News & Updates

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.

Budapest–Warsaw Urban ART Symposium Budapest–Warsaw Urban ART Symposium Exhibition by Maksym Ostrowski Opening: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM Featuring: Helka (Helga Debreczeni-Kis), Zoltán Batyu Farkas, Gergely Pázmándi Venue: Editorial Office 1024 Budapest, Keleti Károly u. 11/A. ///// Budapest – Warsaw Urban ART Symposium Exhibition of Maksym Ostrowski Opening: October 22, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Musicians: Helka (Helga Debreczeni-Kis), Zoltán Batyu Farkas, Gergely Pázmándi Venue: Editorial Office 1024 Budapest, Keleti Károly St. 11/A. ///// The Polish partner of Budapest’s 2nd District is Warsaw’s smallest district, Żoliborz. The foundation of any successful cooperation lies in maintaining continuous cultural ties between the communities, to which the young Polish visual artist Maksym Ostrowski contributes on this occasion. Maksym’s creative interests are characterized by the depiction of urban buildings, a kind of schematization and reimagining of them, their contemporary visual representation, and their reduction to a few colors. His current creative work is inspired by a comparison of the architectural heritage of Warsaw and Budapest. During the urban ART symposium, the Polish artist depicts buildings constructed over the past 200 years—both in Buda and in Żoliborz—through his unique perspective. The buildings may be from the last century, contemporary (post)modern, structures characteristic of the city’s image or industrial buildings, or tourist attractions that define the cityscape (e.g., bridges, overpasses, churches, train stations). The exhibition, opening on October 22 at the Editorial Office, will be on view for one month. The exhibition is organized by the FolkFest Cultural Association, with the support of the 2nd District Municipality and the National Cultural Fund. We warmly welcome all interested visitors! ///// The Polish partner of Budapest’s 2nd District is Żoliborz, the smallest district of Warsaw. A strong partnership is built on maintaining continuous cultural exchange between the municipalities — which, on this occasion, is being supported by young Polish visual artist Maksym Ostrowski. Maksym’s artistic focus revolves around the depiction, schematization, reinterpretation, and contemporary visualization of urban architecture, often reduced to just a few colors. His current creative work is inspired by the comparison of the architectural heritage of Warsaw and Budapest. During the Urban ART Symposium, the Polish artist will portray buildings—both from Buda and Żoliborz—constructed over the past 200 years, through his unique artistic perspective. These buildings may include structures from the last century, contemporary (post)modern ones, characteristic cityscapes or industrial architecture, or major urban landmarks such as bridges, overpasses, churches, or railway stations. The exhibition opens on October 22 at Szerkesztőség and will be on view for one month. The exhibition is organized by the FolkFest Cultural Association, with the support of the Municipality of Budapest’s 2nd District and the National Cultural Fund of Hungary. All visitors and art enthusiasts are welcome.

Here are the most atmospheric photos from the 6th Somló FolkFest. This year’s event was once again held in the Somló Wine Region, in the courtyard of the Csatári Winery in Somló, where visitors could also sample the wines of “the guy with glasses.” During the evening, Sándor Csoóri Jr. and Soma Nóvé took the stage, along with the Berka Ensemble. Thank you to all visitors and contributors for being with us. We hope to see you again next year!

During our explorations of Somló, we recently met “the guy with the glasses” and discovered his excellent wines. We think Ádám’s youthful energy is a perfect fit for Somló, and we thoroughly enjoyed his wines, which is why we invited him to the 6th Somló FolkFest. On Friday, August 15, starting at 7:00 p.m., you can taste and purchase his wines, and between the two musical performances, he’ll also say a few words to introduce his winery. Further information: the guy with glasses aszemuvegessrac.hu

Calgary - Nóvé Soma és Ifj. Csoóri Sándor Nóvé SomaIfj. Csoóri SándorDirected by Géza VadasSound: Máté GálSecondary cameraman: Ábel ÜrögdiSpecial thanks to kamerabérlés.com

For more information: somlo.folkfest.hu

6th Somló FolkFest In 2025, the FolkFest Cultural Association will host the Somló FolkFest folk music micro-festival on Somló Hill for the sixth time. On Friday, August 15, visitors are invited to enjoy a concert and a dance party in the courtyard of the Csatári Winery, overlooking the basalt organ rocks. Program: 8:00 PM - Concert by Nóvé Soma and Sándor Csoóri Jr. https://youtu.be/Btv3PE3t4uc?si=esDsRQBfCauGS0-o 9:00 PM - Berka dance party Admission is free, and everyone is warmly welcome! This year, our association is organizing the Somló FolkFest entirely on our own, without external funding. Please, if you can, contribute to the event’s costs and the association’s operations! donably.com/folkfest-hungary patreon.com/folkfest Bank account number: 16200151-18547890-00000000

In 2025, 1% of your tax will help build the future of Hungarian folk music. Starting this year, you can donate 1% of your personal income tax to the FolkFest Cultural Association. It costs you nothing, and we can provide even more opportunities for the young talents and outstanding masters of Hungarian folk music. In return, we promise more concerts, festivals, albums, and educational folk music videos. You can make your donation online at eszja.gov.hu, or by mail by submitting the 24EGYSZA form. FolkFest Cultural Association Tax ID: 19038113-1-41 Thank you!

