Hungarian Festival of Craft

This folk art festival is a wonderful place where around 800 craftsmen showcase their crafts in workshop-style kiosks. The festival is held annually in the historic district of the Hungarian capital, on the streets of the famous Castle Hill. The next, 39th festival will take place 17-20 August 2025. Entrance is free.

I’ve learnt about the Budapest festival from a very interesting person I met online – Olga Anikeyeva. Olga is a brilliant designer, she knows an enormous number of different types of embroidery and lace, and she has a wonderful collection of books and samples on lace and embroidery. She is simply a precious source of useful information.Of course, my primary wish is to tell you about embroidery. But to give you a full picture, I’ll first say a few words about the other arts represented there.

Masters of embroidery, beading and goldsmith jewelry, lace making, leatherwork, as well as those who create dolls, furniture, candles, and work with wool, metal, and many other materials gather in Budapest.

During the festival days, you can see performances by dance and music groups from Hungary and other countries, puppet theater shows, and culinary displays. There are also special programs for children and evening dance events for adults. 

Craftspeople come not only from Hungary but also from other countries — the UK, South Korea, Kazakhstan, China, Poland, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. And each year, the festival has a guest of honor. In 2024, it was Turkey. 

The festival is always scheduled so that one of its days falls on August 20 — St. Stephen's (Istvan’s) Day, Hungary’s national holiday. Since ancient times, this has also been the Day of the Harvest, or the Day of New Bread, known for the beautiful tradition of the Blessing of Bread. 

And now about embroidery. Embroidery was the main theme of the 2017 Budapest Festival. But even in other years, many works in various types and styles are always on display: Heves lace, cross-stitch, Matyo, Kalocsa, Sioagard, Ferto, Sarkoz, Uri, Gyomro, and other forms of Hungarian embroidery. During the festival, they usually hold captivating workshops which are free to attend.

These festival photos were shared with me by Olga Anikeyeva, and I'm thankful for her providing them.

Kalocsa Embroidery

Emerging from the town of Kalocsa in central Hungary, this cherished folk art from the 18th century is recognized for its vibrant and bold floral motifs, such as roses and tulips, brought to life with bright colors and stitches like satin and stem. These designs are sometimes arranged geometrically. While traditionally used to embellish Hungarian folk costumes, now beautifully enhance home decor and contemporary fashion as well.

Höveji Lace Embroidery

Originating from the village of Hövej in western Hungary after 1860, Hövej lace is a distinguished form of embroidery known for its delicate, intricate designs that resemble true lace. Characterized by a combination of fine white thread, floral or circular motifs, and a unique technique, artisans first create openwork through cutwork and then, within these spaces, meticulously build "spider web" patterns using needle and thread. This creates delicate, crisscrossing networks that add lightness and airiness, emphasizing the purity and elegance of the overall embroidered piece. Historically and presently used to adorn textiles for special occasions and home decor, Hövej lace remains a cherished expression of Hungarian cultural heritage.

Sárközi Embroidery

Hailing from the Sárköz region of Hungary, this vibrant embroidery tradition, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, is celebrated for its bold colors and densely filled designs featuring stylized flowers, hearts, and birds. Artisans employ precise satin and stem stitches to create richly textured patterns on garments and household textiles, reflecting both personal expression and communal identity. While rooted in traditional use for folk costumes and ceremonial items, Sárközi embroidery continues to inspire contemporary design, ensuring its legacy as a jewel of Hungarian folk art.

Sióagárd embroidery

Emanating from the village of Sióagárd in Hungary's Tolna County, this vibrant embroidery tradition, deeply connected to the Sárköz region, captivates with its bold and contrasting colors, where rich reds, blues, purples, and greens stand out against a white or natural base. The designs showcase a harmonious blend of floral motifs, including stylized tulips and roses, brought to life through dense and precise stitches like satin, stem, and chain stitch in symmetrical arrangements. Traditionally adorning clothing and home linens for significant cultural events, Sióagárd embroidery continues to represent a vivid aspect of local heritage, inspiring modern artistic interpretations.

Hungarian Matyó Embroidery

Hailing from the Matyó region of northeastern Hungary, this iconic folk art tradition is immediately distinguished by its vibrant colors and the prominent, stylized "Matyó rose," often surrounded by other bold floral motifs.  Characterized by the extensive use of satin stitch to create dense and intricate patterns primarily on traditional garments and decorative items, the "Matyó rose" itself embodies deep cultural symbolism. Recognized by UNESCO in 2012 for its cultural significance and as an expression of intangible cultural heritage, this embroidery stands as a powerful expression of the community's identity, heritage, and enduring pride, with the "Matyó rose" serving as its most recognizable emblem.

Hungarian Cross Stitch Embroidery (Keresztöltés)

Across Hungary, a beloved folk art tradition involves the humble cross stitch, transforming simple "x" shapes into intricate decorative patterns that grace clothing and household textiles. These grid-based designs often showcase symmetrical arrangements of flowers, birds, and geometric elements, brought to life in color palettes that range from striking single hues like red or blue to lively multi-colored combinations, each imbued with cultural symbolism. Passed from generation to generation, this accessible craft remains a vital link to Hungarian heritage, beautifully adorning both traditional and modern aspects of life.

Makó White Embroidery

Originating from the Makó region of Hungary, this elegant embroidery tradition distinguishes itself through its sophisticated white-on-white aesthetic, emphasizing intricate stitch work and textural depth over vibrant colors. Artisans skillfully employ techniques like satin stitch, stem stitch, and cut work to create detailed floral and geometric patterns on textiles. Traditionally adorning household linens, church vestments, and festive garments, Makó white embroidery stands as a refined symbol of cultural identity and heritage.

Furtai Embroidery

Emerging from the village of Furta in northeastern Hungary, this 19th-century embroidery tradition distinguishes itself with its delicate and intricate patterns drawn from floral and natural themes, executed in a softer palette of earth tones including red, green, and black. Skilled artisans use fine stitches like satin and stem stitch to embellish folk costumes, wedding attire, and household linens, reflecting the region's rural heritage. Though less internationally recognized than some other Hungarian styles, Furtai embroidery's subtle beauty and detailed craftsmanship hold a cherished place within the nation's folk art.

More photos from the Festival

Here facing the camera is Olga Anikeyeva praticipated at the festival