Hungarian Days cultural festival to start in Brasov on September 15

The largest cultural festival of ethnic Hungarians in the region’s south will open with a mass on Sunday morning to be followed by an opening gala presenting as guest of honour, the Istvan Pal Szalonna and Band folk music group.

The world-renowned 100-member Gypsy Orchestra will give a concert on September 21 on the main stage set up at the city’s central square.

The festival’s schedule includes public interest programmes such as a scientific conference and roundtable discussion focusing on the 800 years of the Transylvanian Saxons’ autonomy and privileges granted to them by King Andrew II. Other events include podium discussions about Hungarian-Turkish ties and the situation of print media.

The festival will also screen Lajos Koltai’s film Semmelweis, Hungary’s submission for consideration for nomination for an Academy Award in the best international film category this year.

Other programmes include a makers’ market, wine-tasting, folk dance workshops for children, a guided city tour and a veteran and retro car show.