The best moments of the 5th Somló FolkFest in pictures. We would like to thank the 50-year-old Vujicsics band, the Batyu-Borbély Duo, and Ildikó Tóth ("Fecske") for their wonderful performances, the Kolonics Winery in Somló for the delicious wines, and the Csatári Winery in Somló for providing the venue. We hope to see you again next year!

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Somló FolkFest 5th // Vujicsics 50, Batyu-Borbély Duo In 2024, the FolkFest Cultural Association will host the Somló FolkFest micro-festival for the fifth time on Somló Hill, in the garden of the Csatári Winery overlooking the basalt columns. The event will feature a concert by the Kossuth Prize-winning Vujicsics ensemble, celebrating its 50th anniversary, and a performance by the Batyu-Borbély Duo. A new addition to this year’s program is the Somló WineFest, where visitors can sample wines from three European countries alongside Somló wines. Following the opening of the gates at 6:00 PM and during the concerts, visitors can sample wines from the Promitor Vinorum (Galanta, Slovakia), Popela Vinařství (Perná, Czech Republic), and Weinhof Fridericus (Drasenhofen, Austria) wineries, as well as a selection of wines from the town of Mikulov in the Czech Republic. - 7:00 PM Batyu-Borbély Duo - 8:00 PM Vujicsics 50 - anniversary concert The "Vujicsics 50" anniversary concert series is made possible with the support of the NKA. Admission to the fifth Somló FolkFest is free, but the organizer, the FolkFest Cultural Association, welcomes donations, which we will use to support our operations and achieve our public benefit goals. Everyone is warmly invited!

A Conversation with Zoltán Farkas Batyu Enikő Kocsis and Dezső Fitos will be in conversation with Zoltán Farkas Batyu, a Gyula Harangozó Award-winning dancer, choreographer, and distinguished artist, on April 22, 2024, at the Fonó B...

If you, too, want Nagymező Street—the “Broadway of Pest”—to preserve Batyu’s legacy for all time, now is your chance to make it happen. All it takes is an anonymous online vote or sending a standard-rate text message. In the 2024 dance artist category of the Society of the Immortals, Zoltán Farkas Batyu is the nominee of the FolkFest Cultural Association. You can vote at szavazas.atv.hu/halhatatlanok/tancmuvesz or by sending the code HT42 to +36 70 7060 600 until May 31.

Let’s Go to Bük! 👍Following Kisapáti and Kajárpéc, the Bük Cultural and Sports Center and Library hosted the latest event in our “Let’s Go!” series. This time, we treated the schoolchildren of Bük to a high-quality folk music performance and a dance party. On January 19, Sára Timár and her band transformed Petőfi’s poems into folk songs, and then the children experienced the magic of Hungarian folk music and dance at a dance party accompanied by live music. We thank the National Cultural Fund for its support, without which this event could not have taken place. #FolkMusic #DanceParty #Bük #FolkFest #SáraTimár #Petőfi

Let's Go to Bük! // Sára Tímár and Her Band - Petőfi's Poems Set to Folk Music Sára Tímár and her band have created a new program to mark the 200th anniversary of Sándor Petőfi’s birth, featuring the poet’s verses that have become folk songs. The work of this poetic giant has survived in folk tradition—in parts or even in its entirety—for over a century now. Individual lines or stanzas appear in countless folk songs, and entire poems have lived on almost word for word in the people’s mouths. It is also remarkable that his poems were sung not only in genres that strive for textual fidelity, such as the ballad, but also in folk songs, lamentations, and even dance tunes, as if the author had come from among them. Petőfi’s popularity is evidenced by the fact that the lyrics of his poems were sung throughout the Carpathian Basin; thus, the concert will feature folk songs from the Zobor region of Upper Hungary or Gömör, as well as from the Mezőség region of Transylvania and the Küküllő Valley. The concert will be followed by a dance party featuring the following musicians: Márton Kovács – lead violin, Márton Fekete “Kispuma” – viola, András Lelkes – double bass The event is sponsored by the National Cultural Fund

5th Conference on the Development of Cultural Relations Among the Visegrád Four 5th International Conference on the Development of Cultural Relations Between the Visegrad Four Countries Urban Characteristics in Sacred and Cultural Spaces Guest Speakers: Tomáš Bílek Mayor of Vrbice (CZ) Ágnes Horváth Director of the Štúrovo Cultural Center (SK) Franciszek Ręka Director of Fundacja Gaudete in Katowice (PL) Tamás Tóth Cultural Expert (HU) Moderated by: Krisztián Bakó --- Music by: Ákos Fekecs - Handpan --- Venue: Bük Cultural Center (11 Eötvös St., 9737 Bük, Hungary) photo@Tomáš Bílek, Vrbice ///////// 5th Conference on the Development of Cultural Relations Among the Visegrad Four Urban Characteristics in Sacred and Cultural Spaces Speakers: Tomáš Bílek Mayor of Vrbice (CZ) Ágnes Horváth Director of the Municipal Cultural Center in Párkány (SK) Franciszek Ręka Director of the Gaudete Foundation - Katowice (PL) Tamás Tóth cultural expert (HU) Moderator: Krisztián Bakó --- Music: Ákos Fekecs - Handpan --- Venue: Bük Cultural and Sports Center, Library 9737 Bük, Eötvös u. 11th photo@Tomáš Bílek, Vrbice

