National Gallop In Budapest, 20 - 22 September 2013

There are not too many cities in Europe where you will find a ‘pop-up’ racetrack on a weekend. But Budapest is no ordinary city. Here anything and everything can happen and usually does…and not just at the weekends.

I went along to “Heroes’ Square” which this time was turned into a giant sand-covered racecourse. I saw some modern day heroes try their luck at the 5th “National Gallop”. This annual cultural event celebrates Hungarian equestrian traditions. It is a horse event reviving Hungarian military history and the famous “hussar” culture.

At the center of this spectacular event is a national horse race, a show where several of Hungary's towns and villages get to show off their horse riding skills.

The program included qualifying rounds, a Little Hussar gallop, a Chariot Gallop Celebrity Race, a Cart Pushing Competition and a Celebrity Charity Race, as well as, Hungarian dishes and drinks for everyone. I wonder now what is popping up next weekend in beautiful downtown Budapest…tally ho!

Words and photos by Russell Skidmore for XpatLoop.com
After an extensive career in advertising - as an Art Director & Creative Director in London, Paris and Budapest for leading agencies - Russel transferred the skills and knowledge gained to the development of his own successful company covering wedding, event, PR and portrait photography: www.russell-skidmore-photography.co.uk