Are you looking for something to do today? Well here’s what’s hot right now. Only the best things to see and do while in Debrecen over the next week and beyond, upcoming events that will stir your emotion, you will never want to leave after your Debrecen Experience.
While advent begins at the end of November or the beginning of December, in Hungary Christmas really begins for children on the 6th December, this is because it is (Mikulás-nap) St.Nicholas day, the day when Santa visits Children throughout Hungary.
While advent begins at the end of November or the beginning of December, in Hungary Christmas really begins for children on the 6th December, this is because it is (Mikulás-nap) St.Nicholas day, the day when Santa visits Children throughout Hungary.
In preparation for this Advent and Christmas period, a number of popular treats are prepared in vast quantities, available everywhere from cukrászdák (confectionaries), and at the stalls at the Advent Christmas fairs located in bigger cities such as Budapest and Debrecen.
In what can only be described as a sweet tradition, the Beigli is consumed in vast quantities in the build-up to Christmas. The rolled cylinders of dough are more widely known as Christmas Roll or Poppy Seed roll or Walnut Rolls. They are named accordingly, with either poppy seed or a walnut filling and then baked. These sweet treats last for long periods and are mass-produced by Grandma’s across the country. It is a happily unavoidable treat and a sensation that is inseparable from the Christmas experience and memory here.
(more…)
In Hungary, the Christmas season begins with Advent at either the end of November or the beginning of December, a time waiting for the Lord.
In Hungary, the Christmas season begins with Advent at either the end of November or the beginning of December, a time known for waiting for the Lord. This time also marks the beginning of the Church year, a tradition originating from the 5-6. century. The Christmas season includes lighting up the candles on four consecutive Advent Sundays, setting up the Christmas tree and waiting for Santa for the little ones. Let’s see the most well-known Hungarian Christmas traditions.
The tradition of the Advent calendar arose from German Protestants in the 1800’s as a way for children to countdown to Christmas Day. It spread across the world during the 20th century to become the main secular observance of the season. The first commercially printed Advent calendar was created by Gerhard Lang in 1908, inspired by his mother, who sewed 24 cookies into the lid of a box and allowed him to eat one per day through December.
(more…)
The Debrecen Advent Fair opened at Kossuth Square and Piac Street on November 23rd, providing a cosy community space with vendors supplying unique handmade products, irresistible delicacies and soul-warming hot drinks.
The Debrecen Advent Fair opened at Kossuth Square and Piac Street on November 23rd, providing a cosy community space with vendors supplying unique handmade products, irresistible delicacies and soul-warming hot drinks.
In the advent of the hustle and bustle, we can enjoy the 45-meter giant wheel, while our youngest can take a ride on the Vili train (December 2-23).
30 November: Bethlehem in the Old Town Hall
From November 30, the Old Town Hall will open its gate. In its inner courtyard, figures of Bethlehem can be seen together with biblical animals thanks to the help of the Debrecen Zoo and Botanical Garden. In addition to those images, the wilderness of Hortobágy will be also displayed. In addition to the permanent programs, there are other nature-based attractions on the weekends, i.e. Természettár (Association of Nature) shows what we can do for animals, especially for the birds and other wildlife species, in winter.
Opening hours of the Old Town Hall: Saturday and Sunday 9 AM 9 PM, weekdays 4 PM – 8 PM (November 30 – December 22, 2019)
(more…)
A new exhibition entitled “Endless Ends” can be seen in the Vojtina Puppet Theater. The exhibition features the work of Gábor Michac, the set, costume and puppet designer.
A new exhibition entitled “Endless Ends” can be seen in the Vojtina Puppet Theater. The exhibition features the work of Gábor Michac, the set, costume and puppet designer.
The young artist graduated from the Faculty of Art of the University of Kaposvár in 2010. Since then his work has been used in a number of theatrical and visual productions, – too numerous to count.
Gábor’s design is impressive: passionate, luxurious and at times minimalist. His figures are formative and articulate with bold visuality. This season, he also co-designed two plays, “„A Csizmadia, a Szélkirály és a Nyúlpásztor esete” (“The Case of the Boots, The King of the Wind, and the Rabbit Shepherd” and the “„A libapásztorlány” (“The Goose Shepherd”).
