#196/365 Matyó folk doll

I window shopped at this souvenir shop yesterday morning. So many interesting stuff but my favourite has to be this Matyó folk doll. I think I'm going to hint this for my next birthday gift!

FYI HUF6800 = USD30

#135/365 Man playing Hungarian citera

Final photo from the folk fair. We enjoyed every bit of it, including music from this man on the Hungarian citera :) . Read about Citera.

#134/365 Something handmade

After all the excitement of seeing brides everywhere (see yesterday's post), we arrived at this craft/food fair.

The stand out goods for me are the two Hungarian folk embroidered crafts stalls. If I have somewhere to wear this gorgeous clothes to, I would buy it alas we're not traditional garb people.

One more post on what-we-saw last Saturday tomorrow, before we close the chapter.

#52/365 Love Letter

If you want to show your love to someone in this country, you buy them a heart shape honey cookie or known as in Hungarian, Mézeskalács Szív. Nobody eats them,  as it is for keep sakes and really more of a souvenir. Don't worry, it doesn't expire for a long long time.

I found this heart at a souvenir shop, mainly for tourist, with the name of our town (sorry cut off the "ét" from the name). I think it is rather unique as a gift to any friends back home.

Check out more images of this special cookie with intricate designs here.

#39/365 Néptánc

Let's escape the dreary winter and step into spring for today.

Do you remember what you were doing when you're at that young age? Well, I wasn't brave enough to dance and perform in front of huge crowds, that's for sure. The group was performing during the May 1 festivals.

According to Kecekemét Táncegyüttes (Kecekemét Dance Ensemble), their members' age ranges from 6 years til pensioners. They dedicate their free time in preservation of the Hungarian folk tradition.

#36/365 Miskakancsó live version

Miskakancsó or Miska Jug is a type of folk pottery featuring soldier from early 19th century.
This live version was found wondering the town square several summers ago, promoting a souvenir/gift shop.
You must check out the ceramic versions here as they are just adorable!

#35/365 Welcome

Naïve Museum welcomes you!

You could have more sneak peaks of the museum here.

#20/365 Naïve Museum

Don't be turn off by the shabby appearance of the Naïve Museum. In fact, I hope the museum's admin.don't refurbish too much when the time comes as to loose its charms.

Inside this moderate size building, you will find the largest naïve arts collection of Hungary. Whenever I visit, I find myself completely enjoy the seeming naïve arts, some even done by noted Hungarian naïve artists.

We planned to revisit this summer and wish you'd do the same :)

ps. I mentioned this museum before in this post.

Celebration of St. Michael's day

 Yesterday I saw these two float-like decoration at the main square, in celebration of St. Michaels' day.

I really like the Holly Crown of Hungary from this angle :) 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Crown_of_Hungary

 Next to the Holy Crown is this fun work of art, made of straws (?)

 Lots of goats** of course!

While the human figures are well made, you see those red patterns at the bottom. Those are traditional Hungarian motifs - I love it!

 

This man is showing a demo. with whips.When he flicks the whip, a sound came off.

 

Quite impressive!  

** read the description of this blog.

May Day walk

Here's a gallery of this morning May day walk. The costumes were gorgeous, enthusiastic performances, lots of folk music, a chicky stiltman, yeah it was memorable!

- the grass is in lovely shade of green-

-the participants stopping for a dance-

- say 'Hi!' the folks in the carriage entertained us with folksongs along the way-

- giving the people what they have practiced all this while-

- men on stilt taking some R&R-

-Hungarian cowboys ( csikósok )-

-more lovely folk costumes-

-guys, get ready to dance-

- her style is very English , VIP perhaps? -

-aren't they adorable?-

-swirling confidently-

- group dance -

- eateries , a must!-

-i didn't know there's a lake at Széchenyiváros until now!-

-look what fun you get from the lake!-

Get some lovely souvenirs for friends

Folk crafts are available on every major festivals at the main square. Do stop by and perhaps pick a things or two for yourself or friends / family ;)