized by FolkFest Cultural Association. Admission is free!

Somló FolkFest for the Seventh Time

The atmosphere at Somló FolkFest perhaps has never been so vibrant. This year marked the seventh instalment of our folk music micro-festival on Somló Hill. Thank you to all the participants, contributors, and performers for this wonderful experience! We celebrated Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas’s 70th birthday, and Gergely Pázmándi, one of the hosts of the Mindenségit podcast, had a meaningful conversation with him. At the end of the conversation, we presented the honoree with a unique photo collage, compiled from images capturing the most important moments of his career and our shared experiences, as well as an excellent wine from Spiegelberg Artisan Winery, presented by the winery’s director, Stephan Spiegelberg. Helka gave a magical concert, taking the stage with her friends Batyu and Gergely Pázmándi. The dance party after the concert was led by Ildikó Tóth (“Fecske”), with music provided by Bori Töreky, Laci Szlama, and Batyu. As you can see in the photos, almost the entire courtyard took to the dance floor. We would also like to thank our host, the Csatári Pince Somló, as well as the residents of Somló who helped with the organization and execution: the Bazalt Bor & BBQ Terrace in Somló, the Borókás Cellar, István Stephan Spiegelberg, and the Varsádi Borbirtok in Somló. The event was supported by the Hungarian National Cultural Fund.

VII. Somló FolkFest

A magyar népzene és borkultúra találkozása a Somló-hegyen. A már hagyománnyá vált Somló FolkFest hetedik alkalommal várja az érdeklődőket egy olyan kulturális utazásra, ahol a generációkon átívelő hagyományok, a kortárs népzenei kísérletek és a hamisítatlan táncházi hangulat találkoznak. A népzenei mikrofesztivál idén is hű marad a gyökereihez: családias hangulat, közösségi élmény és a magyar népi kultúra legjava költözik a Somló lankáira. A belépés ingyenes, mindenkit szeretettel várunk! Részletes program: 18:30 – Batyu 70 Idén töltötte be 70. életévét Farkas Zoltán „Batyu”, a magyar néptánc legendás alakja, a táncházmozgalom egyik úttörője. A jubileum alkalmából egy személyes hangvételű beszélgetésre hívjuk Önöket: az ünnepeltet Pázmándi Gergely, a Mindenségit! podcast házigazdája kérdezi a tőle megszokott mélységgel és kíváncsisággal. 20:00 – Helka és barátai „Nagyapámnál találtam egy citerát a polcon: régi volt és poros. Letettem a földre, megpengettem. A világ áramlása barátságosan megdermedt, otthonos burok vett körül: az örök felfedezés útjára léptem.” A sémákból való kiszakadás, a kísérletezés, a különböző zenei stílusok fúziója jellemzi Helkát (Debreczeni-Kis Helga). Zenéjére a magyar népzene mellett a környező népek népzenéje, az improvizáció és a klasszikus zene is hatással van. Somlón kedvenc zenésztársai csatlakoznak hozzá egy megismételhetetlen hangulatú koncertre. 21:30 – Batyu–Szlama Ramazuri Fergeteges hangulatú táncházi mulatság élőzenével, táncoktatással. Közreműködnek: Farkas Zoltán „Batyu”, Tóth Ildikó „Fecske”, Szlama László, Töreky Borbála.

Between June 21 and 27, we spent a fantastic week in the Polish city of Włocławek with 15 members of the Vadvirág Senior Citizens’ Club in Csobánka. We carried out the 4th mobility of the Erasmus+ project titled “Future Tense: Everyone Deserves a Pen-Friend” in collaboration with our Polish partner, Fundacja Lateral Thinking. Our hosts welcomed us with great warmth and put together an extremely enriching program for us: - Innovative workshops and games: We tried out the educational and communication games developed specifically for the project (See & Say, 1st Your Future I Can See), and our seniors were able to hone their language skills, memory, and narrative thinking through exciting Kahoot quizzes. - Cultural and creative experiences: We visited the Contemporary Art Gallery, the city of Toruń and its Planetarium, admired the Browar B Cultural Center, and at Skarbiec Fajansu, our group had the opportunity to create art in a unique ceramics and faience workshop. - Recharging in nature: We visited the spa park in Wieniec Zdrój, and in the afternoons we participated in Qi Gong relaxation sessions in Sienkiewicz Park. - Community moments and integration: We explored the city of Włocławek through an interactive adventure game, visited the SOWA interactive discovery zone, and then, gathered around a traditional campfire (ognisko) with music and dancing, the 15 Hungarian and 15 Polish seniors deepened their friendships. Despite the long train ride and the packed schedule, the members of the Vadvirág Senior Citizens’ Club returned home to Csobánka with youthful energy, high spirits, new friendships, and an experience they’ll cherish for a lifetime! Thank you to our Polish friends for the wonderful organization and hospitality! This project was implemented with the support of the European Union. Project ID: 2025-1-PL01-KA210-ADU-000350566