The exhibition entitled “Endless Ends” is the 99th exhibition of the Vojtina Puppet Theater that is open to the public.
The exhibition opens on the 19th November and continues to January 12th, 2020, from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 12 pm on weekends.
According to the plans of architect Mihály Péchy, the construction work of today’s church known as The Reformed Great Church of Debrecen began in 1805 and was completed in 1827.
In the 13th Century, St. Andrew Church, built by Dósa family stood in the place of today’s Reformed Great Church. In the 16th century the St. Andrew Church was destroyed in a fire and rebuilt in gothic style. Unfortunately, it was also completely destroyed in the Great Fire of Debrecen of 1802, and a new church had to be built for the Reformed believers in the city. According to the plans of architect Mihály Péchy, the construction work of today’s church known as The Reformed Great Church of Debrecen began in 1805 and was completed in 1827.
The Reformed Great Church of Debrecen is the largest Reformed church in Hungary and is the most iconic building of the city and is a sight of great importance for the Hungarian Reformed Church. Built-in the neoclassical style, the church can seat nearly two thousand people.
The Reformed Great Church of Debrecen is not only an ecclesiastical but also an important historical and cultural site where Lajos Kossuth read the Declaration of Independence on April 14, 1849. In 1991, II. Pope John Paul also served in the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen before wreathing a galley sculpture in the Memorial Garden.
The first worship was held in the Reformed Great Church two hundred years ago, on November 24, 1819.
(more…)
Just like any other city, Debrecen has its own dark history with scandals, intrigues, violence and murder which make for interesting stories. A far cry from what today’s Debrecen which must be one of the safest cities in Hungary.
Just like any other city, Debrecen has its own dark history with scandals, intrigues, violence and murder which make for interesting stories. A far cry from what today’s Debrecen which must be one of the safest cities in Hungary. There are several interesting buildings and streets in the city that tell some scandalous stories.
Petőfi Square, the Little Chicago of Debrecen
Petőfi Square started to play an important role in the life of the city only in the second half of the 19th century, but before this time it was used as a dumping ground. With the construction of the railroad, it became popular, but it was never an upper-class neighbourhood, but rather the “entertainment center” of the working class. It was also called “Little Chicago”.
The Kossuth Hotel stood at the corner of what is now Elizabeth Street, operated as a reputable place at first. Later it was seen as a dangerous inn because if the guest did not pay, they would throw them out onto the street or search their wallet while he slept.
On the street known as Késes, (translates as Knife in English) located behind a 24 story building the street was probably named after the knife makers located there, but a far more interesting story arose that quickly became widespread, that it was named so because of stabbings there.
(more…)
One hundred years ago, on January 27, 1919, Endre Ady, one of the greatest poets of the Hungarian literature, died.
One hundred years ago, on January 27, 1919, Endre Ady, one of the greatest poets of the Hungarian literature, died.
Ady was born into an impoverished noble family, studied law in Debrecen, but he was more attracted to bohemian life, so he became a journalist in 1898. Although he spent only three years in Debrecen, it was a defining moment in his life: because it was here that he became a journalist and poet, switching from being a law student.
Almost 150 of his writings have been published, mainly in ‘The Debrecen’ newspaper, the ‘Debrecen Inspector’ and the ‘Debrecen Morning Newspaper’.
He lived in the small courtyard room of the house at 4 Mester Street, together with a widow and his son Ernő Ember, who was also a law student. According to the stories of Teréz Piskóty, whose great-grandfather was Ady’s roommate Ernő Ember, Ady recited his poems to Teréz’s great-grandfather, standing on his bed, with the bedspread on his shoulder.
Ady’s memory is preserved in the city during the festival of poetry each April and at various sites throughout the city.
