The Spice of Europe celebrates its anniversary with signature cakes, tastings, spa experiences, lion replicas, and more!
MIAMI, FL (October 20th, 2023) – The capital city of Hungary, Budapest also known as the Spice of Europe, is celebrating its 150th anniversary with culinary, music, and cultural festivals ranging from wine and gastronomy to music and culture. Drawing attention to the historic unification of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, in 1873, the anniversary pays tribute to its predecessors, and one of the fastest developing metropolises in Europe. Today, the city is home to impressive market halls, invigorating thermal baths, lavish literary cafés, grand architecture, and bustling nightlife.
“We invite you to join us in this historic celebration of one of the world’s most iconic cities, Budapest. Its diversity, energy, and creative vibes, exemplifies Hungary’s offering to locals and tourists alike. Budapest is truly the spice of Europe!” said György Lenvai, Head of Tourism Development for Visit Hungary.
Culinary Delights
Cakes of the Year: Dessert-lovers can enjoy this year’s winning cakes created with special ingredients honoring the occasion throughout more than 100 locales in Budapest. Winning cakes include Spicces Füge Respektus (Respect for Drunken Fig), which contains fig jelly and Tokaji Aszú, the world-famous wine of Hungary, and Kikelet (Springtime) cake, designed around a drop of black tea, with blueberries and a hint of lavender, completed by a vanilla white chocolate mousse and an almond and lemon sponge cake.
Tokaji Aszú Tasting: Considered the world’s oldest sweet wine, Tokaji Aszu is the best way to celebrate Budapest. Named after the town of Tokaj and the Hungarian word “aszu”, which means “dry,” visitors can participate in a tasting cruise experience along the Danube River and tasting tours throughout the city and nearby Etyek.
Culture Lovers
Grand Novel Budapest: In November 2023, a Budapest-centric book, comprising 23 stories by 23 Hungarian authors, will debut as a literary tribute to the city’s anniversary.
Music meets Spa – Join the festivities by participating in Sparty, the world-famous party series! The city is home to more than a hundred geothermal springs, and each year from February to December, locals and visitors participate in this weekly event at the largest medicinal bath in Europe, located in the City Park area.
Renowned Architecture
Chain Bridge Reopens: Once connecting the cities of Buda and Pest, central to the theme of this year’s anniversary, the Chain Bridge officially reopened in August 2023. The picturesque historic stone bridge straddles the Danube between Széchenyi Square in Pest, and Clark Ádám Square in Buda. Offering some of city’s most stunning views, the bridge is connected by the grandiose Parliament in Pest, while Castle Hill towers at the Buda end.
The Lions of Budapest: Feline lovers will enjoy the presence of lions throughout Budapest. Portrayed in the coat of arms, and as guards of the iconic Chain Bridge, replicas of the guarding lions will be placed at iconic locations throughout the city creatively, decorated by local artists.
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About Visit Hungary
The Hungarian Tourism Agency operates in international markets under the brand name Visit Hungary. Visit Hungary performs domestic and international sales and marketing communication tasks related to tourism, manages the International Tourism Representation, executes image and product campaigns both in Hungary and abroad, produces tourism and image publications, conducts research and analysis in support of marketing communication activities, and participates in fairs and tourism trade fairs to promote domestic and foreign tourism. For more information visit https://visithungary.com/.