Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)
2. Balloons and Fireworks - Holidays and Festivities
16 BALLOONS AND FIREWORKS such as acrobats, clowns, games, contests, rides, balloons, music, food tents, etc. Other unions and organisations organise a similar event on a smaller scale in the People’s Park [Népliget], and other festivities may take place in different parts of the city, for example at Nagy-rét near Hűvösvölgy (13) or, nearer the centre, in the Tabán, the green space between Gellért Hill and Castle Hill, where sometimes open-air pop concerts are organised. Mother’s Day [Anyák napja] Something for the mothers! The first Sunday in May, when children often give a small gift to their mothers, for example a flower or a drawing. Children’s Day [Gyermeknap] Not a fixed date, but invariably the last Sunday in May. As the name implies this is, of course, the day—a special day for children with events organised to match. Anything could be involved, but the type and location(s) of activities can change each year. Check with Tourin- form (1) for events. June 30th The date which officially marked the final withdrawal of the last Soviet troops from Hungary in 1991. Since then Budapest’s mayor has sponsored on this date public festivities throughout the city—music, dance, etc. August 20th A national holiday—St. Stephen’s day, a day marking the foundation of the Hungarian state (Stephen was the first king) and, traditionally, the “day of new bread”. Lots of holiday, summer-time activities around and about— Margaret Island usually has a lot going on. A main attraction for children is the traditional big firework display which takes place on Gellért Hill in the evening and which is visible from many vantage points. October 23rd A national holiday—the anniversary of the proclamation of the current constitution in 1989 and of the