(more…)
Debrecen celebrates Advent with lighting the candles of the Christmas tree of the city each year. Games, candle-lighting and Advent Church concerts at the Reformed Great Church await those celebrating together on the city’s main square. The Debrecen Advent Fair (Christmas Market) opens at Kossuth Square and Piac Street on November 23, offering a cozy
Debrecen celebrates Advent with lighting the candles of the Christmas tree of the city each year. Games, candle-lighting and Advent Church concerts at the Reformed Great Church await those celebrating together on the city’s main square.
The Debrecen Advent Fair (Christmas Market) opens at Kossuth Square and Piac Street on November 23, offering a cozy community space with unique handicrafts, irresistible delicacies and soul-warming hot drinks to fortify oneself against the cold.
On the streets filled with the smell of fresh cakes and spicy mulled wine, we can better prepare for Christmas.
On November 23rd, at 4 pm, the festive season begins with a parade of shepherds, herders and the concert of the Kelet Brass Band.
With a total of one hundred street vendors with their handmade products and hearty delicacies, you are bound to find the ideal seasonal gifts for loved ones.
The fair is open on weekdays from 12 to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday from 9am to 9pm, from November 23 to December 23, 2019.
This year, the big wheel will return to the main square, while colorful programs will make the event unforgettable for all.
The only free, nationally distributed magazine “Debreceni Borozó” has been published by the Debrecen Wine Friends’ Association since autumn 2011. The wineries voluntarily submit their wine samples and the editorial team organizes an evaluation team for testing. Experts are invited to examine the wines in the framework of absolute blind tasting. As a result, wine
The only free, nationally distributed magazine “Debreceni Borozó” has been published by the Debrecen Wine Friends’ Association since autumn 2011.
The wineries voluntarily submit their wine samples and the editorial team organizes an evaluation team for testing. Experts are invited to examine the wines in the framework of absolute blind tasting. As a result, wine lovers can read at least two types of wine test descriptions in each edition.
In 2012, the editorial team decided to give the best wineries the chance to show their wine to the public and the idea of the wine tasting event named “Debrecen Bormustra” was born.
Since then the initiative has become a tradition and is known to be one of the highest quality wine events in Eastern Hungary.
This year, the event will be held in Déri Museum where wine lovers can taste the wines of the top 20 wineries. A gastronomic corner will also be set up, where many delicacies await guests.
Time and location: Déri Museum, 3-9 PM, 30 November 2019
The Klinika Club (Clinic University Club) will receive a commemorative pop music plaque in November. Prior to becoming a movie theater, the building of the Klinika Klub was a university funeral home, offering funeral services during the 1950s. Later that decade it was turned into a movie theater by the order of Mátyás Rákosi, a
The Klinika Club (Clinic University Club) will receive a commemorative pop music plaque in November.
Prior to becoming a movie theater, the building of the Klinika Klub was a university funeral home, offering funeral services during the 1950s. Later that decade it was turned into a movie theater by the order of Mátyás Rákosi, a Hungarian communist politician, in order to serve the entertainment needs of the university staff.
During the 1960s, university beat bands discovered it and started to use it as a music venue and club. Between 1971 and 1975, the DOTE band rehearsed and performed here, and two cult bands of the city, Color and Panta Rhei, also started their career here.
In the mid-90s, Zsolt Jantyik, the frontman of the PG Group led the club. He planned to re-launch the club with a one-week non-stop series, which eventually took two and a half months. There was a concert every night for seventy-five days.
In the second half of the 1990s, practically almost all leading Hungarian music bands performed in the club.
Today, the club still hosts diverse performances and concerts. You can find the current programs here.
Coming to Debrecen in November are some of the most popular Hungarian bands and performers, in various genres from pop through to indie rock and jazz to rap. Check out some of the performances below and discover the musical scene in Debrecen. Margaret Island symphonic concert Margaret Island’s hits and latest compositions will be performed
Coming to Debrecen in November are some of the most popular Hungarian bands and performers, in various genres from pop through to indie rock and jazz to rap. Check out some of the performances below and discover the musical scene in Debrecen.
Margaret Island symphonic concert
Margaret Island’s hits and latest compositions will be performed in symphonic orchestration during the 2019 Tour of the Silence. The orchestra will feature symphonic orchestral performances at renowned venues along with the Heureka Pop Orchestra as part of the Silence Tour.
