Szentendre’s (near Budapest) renowned Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, the Skanzen, is inviting visitors to celebrate Hungary’s national holiday on August 20th with two major events: the Soul of Bread (Kenyérlelke) Festival and the Green (Zöld) Festival. Entry to the museum will be free of charge for the day.
According to a press release issued Wednesday, this year the Skanzen will welcome one of the most significant events in the Hungarian baking community — the 11th Kenyérlelke Festival.
The event shines a spotlight on traditional, additive-free bread-making methods, offering a rare glimpse into ancient baking traditions through live demonstrations, expert talks, and panel discussions.
At the same time, the museum’s Green Festival will offer a wide range of family-friendly and eco-conscious programs. These include thematic tours, children’s workshops, and sustainability-focused sessions. Several key environmental and food safety organizations — including the Pilis Park Forest, National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih), and the Humusz Alliance — will be on site with interactive “green” activities and educational games.
This day is as much about honoring tradition as it is about embracing responsibility for our future,”
said Zsolt Sári, Deputy Director General of the museum, in the statement.
“Through the Green Festival, we’re sharing knowledge and experiences that are deeply relevant to modern life. We warmly welcome all families, curious minds, and creative visitors who believe that the legacy of the past can be a tool for the future.”
Visitors to the Green Festival can expect practical tips on eco-friendly stain removal, how to set up a small garden even in an apartment, and hands-on crafting experiences such as weaving and making sustainable napkins.
As part of the event lineup, several temporary exhibitions will also be on view. These include displays dedicated to acclaimed Hungarian writer Mór Jókai, marking the 200th anniversary of his birth and highlighting his passion for gardening, as well as exhibits focused on sustainability and traditional folk architecture.
Additional programs throughout the day will feature story readings, vertical garden demonstrations, and even adobe brick-making workshops, promising a diverse and engaging experience for all ages.