The Polish Fundacja Lateral Thinking and the FolkFest Cultural Association launched an EU project at the beginning of the year. The main goal of the project is to use arts-based education to improve the language and digital skills of older adults and to build connections among participants. The project is being implemented in line with the goals and priorities of Erasmus+ for adult education, particularly in the areas of inclusion, digital transformation, and the promotion of high-quality, learner-centered, non-formal adult education. The project is being implemented with the support of the European Union. You can find more information about the project on our updated website:

Új Gereben feat. Borbély Mihály & Lukács Miklós Az oszakai világkiállításon nagy sikert aratott produkció 2025 decemberében újra életre kelt a Márai Kult színpadán, hogy elhozza a népzene, a jazz és az imp...

A meeting of contemporary Polish visual art and progressive Hungarian folk music at the Editorial Office. The Folkfest Cultural Association’s first visual arts project, an exhibition by Maksym Ostrowski, was made possible with the support of the local government of District II (Budapest) and the National Cultural Fund. Helga Helka Debreczeni-Kis, Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas, and Gergely Pázmándi performed at the opening. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our sponsors, contributors, and visitors. A video of the exhibition opening is available on our YouTube channel:

Maksym Ostrowski’s exhibition opened on October 22 at the Editorial Office. At the event, the artist was joined by Rudolf Anica, editor-in-chief of Új Művészet magazine, and Krisztián Bakó, president of the FolkFest Cultural Association, who presented the exhibition’s concept and works. The opening was made memorable by the music of Helga Helka Debreczeni-Kis, Zoltán Batyu Farkas, and Gergely Pázmándi. The exhibition is open to the public until November 19 at the exhibition space located at 11/a Keleti Károly Street. All interested visitors are warmly welcome. The exhibition is organized by the FolkFest Cultural Association, with the support of the 2nd District Municipality and the National Cultural Fund.

An Evening of Authentic Blues and Community

We’re drawn to traditions, and this time we ventured into the world of traditional blues. 🎸 On September 8, we brought the duo of Jenő Fekete & Misi Horváth to Margit Quarter, where the audience at MANYI Cultural Workshop could have a memorable concert experience. And now we are hungry for more! The event was supported by the Municipality of Budapest’s 2nd District. #blues #feketejeno #horvathmisi #margitnegyed #manyi #manyikulturalismuhely #masodikkerulet

A Journey through the Fruit-Drying Houses

On the first Saturday of September, members of FolkFest Cultural Association visited Vlachovice and Vrbětice in the Czech Republic, where the annual “Fruit-Drying Houses Day” was held once again. The term sušírna, or sušírna ovoce in Czech, refers to traditional wooden buildings used for drying fruit. These structures are characteristic remnants of traditional rural life and farming practices in the Valašsko (Wallachian) region of southeastern Moravia. According to the local municipality, around one hundred years ago there were 25 fruit-drying houses operating in Vlachovice and Vrbětice. Today, only eight have survived, four of which have been restored and are once again regularly used. The local community therefore considers this tradition a unique part of its cultural heritage. Drying fruit was much more than a simple way of preserving food for household use. Dried fruit was an important source of income and, at times, even served as a substitute for bread. Dried fruit produced around Vlachovice – particularly plums, pears and apples – was sold not only in other parts of Moravia, but also transported to Vienna and Bratislava. The fruit-drying houses are not merely remnants of vernacular architecture; they are tangible reminders of a former local economic system. In Vlachovice, however, they are not simply preserved and displayed as museum pieces – local people are once again putting them to use. This living tradition has also inspired the cultural and tourism programme Putování po sušírnách (“A Journey through the Fruit-Drying Houses”). During the event, visitors can explore the drying houses, taste freshly dried fruit as well as local food and drinks, and purchase traditional handicrafts, while cimbalom music and Valašsko folk traditions add to the atmosphere. The fruit-drying houses of Vlachovice are an excellent example of how a simple, everyday agricultural building can become the centre of a community, cultural, tourism and heritage-preservation project, where the knowledge, gastronomy, music and community life associated with the drying houses continue to thrive. #culturalheritage #folkarchitecture #moraviatravel #visitmoraiva #putovaniposusirnach #vlachovice #susirna #valassko #folkfestculturalassociation #culturalheritage #folkarchitecture #traditionalcrafts #moravia