Attila Mihó and Friends: Without a Nest - The Székely People of Bukovina The diversity of the cultural heritage of the Székely people of Bukovina has developed and refined over the past 260 years through the migrations that history has shaped...

Concert by the Batyu-Borbély Duo at the Pasaréti Community Center on November 28, 2023. The event was sponsored by the Local Government of Budapest’s 2nd District.

The latest album by Attila Mihó and Friends is now available. The album, titled "Long Live the Dancers!" – Folk Music from Gheorgheni for Folk Dance Instruction, is now available on the most popular music streaming platforms. artists.landr.com/gyergyoi-nepzene The album is available only as a digital release. Publisher: FolkFest Cultural Association Supporters: András Foundation, Hungarian Academy of Arts Recording: Attila Mihó Mixing and mastering: Studio Autentik The cover image was created using a photograph by Gyula Ádám. Performed by: Attila Mihó, Dániel Szabó, Orsolya Erzsébet András

The latest album by Attila Mihó and Friends will be released soon. It is the second installment in the “Long Live the Dancers!” series and is subtitled “Gheorgheni Folk Music for Folk Dance Instruction.” The album will be available exclusively as a digital release on all music streaming platforms. Publisher: FolkFest Cultural Association Supporters: András Foundation, Hungarian Academy of Arts The cover image was created using a photograph by Gyula Ádám.

Batyu-Borbély Duo @ Pasaréti Community Center A concert by the Batyu-Borbély Duo at the Pasaréti Community Center. A fusion of jazz, folk music, folk dance, and contemporary dance in a performance-style show spiced with improvisation. Following numerous joint stage appearances, Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas a Harangozó Award winner, Meritorious and Outstanding Artist, folk dancer, and choreographer, and Mihály Borbély, a Knight’s Cross and Liszt Award winner who also received the Kossuth Prize as a member of the Vujicsics ensemble. The captivating blend of wind and percussion instruments, the sounds and visuals of dance, and the varied use of elements spanning a genre spectrum from folk music to jazz create a unique atmosphere. The performers’ energetic and evocative style, their virtuoso instrumental playing, and their spectacular movements result in a production that is sure to capture the audience’s interest. Admission is free, but registration is required! You can register on the Pasaréti Community Center website: pasaretikozossegihaz.hu/programok/kultura/batyu-borbely-duo Everyone is warmly welcome! The event is sponsored by the Budapest 2nd District Local Government.

The best photos from the Tabán Folk Music Festival. The event was held on October 26 at the Virág Benedek House in collaboration with the Magyar Kör Association. Performers included Új Gereben, the Berka Ensemble, and the Borbély-Batyu-Lőrinszky Trio. The event was sponsored by the Budavár Local Government of Budapest District I.

Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas: We’ve Never Compromised on Quality - ArtNews.hu The Tabáni Folk Music Festival, which is being held once again this year at the Virág Benedek House on Döbrentei Square in the First District, has a history spanning nearly 30 years. The founder of this long-standing event, Zoltán Farkas—a dancer, choreographer, and one of the cornerstones of the dance house movement—“B...

Tabán Folk Music Festival TABÁNI FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL “The Essence of Folk and World Music on BUDAPEST’s 150th Anniversary” 6:00 PM Új Gereben 7:00 PM Berka 8:00 PM Borbély-Batyu-Lőrinszky Trio In 2023, we celebrate Budapest’s 150th anniversary, commemorating the unification of the three districts: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda. On Budapest’s 150th birthday, we aim to highlight and celebrate the historical fact that the city’s most successful periods have always been those when its diverse communities were able to work together. On this anniversary, we not only pay tribute to the memory of our predecessors who united the city, but we also revive the great folk and world music heritage of the past through the tradition of the Tabán Folk Music Festival, in which numerous outstanding ensembles, musicians, singers, and dancers played a defining role. Admission to our event is free, but registration is required. You can register at the link below: bit.ly/tabani-nepzene-2023 Sponsored by: Budapest 1st District, Budavár Local Government

Photos from the "Work, Internships, and Training" post by Open Europe Reus

Folk Fest Hungary cover image

The best photos from the fourth Somló FolkFest. Thank you to the Varjos band, the Gordon-Gardon Duo, and the Berka Ensemble for their wonderful performances, and to Somló Kincse Kézműves Kispince for their excellent wines.

