Holidays & Festivals

Budapest

Holidays:
In Budapest, public holidays include New Year’s Day (January 1), Memorial Day (March 15), Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Labor Feast (May 1), Whit Sunday (last Sunday in May), Whit Monday (last Monday in May), St. Stephen’s Day (August 20), Memorial Day (October 28), All Saints’ Day (November 1), Christmas Eve (December 24), Christmas Day (December 25) and second Day of Christmas (December 26).

Festivals:
The Budapest International Circus Festival (January–February) has made the city into the circus capital of Europe. This whimsical event takes place every two years and is made up of a five shows. The fantastical acts compete before a panel of international judges.

The Budapest Spring Festival (March) has taken place since 1981 and hosts classical and jazz concerts, dance performances and film premieres.

In August, Budapest celebrates its Hungarian folk culture with the Festival of Folk Arts. The festival brings the top craftsmen of their trade to the Buda Castle for demonstrations, dance and music.

The Danube Carnival celebrates the River Danube with art exhibitions, folk events, a crafts fair and concerts.

Vienna

Holidays:
Public holidays in Vienna are New Year’s Day, Twelfth Night (January 6), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labor Day (May 1), Ascension Day (40 days after Easter), Whit Monday, Corpus Christi (10 days after Whit Sunday), Assumption Day (August 15), National Holiday (October 26), All Saints’ Day, Immaculate Conception (December 8), Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 26).

Festivals:
An arts and culture mecca, Vienna hosts festivals throughout the year.

Each February, the Opernball takes place in the king of venues, the Vienna State Opera. As the most glamorous and expensive of balls, the Opernball is a regal ceremony that boasts attendees such as Sophia Lauren, Heather Locklear and Grace Jones.

During Summerstage, an active park in the heart of Vienna is the place to engage in any warm weather activities. From sports to dining to concerts this busy plaza hosts events from May to September.

The Donauinselfest in June takes place on Danube Island and draws 3 million visitors to enjoy free concerts from every musical genre.

In October, Vienna’s film festival, called Viennale, gives audiences a taste of top Austrian films.

Prague

Holidays:
Prague observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Labor Day, Liberation Day (May 8), Introduction of Christianity (July 5), Death of Jan Hus (July 6), St. Wenceslas Day (September 28), Foundation of the Republic (October 28), Day of Student Movements (November 17), Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day (December 26).

Festivals:
Summers in Prague are alive with festivals such as the World Gypsy Festival (May–June), Summer Shakespeare Festival (June–September), Prague Dance Festival (July), and the Prague Easter Markets (Spring).

The Spring Classical Music Festival attracts celebrities and enthusiasts of international music.