Jenő Fekete & Misi Horváth Duo Concert

When it comes to blues in Hungary, the name of Jenő Fekete is impossible to overlook. The eMeRTon Award-winning guitarist and singer has been one of the most influential figures in the Hungarian blues scene for more than three decades. His passionate guitar playing, distinctive voice and authentic performance evoke the world of Delta and Chicago blues, while still reflecting his own unique musical voice. His partner this evening, Misi Horváth, is one of the most outstanding harmonica players of the Hungarian blues scene. His playing is characterised by an instinctive sense of music. For him, the harmonica is not merely an accompanying instrument, but a means of storytelling. Jenő Fekete and Misi Horváth have been playing together for more than twenty years. Their musical collaboration has created a unique harmony that is at once instinctive, honest and captivating. Time: 8.00 pm, September 8, 2026 Venue: Manyi Cultural Workshop The concert is supported by the Second District of Budapest and organized by FolkFest Cultural Association. Admission is free!

Somló FolkFest for the Seventh Time

The atmosphere at Somló FolkFest perhaps has never been so vibrant. This year marked the seventh instalment of our folk music micro-festival on Somló Hill. Thank you to all the participants, contributors, and performers for this wonderful experience! We celebrated Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas’s 70th birthday, and Gergely Pázmándi, one of the hosts of the Mindenségit podcast, had a meaningful conversation with him. At the end of the conversation, we presented the honoree with a unique photo collage, compiled from images capturing the most important moments of his career and our shared experiences, as well as an excellent wine from Spiegelberg Artisan Winery, presented by the winery’s director, Stephan Spiegelberg. Helka gave a magical concert, taking the stage with her friends Batyu and Gergely Pázmándi. The dance party after the concert was led by Ildikó Tóth (“Fecske”), with music provided by Bori Töreky, Laci Szlama, and Batyu. As you can see in the photos, almost the entire courtyard took to the dance floor. We would also like to thank our host, the Csatári Pince Somló, as well as the residents of Somló who helped with the organization and execution: the Bazalt Bor & BBQ Terrace in Somló, the Borókás Cellar, István Stephan Spiegelberg, and the Varsádi Borbirtok in Somló. The event was supported by the Hungarian National Cultural Fund.

VII. Somló FolkFest

A magyar népzene és borkultúra találkozása a Somló-hegyen. A már hagyománnyá vált Somló FolkFest hetedik alkalommal várja az érdeklődőket egy olyan kulturális utazásra, ahol a generációkon átívelő hagyományok, a kortárs népzenei kísérletek és a hamisítatlan táncházi hangulat találkoznak. A népzenei mikrofesztivál idén is hű marad a gyökereihez: családias hangulat, közösségi élmény és a magyar népi kultúra legjava költözik a Somló lankáira. A belépés ingyenes, mindenkit szeretettel várunk! Részletes program: 18:30 – Batyu 70 Idén töltötte be 70. életévét Farkas Zoltán „Batyu”, a magyar néptánc legendás alakja, a táncházmozgalom egyik úttörője. A jubileum alkalmából egy személyes hangvételű beszélgetésre hívjuk Önöket: az ünnepeltet Pázmándi Gergely, a Mindenségit! podcast házigazdája kérdezi a tőle megszokott mélységgel és kíváncsisággal. 20:00 – Helka és barátai „Nagyapámnál találtam egy citerát a polcon: régi volt és poros. Letettem a földre, megpengettem. A világ áramlása barátságosan megdermedt, otthonos burok vett körül: az örök felfedezés útjára léptem.” A sémákból való kiszakadás, a kísérletezés, a különböző zenei stílusok fúziója jellemzi Helkát (Debreczeni-Kis Helga). Zenéjére a magyar népzene mellett a környező népek népzenéje, az improvizáció és a klasszikus zene is hatással van. Somlón kedvenc zenésztársai csatlakoznak hozzá egy megismételhetetlen hangulatú koncertre. 21:30 – Batyu–Szlama Ramazuri Fergeteges hangulatú táncházi mulatság élőzenével, táncoktatással. Közreműködnek: Farkas Zoltán „Batyu”, Tóth Ildikó „Fecske”, Szlama László, Töreky Borbála.