The KamarApp mobile application has been developed by the FolkFest Cultural Association with support from the Sándor Csoóri Program. The app was developed by Lénárd Nagy and Bálint Vizeli. With KamarApp, you can easily immerse yourself in the world of Hungarian folk music. This app takes the experience of learning and practicing music to a whole new level. It features numerous functions that help you better understand and master folk melodies. Explore the transcriptions that accurately capture the recordings. Listen to the original audio recordings on which the sheet music was based. The app offers a unique opportunity to listen to the songs track by track, and even mute individual tracks so you can practice with the appropriate instruments. In addition, our educational texts provide insight into the instrumental techniques characteristic of each region. The mobile app is now available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/hu/app/kamarapp/id6444498271 Google Play Store: bit.ly/kamarapp-google-play

We are pleased to announce that this year’s guest at Somló FolkFest will be Somló Kincse Artisan Winery. Somló Kincse’s wines cannot swim, run, or jump, so they are not entered into competitions. They are not trendy wines, so they do not follow consumer trends either. Their primary goal is to showcase Somló, the grape variety, the microenvironment, and themselves. They craft artisanal wines from native Hungarian grape varieties using natural methods. Their goal is simply creation—that is, lifting up to the heavens what has been kneaded from the mud! You’ll find the Somló Kincs stand in the courtyard of the Csatári Winery starting at 6:00 PM, and around 8:00 PM, winemaker László Andrási will present and offer tastings of the winery’s most interesting wines. You can find more information about Somló Kincs on the somlokincse.hu website.

This is our eighth year helping to organize the program for the Szoboszló Folk Weekend. This year, we were entrusted with the entire task of putting together the main stage program. We thank the town and the cultural center for their trust over the years. We thank all the performers and contributors for their high-quality productions, and we thank the thousands of spectators for attending the Szoboszló Folk Weekend.

Csík Band @ Szoboszló Folk Weekend

Berka Band @ Szoboszló Folk Weekend

Sára Tímár @ Szoboszló Folk Weekend Petőfi’s Poems Set to Folk Music

Erdőfű @ Szoboszló Folk Weekend

Csík Band @ Szoboszló Folk Weekend Few bands can say that they have been performing and working for 35 years with unbroken energy, paying no heed to the passage of time or changing trends, overcoming difficulties, and skillfully managing their successes. Well, this is the Csík Band. In their future performances, they will continue to bring our sophisticated, diverse musical world—so beloved by our audience—to life through their new songs, while also evoking those beautiful old arrangements that have left an indelible mark not only in their hearts and the souls of their audience, but also on the Hungarian musical landscape of recent decades.

Berka @ Szoboszló Folk Weekend The Berka Ensemble is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year! Over the past decade and a half, the band members have devoted themselves to the rich and varied repertoire of Moldavian Csángó melodies and dances. They strive to express their love and respect for this region through a series of dance houses held every two weeks for the past 15 years. The result of their work is more than 700 dance houses for adults and children, as well as 3 full-length albums. In recent years, the band has held highly successful concerts and dance houses in 10 European countries. Since 2019, the band has been part of the House of Traditions’ international portfolio. In 2020, based on a public vote organized by the Fonó Budai Zeneház, the band received the “Best Dance House of the Past 25 Years” – Fonó Award.

Sára Tímár and Her Band @ Szoboszló Folk Weekend SÁRA TÍMÁR AND HER BAND – PETŐFI’S POEMS TURNED INTO FOLK SONGS The concert is presented with the support of Szerencsejáték Zrt. Sára Tímár and her band have created a new program to mark the 200th anniversary of Sándor Petőfi’s birth, featuring the poet’s verses set to folk music. The work of this literary giant has survived in folk tradition—in fragments or even in its entirety—for over a century now. Individual lines or stanzas appear in countless folk songs, while entire poems have lived on almost verbatim in the people’s vernacular. It is also remarkable that his poems were sung not only in genres that strive for textual fidelity, such as the ballad, but also in folk songs, lamentations, and even dance tunes, as if the author had come from among them. Petőfi’s popularity is evidenced by the fact that the lyrics of his poems were sung throughout the Carpathian Basin; thus, the concert will feature folk songs from the Zobor region of Upper Hungary or Gömör, as well as from the Mezőség region of Transylvania and the Küküllő Valley. The band members are: Sára Tímár (vocals), Dániel Szabó (cimbalom, vocals), Tamás Nyitrai (violin), Márton Fekete (viola), András Lelkes (double bass), and Lehel Hargitai-Halászi (flute, percussion). Featuring actor Vince Zrinyi-Gál. The musical editors of the program “Petőfi’s Poems Turned into Folk Songs” are Sára Tímár and Tamás Nyitrai. Sára Tímár, a Junior Prima Award-winning singer, is a familiar name in the Hungarian folk and world music scene, having been an active member of numerous musical ensembles for years. In addition to her own band, which plays authentic folk and world music, she has also been performing with the Sebő ensemble since 2009. She explores the creative possibilities of the folk singing voice as the founding member of the Dalinda ensemble. Sára Tímár’s band has a history spanning nearly 15 years; they have been playing together since 2009. They have all been involved in folk music since early childhood. In addition to their formal education, they honed their skills through dance houses, music camps, and field trips, learning from elderly masters. The band members were students in the folk music department at the Academy of Music at roughly the same time and earned degrees in performance and teaching, but an ethnographer, a publishing executive, an economist, and an instrument maker also hide behind the instruments. The ensemble members boast numerous competition wins, scholarships, 3 Junior Prima Awards, and 2 Young Master of Folk Art titles, while Dániel Szabó is a recipient of the Golden Cross of Merit of the Republic of Hungary. Beyond authentically performing folk music, they consider its transmission to be equally important; they pass on folk traditions by teaching in elementary arts schools as well as secondary and higher education institutions. In addition to folk music, they also venture into other musical genres: they participate in classical, blues, and world music projects, and are members of countless ensembles and bands.

