15 March in the Buda Castle District

On the occasion of the Hungarian National Day on March 15, the Buda Castle District will once again host a full day of festive programs. Music, folk dance, historical demonstrations, guided walks, craft activities, and family-friendly events will bring the atmosphere of the 1848–49 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence to life across several locations in the historic castle area. Most programs are free to attend, although some require advance registration.

Programs at the Royal Riding Hall (Lovarda)

Throughout the day, the Royal Riding Hall will host traditional music and folk-themed performances. Programs by the Tébláb School of Folk Arts will recreate the atmosphere of the reform era with singing, dancing, and folk music.

Stage programs:

10:15 & 13:30 – Traditional folk music dance house
Visitors can join in singing and dancing while learning popular melodies and dances of the era.

11:40 & 15:00 – “Rise Up, Brave Soldiers!” folk dance performance
A lively show featuring songs, dances, and stories inspired by the time of the revolution.

12:20 & 16:00 – “Cither Soldier Tales” and instrument presentation
Junior Prima Award-winning cither player Krisztián Dömény leads a musical storytelling performance that evokes the rural world of the 1800s. Visitors can even try the instrument themselves.

 Craft activities (10:00–17:00):

Hobby horse puppets

Clothespin hussars

Quilling pictures in the colors of the Hungarian flag

 Interactive games (10:00–17:00):

Hussar bowling – a playful recreation of a popular pastime among soldiers

Hussar training – marching, endurance games, and playful tasks

Recruitment bell music – learning famous revolutionary melodies with bells

Flag tossing game – a fun challenge for younger visitors

Programs are also presented with the participation of the Budakeszi Military Heritage Association, including:

Live history presentation about the formation and equipment of the Hungarian army

Sword dance and traditional paired folk dances

Playful recruitment training for children using wooden swords and paper hats

Teaching traditional hussar songs

Live folk music

Programs at Csikós Courtyard

The Csikós Courtyard will feature spectacular military heritage demonstrations throughout the day.

Historical military camps
A Hungarian honvéd camp will appear near the Csikós statue, while an imperial camp will be set up by the Stöckl staircase. Soldiers will patrol the courtyard and perform tactical demonstrations and reenacted clashes.

 Artillery and weapons demonstrations

Artillery demonstrations for children

Presentation of infantry weapons and equipment

Photo opportunities with historical soldiers

 Folk dance procession
A lively parade featuring music, hussars, soldiers, and recruitment songs will move from the Karakas Pasha Tower to the Stöckl staircase.

Sweet Bread Workshop (10:00–15:00)
Participants can help knead, prepare, and bake traditional braided sweet bread in mobile wood-fired ovens.

Festive brass band concerts
The Hussar Band of “Music in Budapest” will perform concerts at the Csikós Courtyard and near the Karakas Pasha Tower.

Mounted hussar patrol (10:00–17:00)
Horse-mounted hussars from the Hungarian National Mounted Ceremonial Unit and the Hungarian Hussar and Military Heritage Association will patrol the castle district.

Ceremonial infantry patrol
A ceremonial guard march will take place along the route Csikós Courtyard – Main Guard Building – Lion Courtyard – Csikós Courtyard, accompanied by drummers, string musicians, and hussar honor guards.

Buda Castle Walks – historical guided tour

The guided tour “We Do Not Give Up ’48!” explores locations in Buda connected to the 1848–49 revolution and war of independence.

Times: 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Starting point: Csikós Courtyard, at the statue of the Horse Tamer

Participation is free, but advance registration is required.

St. Stephen’s Hall – free visit

On March 15, visitors can enter St. Stephen’s Hall free of charge, one of the most impressive historical interiors of the Buda Castle.

Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Visitors can explore:

the beautifully restored historical interior

the accompanying exhibition

the “Hauszmann Story” exhibition about the palace’s history

Due to expected high interest, advance online booking is recommended.

Evening program at Várkert Bazár

The day concludes with a special concert at the Várkert Bazár.

“In Praise of Petőfi” – concert by Gyula Szarka and his band
This unique performance celebrates the poetry and spirit of Sándor Petőfi, blending acoustic, folk, and world music influences to bring the poet’s works to life.
Time: 6:00 PM

Date: March 15, 2026
Location: Buda Castle District, Budapest
Admission: most programs are free, some require registration

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