Location: Kölcsey Center, Great Hall, 13 November 2019, 7 PM
Jazz concert of the Balázs Elemér Group
The Elemer Balázs Group, one of Hungary’s most popular jazz band was founded in 2000 by Elemér Balázs, the internationally recognized and popular jazz drummer.
The formation will present a remarkable sound; its main features are a melodic focus and special rhythmics, which are made even more colourful by the interesting contrast of male and female voice. Their music is extremely diverse; from ethno to a wide variety of musical cultures.
Location: SIKK Music Club, 14 November 2019, 7 PM
(more…)
The style of building referred to as “Socialist” buildings was built after World War II.
The style of building referred to as “Socialist” buildings was built after World War II. and they still can be seen in several parts of the city. After the war, the city needed solutions that could be implemented relatively quickly and cheaply to replace the buildings destroyed by the bombing.
The result of this endeavour was housing estates made of concrete panels. Tibor Mikolás, Tibor Schmidt and László Kertai were the emblematic “large-scale” designers of the period.
The famous “Socialist” buildings of Debrecen that you can still see:-
New Town Hall on the Kálvin Square: The building of the former HÁÉV (State Construction Company) headquarters was built on 3rd February 1968 on Kálvin Square. The statue of Mihály Csokonai still stands in the front of the building. Today, the building serves as the New Town Hall.
(more…)
Szabolcs Barakonyi is working as a forensic aesthetics expert for four years. Now, he is presenting his photographs, taken at different crime scenes in the B24 Gallery.
Szabolcs Barakonyi is working as a forensic aesthetics expert for four years. Now, he is presenting his photographs, taken at different crime scenes in the B24 Gallery.
Forensic science may be defined as the investigation of crime using scientific techniques and methods. Szabolcs Barakonyi carries out his work taking photographs at various criminal sites in Hajdú-Bihar County.
The forensic investigation is the first step of a police inspection of a crime scene, where the experts gather the clues and evidence needed to detect and prove the crime. Objects captured with a camera at various locations are an integral part of criminal-police work. The camera was first used in the history of domestic crime in 1861 at the crime scene of the death of Count László Teleky. The photographs taken there are still a significant documentary of domestic forensics.
Barakonyi’s pictures are not only valuable for forensics. He records the objects and evidence of a crime in the exact position where he found them at the crime scene. With the help of the photos, we can get an insight into the age, social, cultural and psychological environment we live in.
The exhibition is organized in cooperation with the b24 Gallery and the Police Headquarter of the Hajdú-Bihar County. The exhibition can be visited up until 30th of November.
During the construction of the M35 motorway on the southwestern border of Derecske in 2017, the archaeologists of the Déri Múzeum excavated an Avar warrior. The man, aged 30-35, was buried in gold plated silver bands in oak plank coffin with his head northeast and with full armor. His horse was buried beside him, a
During the construction of the M35 motorway on the southwestern border of Derecske in 2017, the archaeologists of the Déri Múzeum excavated an Avar warrior.
The man, aged 30-35, was buried in gold plated silver bands in oak plank coffin with his head northeast and with full armor.
His horse was buried beside him, a pair of antlers on his back, a pair of bridles and harness decorated with gold-plated silver pressed fittings.
Of the thousands of Avar tombs discovered so far in the Carpathian Basin, only fragments of armor, usually some lamellae, have been found. The uniqueness of the grave is the lamellar armor. It was the first time that archaeologists have found an example of full armor with all the lamellas in the original position.
During the restoration, several conclusions were made about the components and structure, which could be used to reconstruct the Avar lamellar armor as faithfully as possible. Thanks to the in situ collection, it was possible to observe organic residues (leather, textiles, wood), not only to the armor, but also to wear and other objects. Some of the belts that were almost completely destroyed due to soil conditions were also rescued.
The man was probably a member of the 7th-century Avar elite and must have been a member of the small Avar army.
The exhibition is open from October 1 to December 31 in the Déri Museum.