Erdőfű @ Szoboszló Folk Weekend Erdőfű was formed through the collaboration of dance house musicians active in Hungary. Its members are all dedicated advocates of the authentic performance of the folk music tradition of the Carpathian Basin, both at dance houses and concert venues. The initiative, which can also be viewed as a musical workshop, aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the diversity of string-based folk music in Hungarian-populated areas and among the ethnic groups living alongside us, while keeping in mind the specific characteristics of each region or village. The musical ensemble’s ars poetica requires in-depth professional knowledge and specific instrumental expertise regarding the musical traditions of each region; therefore, it is essential that the members of Erdőfű individually possess sufficient experience and knowledge in performing instrumental folk music. Their performances offer the audience the opportunity to experience the unique sound of Carpathian Basin folk music through various instrumental configurations and distinctive playing styles.

Somló FolkFest 4th The FolkFest Cultural Association and Csatári Winery will once again host the Somló FolkFest in 2023. The organizers invite everyone to join them on Saturday, August 12, starting at 6:00 p.m., on Somló Hill, in the charming courtyard of Jenő and Donát Csatári’s winery. This year’s micro-festival program once again features high-quality musical performances, and the event will traditionally conclude with a dance party. The program: 6:00 PM Varjos Band (SK) 7:30 PM Gordon-Gardon Duo 8:30 PM Dance party with the Berka ensemble Varjos Band (SK) The band from Párkány has set as its goal the presentation of the folk culture of the Carpathian Basin, based on 20th-century folk music collections and their own experiences. They primarily play folk music from the Hungarian community in Upper Hungary, but their performances also include melodies from present-day Hungary and Transylvania. The Varjos band is performing at the Somló FolkFest as part of the “Development of Slovak-Hungarian Cultural Ties” initiative. The performance is supported by the National Cooperation Fund and the Bethlen Gábor Fund. Gordon-Gardon Duo Attila Lőrinszky – double bass Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas – percussion, dance Double bassist Attila Lőrinszky and dancer Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas founded the Gordon-Gardon Duo in 2000. The ensemble’s goal is to reinterpret Gyimes folk traditions through a contemporary lens, infusing them with modern sensibilities and translating them into their own artistic language. In this ensemble, instruments that were originally accompaniments take on solo roles. Batyu’s dance skills are also integrated into the performance, with the rhythm of the dance accompanying the double bass, and these roles gradually switching places. Berka Ensemble The Berka Ensemble is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year! Over the past decade and a half, the band members have devoted themselves to the highly diverse repertoire of Moldavian Csángó melodies and dances. They strive to express their love and respect for this region through a series of dance houses held every two weeks for the past 15 years. The result of their work is more than 700 dance houses for adults and children, as well as 3 full-length albums. In recent years, the band has held highly successful concerts and dance houses in 10 European countries. Since 2019, the band has been part of the House of Traditions’ international portfolio. In 2020, based on a public vote organized by the Fonó Budai Zeneház, the band received the “Best Dance House of the Past 25 Years” – Fonó Award.