Between June 21 and 27, we spent a fantastic week in the Polish city of Włocławek with 15 members of the Vadvirág Senior Citizens’ Club in Csobánka. We carried out the 4th mobility of the Erasmus+ project titled “Future Tense: Everyone Deserves a Pen-Friend” in collaboration with our Polish partner, Fundacja Lateral Thinking. Our hosts welcomed us with great warmth and put together an extremely enriching program for us: - Innovative workshops and games: We tried out the educational and communication games developed specifically for the project (See & Say, 1st Your Future I Can See), and our seniors were able to hone their language skills, memory, and narrative thinking through exciting Kahoot quizzes. - Cultural and creative experiences: We visited the Contemporary Art Gallery, the city of Toruń and its Planetarium, admired the Browar B Cultural Center, and at Skarbiec Fajansu, our group had the opportunity to create art in a unique ceramics and faience workshop. - Recharging in nature: We visited the spa park in Wieniec Zdrój, and in the afternoons we participated in Qi Gong relaxation sessions in Sienkiewicz Park. - Community moments and integration: We explored the city of Włocławek through an interactive adventure game, visited the SOWA interactive discovery zone, and then, gathered around a traditional campfire (ognisko) with music and dancing, the 15 Hungarian and 15 Polish seniors deepened their friendships. Despite the long train ride and the packed schedule, the members of the Vadvirág Senior Citizens’ Club returned home to Csobánka with youthful energy, high spirits, new friendships, and an experience they’ll cherish for a lifetime! Thank you to our Polish friends for the wonderful organization and hospitality! This project was implemented with the support of the European Union. Project ID: 2025-1-PL01-KA210-ADU-000350566

The Polish Fundacja Lateral Thinking and the FolkFest Cultural Association launched an EU project at the beginning of the year. The main goal of the project is to use arts-based education to improve the language and digital skills of older adults and to build connections among participants. The project is being implemented in line with the goals and priorities of Erasmus+ for adult education, particularly in the areas of inclusion, digital transformation, and the promotion of high-quality, learner-centered, non-formal adult education. The project is being implemented with the support of the European Union. You can find more information about the project on our updated website:

Új Gereben feat. Borbély Mihály & Lukács Miklós Az oszakai világkiállításon nagy sikert aratott produkció 2025 decemberében újra életre kelt a Márai Kult színpadán, hogy elhozza a népzene, a jazz és az imp...

A meeting of contemporary Polish visual art and progressive Hungarian folk music at the Editorial Office. The Folkfest Cultural Association’s first visual arts project, an exhibition by Maksym Ostrowski, was made possible with the support of the local government of District II (Budapest) and the National Cultural Fund. Helga Helka Debreczeni-Kis, Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas, and Gergely Pázmándi performed at the opening. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our sponsors, contributors, and visitors. A video of the exhibition opening is available on our YouTube channel:

Maksym Ostrowski’s exhibition opened on October 22 at the Editorial Office. At the event, the artist was joined by Rudolf Anica, editor-in-chief of Új Művészet magazine, and Krisztián Bakó, president of the FolkFest Cultural Association, who presented the exhibition’s concept and works. The opening was made memorable by the music of Helga Helka Debreczeni-Kis, Zoltán Batyu Farkas, and Gergely Pázmándi. The exhibition is open to the public until November 19 at the exhibition space located at 11/a Keleti Károly Street. All interested visitors are warmly welcome. The exhibition is organized by the FolkFest Cultural Association, with the support of the 2nd District Municipality and the National Cultural Fund.

An Evening of Authentic Blues and Community

We’re drawn to traditions, and this time we ventured into the world of traditional blues. 🎸 On September 8, we brought the duo of Jenő Fekete & Misi Horváth to Margit Quarter, where the audience at MANYI Cultural Workshop could have a memorable concert experience. And now we are hungry for more! The event was supported by the Municipality of Budapest’s 2nd District. #blues #feketejeno #horvathmisi #margitnegyed #manyi #manyikulturalismuhely #masodikkerulet

A Journey through the Fruit-Drying Houses

On the first Saturday of September, members of FolkFest Cultural Association visited Vlachovice and Vrbětice in the Czech Republic, where the annual “Fruit-Drying Houses Day” was held once again. The term sušírna, or sušírna ovoce in Czech, refers to traditional wooden buildings used for drying fruit. These structures are characteristic remnants of traditional rural life and farming practices in the Valašsko (Wallachian) region of southeastern Moravia. According to the local municipality, around one hundred years ago there were 25 fruit-drying houses operating in Vlachovice and Vrbětice. Today, only eight have survived, four of which have been restored and are once again regularly used. The local community therefore considers this tradition a unique part of its cultural heritage. Drying fruit was much more than a simple way of preserving food for household use. Dried fruit was an important source of income and, at times, even served as a substitute for bread. Dried fruit produced around Vlachovice – particularly plums, pears and apples – was sold not only in other parts of Moravia, but also transported to Vienna and Bratislava. The fruit-drying houses are not merely remnants of vernacular architecture; they are tangible reminders of a former local economic system. In Vlachovice, however, they are not simply preserved and displayed as museum pieces – local people are once again putting them to use. This living tradition has also inspired the cultural and tourism programme Putování po sušírnách (“A Journey through the Fruit-Drying Houses”). During the event, visitors can explore the drying houses, taste freshly dried fruit as well as local food and drinks, and purchase traditional handicrafts, while cimbalom music and Valašsko folk traditions add to the atmosphere. The fruit-drying houses of Vlachovice are an excellent example of how a simple, everyday agricultural building can become the centre of a community, cultural, tourism and heritage-preservation project, where the knowledge, gastronomy, music and community life associated with the drying houses continue to thrive. #culturalheritage #folkarchitecture #moraviatravel #visitmoraiva #putovaniposusirnach #vlachovice #susirna #valassko #folkfestculturalassociation #culturalheritage #folkarchitecture #traditionalcrafts #moravia

