Two Festivals, One Day: Celebrate August 20 at the Szentendre Open-Air Museum
If you’re spending August 20 in Hungary — the country’s national holiday — you couldn’t choose a better destination than the Szentendre Open-Air Museum (Skanzen). This year, the museum opens its gates free of charge and welcomes visitors to not one, but two exciting festivals: the Kenyérlelke Festival and the Green Festival.
From traditional bread-making to eco-friendly workshops, from family fun to cultural discovery, this is a day where history, tradition, and sustainability come together in a unique celebration.
When and Where
- Date: August 20, 2025
- Location: Szentendre Open-Air Museum (Skanzen), Szentendre, Hungary
- Admission: Free for all visitors
- Programs: All day, 10:00 onwards – see festival schedules on-site
Celebrate Hungary’s National Holiday in a Magical Setting
The Skanzen offers the perfect backdrop for these two special events. Located just outside Budapest, this open-air ethnographic museum brings the Hungarian countryside of the past to life with authentic buildings, historical exhibitions, and immersive programs. On August 20, the grounds will be buzzing with activity — and with no entry fee, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend the day exploring.
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The Kenyérlelke Festival – A Paradise for Bread Lovers
For passionate bakers, bread enthusiasts, and anyone curious about traditional Hungarian food culture, the Kenyérlelke Festival is the highlight of the day. Now in its 11th edition, this renowned event is the most prestigious gathering of artisanal bakers in Hungary.
Celebrating Traditional, Additive-Free Bread
Organized by the Hungarian Artisan Bread Society, the festival focuses on breads made the old-fashioned way: from heritage grains, with time-honored recipes passed down through generations. You’ll discover breads baked from “our ancestors’ grains” and “grandmothers’ recipes,” each loaf carrying the taste of history.
Workshops, Demonstrations, and Tastings
Visitors can watch master bakers at work during oven-side demonstrations, listen to professional talks about bread-making techniques, and join interactive discussions. The event also features a baking competition for artisans, ensuring plenty of inspiration for home bakers. Children aren’t left out either — special programs will keep them entertained while teaching them about the importance of real, slow-made bread.
The Green Festival – Discover Sustainable Living
Running alongside the bread festivities is the Green Festival — the Skanzen’s celebration of eco-friendly living, traditional skills, and modern sustainability. This is the first edition of the event, but it’s set to become a favorite for families, hobbyists, and anyone who wants to learn practical skills for a greener life.
Hands-On Workshops and Thematic Tours
Activities here are all about learning by doing. You can:
- Try weaving and spinning natural fibers.
- Learn how to dye fabrics with plants in the Natural Dyeing Workshop (11:00, 13:00, 15:00 – limited spots).
- Join a vertical garden demonstration and get tips for growing plants in small spaces like urban apartments.
- Make your own reusable “green napkin” or eco-friendly cleaning products.
Kids can enjoy storytelling sessions in the “green reading nook,” participate in nature-inspired games like Follow the Green Obstacle Race, or get creative with stone painting and making jewelry from natural materials.
Meet the Experts
Various environmental organizations, such as the Pilisi Parkerdő, the National Food Chain Safety Office, and the Humusz Alliance, will be there to share knowledge and interactive activities. These range from learning about urban gardening to calculating your ecological footprint.
Special Program: From Grain to Bread Bike Tour
For those who love history, food culture, and a bit of exercise, the From Grain to Bread guided bike tour is an unforgettable add-on. You’ll follow the journey of wheat from field to loaf, exploring tools, techniques, and baking traditions from different regions of Hungary. Along the way, you’ll also hear fascinating stories and folklore connected to bread.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Visiting the Skanzen on August 20 means stepping into a living museum filled with flavor, creativity, and tradition. You can start your morning tasting artisan bread, spend the afternoon making eco-friendly crafts, and finish the day exploring historic Hungarian villages without spending a single forint on admission.
Whether you’re a foodie, a craft lover, a family with children, or a curious traveler, the Kenyérlelke Festival and the Green Festival offer an unbeatable mix of culture, sustainability, and fun.
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