Dance Is Our Common Language // Taniec naszym wspólnym językiem // Our Common Language Is Dance #hellopolska HU Polish-Hungarian seminar on dance as a community-building activity in Budapest and Katowice The project, supported by the Wacław Felczak Foundation, took place on two dates and at two locations: on May 17, 2023, in Budapest, and on June 2, 2023, in Miedary. The seminar for creators and performers focused on “dance” as a form of artistic expression. Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas, a dancer and choreographer, and his partner Ildikó “Fecske” Tóth, both multiple award-winning dance artists, attempted to create a new choreography drawing from Hungarian and Polish dance traditions. As part of the project, Ryszard Kocot and Joanna Kocot, leaders of the Polish dance ensemble Miedarzanie, presented their own creative method, focusing on those elements of the choreography that represent the shared dance language of the two nations. PL Polish-Hungarian seminar in Budapest and Katowice on dance as a community-building activity. The project, supported by the Wacław Felczak Foundation, was held on two dates and in two locations: May 17, 2023, in Budapest, and June 2 in Miedary. The main theme of the seminar for creators and performers was dance as a form of artistic expression. The award-winning artists, Zoltán Farkas “Batyu,” a dancer and choreographer, together with his partner, Ildikó Tóth “Fecske,” drawing on Hungarian and Polish dance traditions, attempted to create a new choreography. As part of the project, the artists leading the Polish folk ensemble Miedarzanie, Ryszard Kocot and Joanna Kocot, presented their creative methodology, focusing on elements of choreography common to both nations. EN Polish-Hungarian Seminar on Dance as a Community-building Activity in Budapest and Katowice The project, supported by the Wacław Felczak Foundation, took place on two dates and at two locations: May 17, 2023, in Budapest and June 2, 2023, in Miedary. The creative and performing seminar focused on "dance" as an artistic expression. Dancer and choreographer Zoltán Farkas "Batyu" and his partner Tóth Ildikó "Fecske," multiple award-winning dance artists, attempted to create a new choreography drawing on Hungarian and Polish dance traditions. As part of the project, Ryszard Kocot and Joanna Kocot, the leaders of the Polish dance group Miedarzanie, presented their own creative method, focusing on those elements in the choreography that represent the shared dance language of the two nations. Project Description - Report // Opis projektu - Sprawozdanie // Project Description - Report: https://folkfest.hu/tevekenysegunk/kozos-nyelvunk-a-tanc-taniec-naszym-wspolnym-jezykiem-our-common-language-is-dance/ #hellopolska

Dance Is Our Common Language // Taniec naszym wspólnym językiem // Our Common Language 1st Dance Polish-Hungarian Seminar on Dance as a Community-Building Activity in Budapest and KatowiceThe project, supported by the Wacław Felczak Foundation, consists of two...

Czardasz & Csárdás - Közös nyelvünk a tánc // Taniec naszym wspólnym językiem Lengyel-magyar szeminárium a táncról mint közösségépítő tevékenységről Budapesten és KatowicébenA Wacław Felczak Alapítvány által támogatott projekt két idő...

Dance Is Our Common Language 2nd Polish-Hungarian Seminar on Dance as a Community-Building Activity This seminar for creators and performers focuses on “dance” as a form of artistic expression. Zolán Farkas “Batyu,” a dancer and choreographer, and his partner Ildikó Tóth “Fecske,” both multiple award-winning dance artists, will attempt to create a new choreography drawing from Hungarian and Polish dance traditions. The project’s partner performers are Ryszard Kocot and Joanna Kocot, the leaders of the Polish dance ensemble Miedarzanie. On May 17, 2023, during the first session of the Budapest seminar, they taught each other basic dance steps, which they will further develop at this event, and will hold a joint dance performance with the children and adult dancers of their dance groups. By the end of the event, a joint Hungarian-Polish choreography will be created. #hellopolska @felczak_alapitvany Performers: Zoltán "Batyu" Farkas and Ildikó "Fecske" Tóth, as well as Ryszard Kocot and Joanna Kocot, leaders of the Miedarzanie Polish dance ensemble, and their dance group Venue: Zespół Szkolno-Przedszkolny (42-676 Miedary, ul. Główna 26)

Dance is our common language Polish-Hungarian Seminar on Dance as a Community-Building Activity This seminar for creators and performers focuses on “dance” as a form of artistic expression. Zolán Farkas “Batyu,” a dancer and choreographer, and his partner Ildikó Tóth “Fecske,” both multiple award-winning dance artists, will attempt to create a new choreography drawing from Hungarian and Polish dance traditions. As part of the project, Ryszard Kocot and Joanna Kocot, the leaders of the Polish dance ensemble Miedarzanie, will present their own creative method, focusing on those elements of the choreography that represent the shared dance language of the two nations. #hellopolska @felczak_alapitvany Performers: Zoltán "Batyu" Farkas and Ildikó "Fecske" Tóth—Prima Award-winning dancers and representatives of the Magyar Kör Association—as well as Ryszard Kocot and Joanna Kocot, leaders of the Polish dance ensemble Miedarzanie Venue: Budapest Cultural Center 1119 Budapest, Etele út 55 Date and Time: May 17, 2023, 2:00 PM Sponsor: Waclaw Felczak Foundation

https://youtu.be/va76VM4X62E Sponsored by: Budavár Local Government, District I, Budapest

The musical journey continues! Attila Mihó and Friends’ album *Útfelén* has been released by the FolkFest Cultural Association. The album is available exclusively in digital format on the most popular music streaming platforms: https://artists.landr.com/055120123320 Band: Orsolya András, Attila Mihó, János Fábi, Márton Fekete, András Görög, Máté Tóth Guest artists: Annamária Szabó, Ferenc Zimber, Zoltán Gárgyán, and Soma Salamon Recording: Attila Mihó Mixing, mastering: Studio Autentik Label: FolkFest Cultural Association The production of this album was supported by the NKA Béla Halmos Program.