Jenő Fekete & Misi Horváth Duo Concert

When it comes to blues in Hungary, the name of Jenő Fekete is impossible to overlook. The eMeRTon Award-winning guitarist and singer has been one of the most influential figures in the Hungarian blues scene for more than three decades. His passionate guitar playing, distinctive voice and authentic performance evoke the world of Delta and Chicago blues, while still reflecting his own unique musical voice. His partner this evening, Misi Horváth, is one of the most outstanding harmonica players of the Hungarian blues scene. His playing is characterised by an instinctive sense of music. For him, the harmonica is not merely an accompanying instrument, but a means of storytelling. Jenő Fekete and Misi Horváth have been playing together for more than twenty years. Their musical collaboration has created a unique harmony that is at once instinctive, honest and captivating. Time: 8.00 pm, September 8, 2026 Venue: Manyi Cultural Workshop The concert is supported by the Second District of Budapest and organized by FolkFest Cultural Association. Admission is free!

Somló FolkFest for the Seventh Time

The atmosphere at Somló FolkFest perhaps has never been so vibrant. This year marked the seventh instalment of our folk music micro-festival on Somló Hill. Thank you to all the participants, contributors, and performers for this wonderful experience! We celebrated Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas’s 70th birthday, and Gergely Pázmándi, one of the hosts of the Mindenségit podcast, had a meaningful conversation with him. At the end of the conversation, we presented the honoree with a unique photo collage, compiled from images capturing the most important moments of his career and our shared experiences, as well as an excellent wine from Spiegelberg Artisan Winery, presented by the winery’s director, Stephan Spiegelberg. Helka gave a magical concert, taking the stage with her friends Batyu and Gergely Pázmándi. The dance party after the concert was led by Ildikó Tóth (“Fecske”), with music provided by Bori Töreky, Laci Szlama, and Batyu. As you can see in the photos, almost the entire courtyard took to the dance floor. We would also like to thank our host, the Csatári Pince Somló, as well as the residents of Somló who helped with the organization and execution: the Bazalt Bor & BBQ Terrace in Somló, the Borókás Cellar, István Stephan Spiegelberg, and the Varsádi Borbirtok in Somló. The event was supported by the Hungarian National Cultural Fund.

VII. Somló FolkFest

A magyar népzene és borkultúra találkozása a Somló-hegyen. A már hagyománnyá vált Somló FolkFest hetedik alkalommal várja az érdeklődőket egy olyan kulturális utazásra, ahol a generációkon átívelő hagyományok, a kortárs népzenei kísérletek és a hamisítatlan táncházi hangulat találkoznak. A népzenei mikrofesztivál idén is hű marad a gyökereihez: családias hangulat, közösségi élmény és a magyar népi kultúra legjava költözik a Somló lankáira. A belépés ingyenes, mindenkit szeretettel várunk! Részletes program: 18:30 – Batyu 70 Idén töltötte be 70. életévét Farkas Zoltán „Batyu”, a magyar néptánc legendás alakja, a táncházmozgalom egyik úttörője. A jubileum alkalmából egy személyes hangvételű beszélgetésre hívjuk Önöket: az ünnepeltet Pázmándi Gergely, a Mindenségit! podcast házigazdája kérdezi a tőle megszokott mélységgel és kíváncsisággal. 20:00 – Helka és barátai „Nagyapámnál találtam egy citerát a polcon: régi volt és poros. Letettem a földre, megpengettem. A világ áramlása barátságosan megdermedt, otthonos burok vett körül: az örök felfedezés útjára léptem.” A sémákból való kiszakadás, a kísérletezés, a különböző zenei stílusok fúziója jellemzi Helkát (Debreczeni-Kis Helga). Zenéjére a magyar népzene mellett a környező népek népzenéje, az improvizáció és a klasszikus zene is hatással van. Somlón kedvenc zenésztársai csatlakoznak hozzá egy megismételhetetlen hangulatú koncertre. 21:30 – Batyu–Szlama Ramazuri Fergeteges hangulatú táncházi mulatság élőzenével, táncoktatással. Közreműködnek: Farkas Zoltán „Batyu”, Tóth Ildikó „Fecske”, Szlama László, Töreky Borbála.

