The FESTIVAL OF CRAFTS is organised for the 25th time in 2008 by the Alliance of Folk Art Associations in the Buda Castle. This traditional cultural event introduces prominent representatives of traditional folk art every year to the general public.The best Hungarian craftsmen and traditional folk artists introduce the secrets of their trade in their active workshops around the Buda Castle for four days and allow both adults and children to test their skills. The experts designated by the ALLIANCE OF FOLK ART ASSOCIATIONS guarantee the value and quality of the displayed goods and activities.
Similarly to folk traditions the program combines craftsmanship with music and dance. The three stages introduce musicians and dancers from various parts of the world.
The FESTIVAL OF CRAFTS is the most significant forum for the introduction of living folk culture. The 48 member organisations of the ALLIANCE OF FOLK ART ASSOCIATIONS participate in the event and 800 members out of the 5000 take part every year. The member organisations and the professional committees formed in the year 2000 designate the participants of the event.
Apart from Hungarian craftsmen from Transsylvania and Voivodina, European and Asian craftsmen will also participate. The dance groups invited will introduce various dance and musical cultures of the world.
Apart from craftsman shows, music and dance programs and the traditional fair, the FESTIVAL OF CRAFTS offers a lot of programs for children too. There are several playing houses where they can try various crafts, such as felting, rush mat and rag doll making, string weaving, leatherwork, paper dipping, clay-working, pottery. They can also find out about old instruments on the terrace of the Palace of Buda.
The event attracts about 80-100 thousand visitors every year, mostly foreign tourists; therefore this folk art festival is not only significant as a cultural program but also for the tourism of the country."
Source: Budapestinfo.hu
14.08.2008