In mid-October, we brought the experience of folk music and dance houses to the Margit Quarter. At the MANYI Cultural Workshop, the Boglya band gave an educational musical presentation on the folklore heritage of Burgenland, Laci Szlama performed a koboz concert, and the Új Gereben ensemble took the stage. The evening concluded with a dance house led by Batyu and Fecske. The program was supported by the 2nd District (Budapest) and the Local Government of Budapest’s 2nd District.

We are pleased to announce that the album *“Long Live the Dancers” – Felcsík Folk Music for Folk Dance Instruction* by Attila Mihó and Friends, published today by the FolkFest Cultural Association, is now available, accompanied by 14 dance instructional videos. The production of the audiovisual material was supported by the NKA Béla Halmos Program, and the dance videos feature dancers from the Hargita National Székely Folk Ensemble. We thank the András Foundation for their cooperation. The album is available only as a digital release. The music will be available on all popular streaming platforms starting October 26: https://artists.landr.com/055120033476 The dance videos can be viewed on the FolkFest YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnDE7yx0FeTAFPQpF1QaumWPTq-gex2MK

Batyu-Borbély Quartet Concert A fusion of jazz, folk music, folk dance, and contemporary dance in a performance-style, world music show spiced with improvisation. Following numerous joint stage performances, Zoltán Farkas “Batyu”; a Harangozó Prize winner, Meritorious and Distinguished Artist, folk dancer, and choreographer, alongside Mihály Borbély, a Knight’s Cross and Liszt Prize winner who, as a member of the Vujicsics ensemble, has also been awarded the Kossuth Prize. The captivating blend of wind and percussion instruments, dance sounds, and visuals, along with the varied use of elements spanning a genre spectrum from folk music to jazz, creates a unique atmosphere. The performers’ energetic and evocative style, their virtuoso instrumental playing, and their spectacular movements result in a production that is sure to capture the audience’s interest. Performers: Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas – percussion, tapan, dance Mihály Borbély – tarogato, clarinet, saxophone, flute, kaval Mihály Győrfi – guitar Balázs Horváth – double bass The concert is free! Sponsor: Budapest 1st District Budavár Local Government

The Batyu-Borbély Duo in the Czech Republic (Ponava Café, Brno)

We visited Kajárpéc last weekend. At the Kajárpéc stop of our “Fel!” series, thanks to Márton Pekker, we had the opportunity to sample the wines of the Kapus Winery. Interspersed with a concert by Erdőfű, Melinda Balogh told stories and led the audience in song. At the end, the audience had the chance to learn dances and have fun at the Somló Banda dance party. In addition to local and regional visitors, guests also arrived from the Czech Republic and Lithuania. Thus, the Fel! folk festival in Kajárpéc turned into an international mini-festival. We thank Kajárpéc for hosting our program, and a special thank you goes to György “Mesó” Mesics for the local organization. The event was made possible with the support of the NKA and the Sándor Csoóri Foundation. #Erdőfű #SomlóBanda #Kajárpéc #FolkFest #KapusBorház

Photos from the Folk Fest Hungary post

Photos from the Folk Fest Hungary post

4th Conference on the Development of Cultural Relations Among the Visegrad Four Countries 4th International Conference on the Development of Cultural Relations Among the Visegrad Four Countries (CZ) "Community festivals spiced up with gastronomy and wine" (PL) "Community festivals spiced up with gastronomy and wine" (SK) "Community Festivals Spiced with Gastronomy and Wine" (HU) "Community Festivals Spiced with Gastronomy and Wine" (CZ) Petra Eliášová Mikulov: A Wine Journey Through Cultural Life Mikulov: A Wine Journey Through Cultural Life Mikulov: A Wine Journey Through Cultural Life (PL) Áron Zöldy The Role of the Wacław Felczak Foundation in Supporting Polish-Hungarian Relations The Role of the Wacław Felczak Foundation in Supporting Polish-Hungarian Relations The Role of the Wacław Felczak Foundation in Supporting Polish-Hungarian Relations (SK) Gyula Juhász ...in the aforementioned archbishop’s seat, in Párkány, they could and must remain forever... ...in the Archdiocese of Párkány, they may remain and be maintained in perpetuity... ...May Párkány Remain in an Archdiocese at All Times... (HU) Zoltán Farkas Activities of the Hungarian Circle Association in National and International Cultural Spheres Activities of the Hungarian Circle Association in National and International Cultural Spheres Moderator: Krisztián Bakó Music: Batyu-Borbély Duo Sponsor: National Cultural Fund

Borbély Mihály és barátai - Ókútból friss víz Borbély Mihály - fúvós hangszerekLukács Miklós - cimbalomDés András - ütőhangszerekBarcza Horváth József - bőgőFarkas Zoltán ‘"Batyu" - tánc, dob, gardonA ko...

Last weekend we were in Hajdúszoboszló, where we’ve been helping to organize the Szoboszló Folk Weekend for years. This year, we arranged for six bands and one dance troupe—that is, 35 musicians and about 30 dancers—to perform on the main stage of the festival, now in its 27th year.

