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The Budapest International Documentary Film Festival, Hungary’s largest film festival, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. In addition to Budapest, a selection of films will be screened in 10 cities across the country. Between 1 and 4 February 2024, 9 documentaries will be screened in Debrecen, followed by a professional discussion on each occasion.

2024 has only just begun, but it’s already worth browsing the event calendar, because this year there will be great festivals in Debrecen. In addition to the well-known big events like the Debrecen Flower Carnival or the Campus Festival, 2024 will also host a number of international sporting events: in addition to the world class 3×3 basketball teams, Europe’s best women’s handball players will also be competing in Debrecen.

Hungary’s first rural zoo and botanical garden and only classic amusement park has entered its 66th year. Zoo Debrecen, which offers a wide range of experiences all year round, will continue to offer great programs in 2024. Alongside the popular events such as Chirpy Family Day, Zoo Night and Halloween, there will also be Volunteers and Zoo Lovers Day, Rose Festival, Terrarium and Aquarium Weekend and many more.

Two priceless relics from Ferenc Kölcsey, one of the most important Hungarian poets of the reform era, were added to the collection of the Déri Museum on the Day of Hungarian Culture. The Biedermeier-style secretary desk and the penholder were used by the poet in his study in Szatmárcseke when he wrote Himnusz, the national anthem of Hungary.

On 22 January, we celebrate the Day of Hungarian Culture, in memory of the fact that, according to a manuscript, Ferenc Kölcsey wrote the final text of the Hymn on 22 January 1823. This day is an annual celebration of the rich heritage, traditions, material and spiritual values of Hungarian culture.

Debrecen’s rich cultural heritage rightly elevate the city to one of the citadels of Hungarian culture. The Day of Hungarian Culture is an excellent occasion to take stock of these, from literature to fine arts, from music to street art.

We have selected some of Debrecen’s cultural treasures for you to explore.

2024 promises to be an exciting year in Debrecen, as world stars such as José Cura and Modern Talking will come to perform in the city. Among the Hungarian musicians and bands, Punnany Massif, Kowalsky meg a Vega, NOX, Péter Geszti and Eszter Váczi are already confirmed as next year’s performers.

In keeping with its tradition, Zoo Debrecen is putting the birds in the spotlight at its first event of the year, the Chirpy Family Day on 27 and 28 January 2024, between 9:00 and 16:00.

Debrecen’s oldest cinema, the more than 110-year-old Apollo Cinema hosts a Short Film Evening on 17 January 2024 when the audience can watch 6 Dutch short films for free.

The 68th István Bocskai István International Memorial Tournament is the first event of the Hungarian Boxing Federation in the year 2024. The event takes place between 14 and 21 January in Debrecen, which is both a center and a regional base for Hungarian boxing. A total of 68 women and 95 men from two continents have entered this year’s Bocskai Memorial Tournament, which also features Olympic, world and European champions.

The world-famous Grammy Award-winning King’s Singers will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Disney with a sensational mid-January arena concert. The most famous cartoon hits, from The Lion King to Sleeping Beauty, will be performed with the 100-year-old Kodály Philharmonic Orchestra of Debrecen in a record release concert on 17 January 2024 at 6.30 p.m.

What better way to brighten up the lethargic mood of long, cold January days than colorful creative experiences? In the next couple of days you can add a touch of color and fun to your everyday life with traditional, homemade handicrafts and delicacies.

Although the holiday fair ended on the first day of the year in the main square, the skating rink has not closed yet.

The classical music season continues in January 2024 with a world-renowned star-studded line-up, acclaimed Hungarian musicians and classics of the musical literature. The Grammy-winning The Kings Singers and the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing, while the Kodály Philharmonic Orchestra of Debrecen, celebrating its 100th anniversary this season, will be back with its usual high-quality concerts. The January and February program will include works by Mozart, Strauss, Haydn, Prokofiev and Rachmaninov, carnival and romantic tunes, cartoon hits and jazz.

Aquaticum SPA starts the year with fantastic wellness experiences and aquatic activities. In the indoor adventure pool you will find a tropical climate, adventure pools and family programs, while in the sauna world you can enjoy women’s days and themed sauna sessions.