Between June 21 and 27, we spent a fantastic week in the Polish city of Włocławek with 15 members of the Vadvirág Senior Citizens’ Club in Csobánka. We carried out the 4th mobility of the Erasmus+ project titled “Future Tense: Everyone Deserves a Pen-Friend” in collaboration with our Polish partner, Fundacja Lateral Thinking. Our hosts welcomed us with great warmth and put together an extremely enriching program for us: - Innovative workshops and games: We tried out the educational and communication games developed specifically for the project (See & Say, 1st Your Future I Can See), and our seniors were able to hone their language skills, memory, and narrative thinking through exciting Kahoot quizzes. - Cultural and creative experiences: We visited the Contemporary Art Gallery, the city of Toruń and its Planetarium, admired the Browar B Cultural Center, and at Skarbiec Fajansu, our group had the opportunity to create art in a unique ceramics and faience workshop. - Recharging in nature: We visited the spa park in Wieniec Zdrój, and in the afternoons we participated in Qi Gong relaxation sessions in Sienkiewicz Park. - Community moments and integration: We explored the city of Włocławek through an interactive adventure game, visited the SOWA interactive discovery zone, and then, gathered around a traditional campfire (ognisko) with music and dancing, the 15 Hungarian and 15 Polish seniors deepened their friendships. Despite the long train ride and the packed schedule, the members of the Vadvirág Senior Citizens’ Club returned home to Csobánka with youthful energy, high spirits, new friendships, and an experience they’ll cherish for a lifetime! Thank you to our Polish friends for the wonderful organization and hospitality! This project was implemented with the support of the European Union. Project ID: 2025-1-PL01-KA210-ADU-000350566

The Polish Fundacja Lateral Thinking and the FolkFest Cultural Association launched an EU project at the beginning of the year. The main goal of the project is to use arts-based education to improve the language and digital skills of older adults and to build connections among participants. The project is being implemented in line with the goals and priorities of Erasmus+ for adult education, particularly in the areas of inclusion, digital transformation, and the promotion of high-quality, learner-centered, non-formal adult education. The project is being implemented with the support of the European Union. You can find more information about the project on our updated website:

Új Gereben feat. Borbély Mihály & Lukács Miklós Az oszakai világkiállításon nagy sikert aratott produkció 2025 decemberében újra életre kelt a Márai Kult színpadán, hogy elhozza a népzene, a jazz és az imp...

A meeting of contemporary Polish visual art and progressive Hungarian folk music at the Editorial Office. The Folkfest Cultural Association’s first visual arts project, an exhibition by Maksym Ostrowski, was made possible with the support of the local government of District II (Budapest) and the National Cultural Fund. Helga Helka Debreczeni-Kis, Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas, and Gergely Pázmándi performed at the opening. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our sponsors, contributors, and visitors. A video of the exhibition opening is available on our YouTube channel:

Maksym Ostrowski’s exhibition opened on October 22 at the Editorial Office. At the event, the artist was joined by Rudolf Anica, editor-in-chief of Új Művészet magazine, and Krisztián Bakó, president of the FolkFest Cultural Association, who presented the exhibition’s concept and works. The opening was made memorable by the music of Helga Helka Debreczeni-Kis, Zoltán Batyu Farkas, and Gergely Pázmándi. The exhibition is open to the public until November 19 at the exhibition space located at 11/a Keleti Károly Street. All interested visitors are warmly welcome. The exhibition is organized by the FolkFest Cultural Association, with the support of the 2nd District Municipality and the National Cultural Fund.

An Evening of Authentic Blues and Community

We’re drawn to traditions, and this time we ventured into the world of traditional blues. 🎸 On September 8, we brought the duo of Jenő Fekete & Misi Horváth to Margit Quarter, where the audience at MANYI Cultural Workshop could have a memorable concert experience. And now we are hungry for more! The event was supported by the Municipality of Budapest’s 2nd District. #blues #feketejeno #horvathmisi #margitnegyed #manyi #manyikulturalismuhely #masodikkerulet

