To celebrate Birds and Trees Day, a variety of themed programs, activities, and recreational opportunities await everyone this week. In addition to events centered on a love of nature, there will be city walks, programs for young children, and the long-awaited St. Michael’s Day Fair. Furthermore, one of the most beloved nature conservation sites for both Debrecen residents and tourists, the Hortobágy National Park, along with the fairgrounds, offers exciting opportunities for the weekend.
Which bird can fly backward? Is there a bird whose speed matches that of a Formula 1 car? Nature is full of ingenious engineering solutions. On the occasion of Birds and Trees Day, children can learn about these during an interactive workshop and even build some of them using LEGO Spike sets. Exciting scientific adventures await children as part of this educational program series. During the one-hour sessions, participants can get a glimpse into the mysteries of various scientific fields.
For the sixth time, nature will take over DKV’s trams on May 10. Throughout the day, the sounds of various bird species will be heard from the trams’ loudspeakers, while colorful images of birds displayed on the screens will help passengers identify the different species.
The St. Michael’s Day Fair is Hungary’s largest nationwide open-air market, where nearly 1,200 vendors offer their products and goods to interested shoppers. In addition to high-quality handmade products, the atmosphere of old-fashioned fairs has also returned. And of course, fine cuisine is a must: cheeses, strudels, oven-baked flatbread, delicious homemade sausages, and high-quality local wines and brandies make the market atmosphere even more enjoyable.
A Local History Walk on Simonyi Road
Simonyi Road, known for its beautiful villas, has a history dating back more than two hundred years. Its history began in the early 1800s, when the promenade connecting the city to the Great Forest was built, named in memory of Hussar Colonel József Simonyi. During the walk, we’ll learn who “Obester” Simonyi really was and what role he played in the life of Debrecen. We’ll learn about the history and architectural features of the imposing villas here, and get a glimpse into the life that once unfolded within their walls. We’ll also discuss the beginnings of local tram service, Debrecen’s 200-year-old spa culture, and the famous people who have some connection to Simonyi Road.
During a magical afternoon, creative activities, fun water games, and playful challenges will transport every participating child into the realm of imagination. Aquafitness, water Zumba, a creative play area, and many other exciting games await those eager to splash around. Once again, the youngest visitors can look forward to Pöttöm Pancsi’s musical, playful water activities.
Interactive Anatomy Exhibition at the Forum
An exhibition exploring the secrets and fascinating facts of the human body is on display at the Forum shopping center through May 17. Visitors can discover all the mysterious aspects of the human body through various experiments, quizzes, and activities.
The Hungarian Wool Festival revives the ancient traditions of wool processing, and its programs trace the journey of wool from shearing to the finished product. At the festival, shepherds and their animals receive special attention among the various pastoral professions. The event offers an extremely diverse and rich program for visitors at four locations in the heart of Hortobágy. Admission to the event is free.
On May 9, the Hortobágy Shepherd Museum invites everyone to a special evening program. During their unique guided tour, we can gain insight into the shepherds’ centuries-old knowledge of the stars: how the starry sky helped with navigation, tracking the passage of time, and daily life on the plains. Following the unique “annual cycle” installation, you can journey through the sky throughout the year, as the connections between traditional knowledge and observations of nature come to life. Immerse yourself in an evening where folk culture and astronomy meet.
