Crane migration is an autumn celebration of nature and one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Hungary. Every year during this period, more than a hundred thousand cranes pass through and are stationed in the Hortobágy National Park. In the wetlands of the national park, this week’s synchronous census revealed 126,630 specimens under the binoculars of the Nature Conservation Service. The crane migration, a daily dusk-related movement of cranes that lasts only a few weeks, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who take part in the crane migration programme.
The event is jointly organized by the Hortobágy Nonprofit Ltd., the Municipality of Hortobágy and the Hortobágy National Park Directorate. Within the framework of the Hortobágy National Park Directorate’s Crane Festival program, everyone is welcome to enjoy stage shows, folk and nature games, handicraft activities, Ferkó Kádár’s Photo Theater and a market of National Park products.
As a fitting end to the day, participants can watch the breathtaking spectacle of the cranes’ migration.
Program:
10.00 Opening with Tamás Majer
10.00 The Little Mouse’ Boots – children’s play
11.00 János Pályi’s puppet show – Laszlo the Valiant and the Cursed Mill
12.00 Garagulya Stilt Walkers’ Comedy Company – Clever Hungarian Child
12.45 Crane cake decorating competition and the prize-giving ceremony of the Crane Cake recipe competition
14.00-16.00 Herd-in Festival:
- Parade of carts, wagons, shepherds
- Stallion and Puszta Five show
- 17.30 Shepherds’ bonfire lighting
During the day:
- Locally prepared shepherd’s dishes
- Green play island by the Hungarian Ornithological Society, Herman Ottó Institute and Hortobágy National Park
- Nature games by the Directorate of the Hortobágy Nature Reserve
- Handicraft activities
- Folk games
- Ferkó Kádár’s Photo Theater
- Handicraft fair