A Journey through the Fruit-Drying Houses

On the first Saturday of September, members of FolkFest Cultural Association visited Vlachovice and Vrbětice in the Czech Republic, where the annual “Fruit-Drying Houses Day” was held once again. The term sušírna, or sušírna ovoce in Czech, refers to traditional wooden buildings used for drying fruit. These structures are characteristic remnants of traditional rural life and farming practices in the Valašsko (Wallachian) region of southeastern Moravia. According to the local municipality, around one hundred years ago there were 25 fruit-drying houses operating in Vlachovice and Vrbětice. Today, only eight have survived, four of which have been restored and are once again regularly used. The local community therefore considers this tradition a unique part of its cultural heritage. Drying fruit was much more than a simple way of preserving food for household use. Dried fruit was an important source of income and, at times, even served as a substitute for bread. Dried fruit produced around Vlachovice – particularly plums, pears and apples – was sold not only in other parts of Moravia, but also transported to Vienna and Bratislava. The fruit-drying houses are not merely remnants of vernacular architecture; they are tangible reminders of a former local economic system. In Vlachovice, however, they are not simply preserved and displayed as museum pieces – local people are once again putting them to use. This living tradition has also inspired the cultural and tourism programme Putování po sušírnách (“A Journey through the Fruit-Drying Houses”). During the event, visitors can explore the drying houses, taste freshly dried fruit as well as local food and drinks, and purchase traditional handicrafts, while cimbalom music and Valašsko folk traditions add to the atmosphere. The fruit-drying houses of Vlachovice are an excellent example of how a simple, everyday agricultural building can become the centre of a community, cultural, tourism and heritage-preservation project, where the knowledge, gastronomy, music and community life associated with the drying houses continue to thrive. #culturalheritage #folkarchitecture #moraviatravel #visitmoraiva #putovaniposusirnach #vlachovice #susirna #valassko #folkfestculturalassociation #culturalheritage #folkarchitecture #traditionalcrafts #moravia

Jenő Fekete & Misi Horváth Duo Concert

When it comes to blues in Hungary, the name of Jenő Fekete is impossible to overlook. The eMeRTon Award-winning guitarist and singer has been one of the most influential figures in the Hungarian blues scene for more than three decades. His passionate guitar playing, distinctive voice and authentic performance evoke the world of Delta and Chicago blues, while still reflecting his own unique musical voice. His partner this evening, Misi Horváth, is one of the most outstanding harmonica players of the Hungarian blues scene. His playing is characterised by an instinctive sense of music. For him, the harmonica is not merely an accompanying instrument, but a means of storytelling. Jenő Fekete and Misi Horváth have been playing together for more than twenty years. Their musical collaboration has created a unique harmony that is at once instinctive, honest and captivating. Time: 8.00 pm, September 8, 2026 Venue: Manyi Cultural Workshop The concert is supported by the Second District of Budapest and organized by FolkFest Cultural Association. Admission is free!

Somló FolkFest for the Seventh Time

The atmosphere at Somló FolkFest perhaps has never been so vibrant. This year marked the seventh instalment of our folk music micro-festival on Somló Hill. Thank you to all the participants, contributors, and performers for this wonderful experience! We celebrated Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas’s 70th birthday, and Gergely Pázmándi, one of the hosts of the Mindenségit podcast, had a meaningful conversation with him. At the end of the conversation, we presented the honoree with a unique photo collage, compiled from images capturing the most important moments of his career and our shared experiences, as well as an excellent wine from Spiegelberg Artisan Winery, presented by the winery’s director, Stephan Spiegelberg. Helka gave a magical concert, taking the stage with her friends Batyu and Gergely Pázmándi. The dance party after the concert was led by Ildikó Tóth (“Fecske”), with music provided by Bori Töreky, Laci Szlama, and Batyu. As you can see in the photos, almost the entire courtyard took to the dance floor. We would also like to thank our host, the Csatári Pince Somló, as well as the residents of Somló who helped with the organization and execution: the Bazalt Bor & BBQ Terrace in Somló, the Borókás Cellar, István Stephan Spiegelberg, and the Varsádi Borbirtok in Somló. The event was supported by the Hungarian National Cultural Fund.