Photos from the Folk Fest Hungary post

This year, the Somló Banda will also be performing at Somló FolkFest. Expect traditional Hungarian village rock ’n’ roll—or timeless dance music featuring the violin, viola, double bass, and vocals—during the evening dance party. The venue is beautiful even in the spring, as seen in Donát Csatári’s photo.

Somló FolkFest is back in 2022! We already know the name of the first performer: Vujicsics Thank you to the NKA Béla Halmos Program for its support. The venue is just as magical in winter, as you can see in this photo courtesy of Donát Csatári.

Somló FolkFest 2021 Somló FolkFest 2021, August 21, Csatári Winery, Somlóvásárhely · Somló Hill Performers: Bálint Vizeli and Friends, Góbé, Vizeli Trio

In 2016, we visited Gyimes and filmed footage for Attila Mihó’s instructional material. Certain segments of the material, which was originally released on DVD, will soon be remastered and uploaded to our YouTube channel.

We visited Kisapáti in early October. As part of the St. Michael’s Day Fair, we organized concerts and a dance party for the event titled “Up to St. George’s Hill!” with support from the National Cultural Fund. Helga “Helka” Debreczeni-Kis and Anikó Barna, along with the Új Gereben band, took the stage, and at the end of the evening, Zoltán “Batyu” Farkas led a dance party by the campfire. During the event, the locals treated the audience and the crew to bread sticks and wines made in Kisapáti. We would like to thank Éva Kalamárné Pandur for her local organizational work and warm hospitality.

Photos from the Folk Fest Hungary post

Photos from the Folk Fest Hungary post

The band Góbé also gave it their all on the Somló FolkFest stage (more photos and videos coming soon). You can catch their energetic performance again on Friday at the VonyArts Folk Party.

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Fonó Café is the culinary partner of the second Somló FolkFest. At the Fonó Budai Zeneház, they will strive to meet our guests’ needs with the high-quality grilled dishes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks that have become a staple there.

2nd CONFERENCE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL RELATIONS AMONG THE VISEGRÁD FOUR The FolkFest Cultural Association is organizing the 5th meeting of cultural professionals from various countries in Budapest for the second time. This year, the main theme of the presentations will be the impact of art on our community culture. The conference’s subtitle is: “THE STATE OF ART AND CULTURE IN OUR SOCIETIES” Admission is free. Program: Pavel Domonkos, PhDr. (SK) Cultural Life of Komárno Kultúrny život Komárna Petr Šesták (CZ) Ła Strada: Supporting Busking in a Small Town Ła Strada: podpora buskingu na malém městě Maksym Ostrowski (PL) The City and Its Society: From Idea to Realization Miasto i jego społeczeństwo: od idei do realizacji Dániel Máhr (HU) One Step Closer: A Pilot 5th Project Led by the Budapest Cultural Center Egy lépéssel közelebb... A Budapesti Művelődési Központ 5th projektje MODERATED BY KRISZTIÁN BAKÓ CHAIRMAN OF THE FOLKFEST CULTURAL ASSOCIATION MUSIC BY SÁNDOR KAPITÁNY BLUES MUSICIAN SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL CULTURAL FUND OF HUNGARY

The lineup for the second Somló FolkFest has been finalized. We look forward to seeing everyone on August 21 in the courtyard of the Csatári Winery on Somló Hill. Admission is free, and as things stand now, a vaccination certificate is not required. ---------/// *****///------------- 4:30 PM - Children’s Dance House with Réka Annus 5:30 PM - Concert by Bálint Vizeli and Friends 7:30 PM - Góbé concert 9:00 PM - Dance House - music by the Vizeli Trio ---------/// *****///------------- We continue to welcome applications from businesses wishing to set up a booth offering services related to the event’s theme (catering, wineries, handmade products). Applications can be submitted with a brief description of your business to [email protected].

Somló FolkFest: For the Second Time The FolkFest Cultural Association is organizing the Somló FolkFest folk music micro-festival on Somló Hill for the second time in 2021. From the afternoon of August 21 until late evening, the courtyard of the Csatári Pince, overlooking the basalt organ pipes, will welcome visitors with children’s programs, concerts, and a dance hall. The highlight of this year’s festival will be a concert by the band Góbé. The band members approach authentic folk music with an experimental spirit, resulting in a boundary-pushing fusion folk sound from the Carpathian Basin. The event will be held in compliance with current pandemic restrictions, so we will soon launch a registration page. Registered attendees will have priority in the event of capacity limits and will receive ongoing updates about amenities related to the event. The festival is free to attend again this year, thanks to support from the National Cultural Fund. We will announce additional performers and accompanying programs soon. We also welcome applications from businesses wishing to set up stalls offering services related to the event’s profile (catering, wineries, artisanal products). Applications can be submitted with a brief description of the business to [email protected].

The Batyu-Borbély Duo A fusion of jazz, folk music, folk dance, and contemporary dance in a performance-style show spiced with improvisation. Following numerous joint stage performances...