Budapest hosts 39th International Folk Art Festival with Azerbaijan as Guest of Honor
Budapest, The Gulf Observer: The 39th International Folk Art Festival (Mesterségek Ünnepe) is being held in Budapest from August 17 to 20, continuing its long-standing annual tradition.
The event, one of Hungary’s largest cultural celebrations, takes place in the historic Buda Castle area, spanning Táncsics Mihály Street, Szentháromság Square, and the park at Margaréta Terrace on Tóth Árpád Promenade.
This year’s festival coincides with preparations for Hungary’s National Day, Saint Stephen’s Day, on August 20, which draws large numbers of visitors and tourists to the country.
Azerbaijan has been named the guest of honor for the 2025 edition of the festival. The Azerbaijani delegation is showcasing a rich variety of folk art traditions through three dedicated booths. These include carpet weaving, wool and felt art (Vəloqçuluq), rare embroidery and needlework art such as təkəlduz—a distinctive weaving technique performed solely with the left hand—alongside Kəlağayı silk headscarf crafting and Xətəmkarlıq, the intricate art of micro-mosaic design.
The festival brings together nearly 800 artisans from around the world and is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors. Throughout the four-day program, attendees can take part in masterclasses, enjoy live demonstrations of folk art, and experience performances of national music and dance.
Organizers emphasized that Azerbaijan’s participation not only strengthens cultural ties between Baku and Budapest but also contributes to the promotion of the rich artistic heritage of both nations on the international stage.