VII. Somló FolkFest

A magyar népzene és borkultúra találkozása a Somló-hegyen. A már hagyománnyá vált Somló FolkFest hetedik alkalommal várja az érdeklődőket egy olyan kulturális utazásra, ahol a generációkon átívelő hagyományok, a kortárs népzenei kísérletek és a hamisítatlan táncházi hangulat találkoznak. A népzenei mikrofesztivál idén is hű marad a gyökereihez: családias hangulat, közösségi élmény és a magyar népi kultúra legjava költözik a Somló lankáira. A belépés ingyenes, mindenkit szeretettel várunk! Részletes program: 18:30 – Batyu 70 Idén töltötte be 70. életévét Farkas Zoltán „Batyu”, a magyar néptánc legendás alakja, a táncházmozgalom egyik úttörője. A jubileum alkalmából egy személyes hangvételű beszélgetésre hívjuk Önöket: az ünnepeltet Pázmándi Gergely, a Mindenségit! podcast házigazdája kérdezi a tőle megszokott mélységgel és kíváncsisággal. 20:00 – Helka és barátai „Nagyapámnál találtam egy citerát a polcon: régi volt és poros. Letettem a földre, megpengettem. A világ áramlása barátságosan megdermedt, otthonos burok vett körül: az örök felfedezés útjára léptem.” A sémákból való kiszakadás, a kísérletezés, a különböző zenei stílusok fúziója jellemzi Helkát (Debreczeni-Kis Helga). Zenéjére a magyar népzene mellett a környező népek népzenéje, az improvizáció és a klasszikus zene is hatással van. Somlón kedvenc zenésztársai csatlakoznak hozzá egy megismételhetetlen hangulatú koncertre. 21:30 – Batyu–Szlama Ramazuri Fergeteges hangulatú táncházi mulatság élőzenével, táncoktatással. Közreműködnek: Farkas Zoltán „Batyu”, Tóth Ildikó „Fecske”, Szlama László, Töreky Borbála.

Between June 21 and 27, we spent a fantastic week in the Polish city of Włocławek with 15 members of the Vadvirág Senior Citizens’ Club in Csobánka. We carried out the 4th mobility of the Erasmus+ project titled “Future Tense: Everyone Deserves a Pen-Friend” in collaboration with our Polish partner, Fundacja Lateral Thinking. Our hosts welcomed us with great warmth and put together an extremely enriching program for us: - Innovative workshops and games: We tried out the educational and communication games developed specifically for the project (See & Say, 1st Your Future I Can See), and our seniors were able to hone their language skills, memory, and narrative thinking through exciting Kahoot quizzes. - Cultural and creative experiences: We visited the Contemporary Art Gallery, the city of Toruń and its Planetarium, admired the Browar B Cultural Center, and at Skarbiec Fajansu, our group had the opportunity to create art in a unique ceramics and faience workshop. - Recharging in nature: We visited the spa park in Wieniec Zdrój, and in the afternoons we participated in Qi Gong relaxation sessions in Sienkiewicz Park. - Community moments and integration: We explored the city of Włocławek through an interactive adventure game, visited the SOWA interactive discovery zone, and then, gathered around a traditional campfire (ognisko) with music and dancing, the 15 Hungarian and 15 Polish seniors deepened their friendships. Despite the long train ride and the packed schedule, the members of the Vadvirág Senior Citizens’ Club returned home to Csobánka with youthful energy, high spirits, new friendships, and an experience they’ll cherish for a lifetime! Thank you to our Polish friends for the wonderful organization and hospitality! This project was implemented with the support of the European Union. Project ID: 2025-1-PL01-KA210-ADU-000350566

The Polish Fundacja Lateral Thinking and the FolkFest Cultural Association launched an EU project at the beginning of the year. The main goal of the project is to use arts-based education to improve the language and digital skills of older adults and to build connections among participants. The project is being implemented in line with the goals and priorities of Erasmus+ for adult education, particularly in the areas of inclusion, digital transformation, and the promotion of high-quality, learner-centered, non-formal adult education. The project is being implemented with the support of the European Union. You can find more information about the project on our updated website:

Új Gereben feat. Borbély Mihály & Lukács Miklós Az oszakai világkiállításon nagy sikert aratott produkció 2025 decemberében újra életre kelt a Márai Kult színpadán, hogy elhozza a népzene, a jazz és az imp...

A meeting of contemporary Polish visual art and progressive Hungarian folk music at the Editorial Office. The Folkfest Cultural Association’s first visual arts project, an exhibition by Maksym Ostrowski, was made possible with the support of the local government of District II (Budapest) and the National Cultural Fund. Helga Helka Debreczeni-Kis, Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas, and Gergely Pázmándi performed at the opening. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our sponsors, contributors, and visitors. A video of the exhibition opening is available on our YouTube channel:

Maksym Ostrowski’s exhibition opened on October 22 at the Editorial Office. At the event, the artist was joined by Rudolf Anica, editor-in-chief of Új Művészet magazine, and Krisztián Bakó, president of the FolkFest Cultural Association, who presented the exhibition’s concept and works. The opening was made memorable by the music of Helga Helka Debreczeni-Kis, Zoltán Batyu Farkas, and Gergely Pázmándi. The exhibition is open to the public until November 19 at the exhibition space located at 11/a Keleti Károly Street. All interested visitors are warmly welcome. The exhibition is organized by the FolkFest Cultural Association, with the support of the 2nd District Municipality and the National Cultural Fund.