- 3 HOURS
- ENGLISH
- 11 STOPS
Discover the rich cultural history of Budapest through the lens of the Hungarian music scene
The Gypsy Culture Walking Tour introduces the history of gypsy music, the greatest Romani musicians of Hungary, their fascinating or tragic life, and how gypsy music influenced classical composers.
Genuine gypsy music of our region has always been a great inspiration for composers, just to mention two famous series, the Hungarian Rhapsodies of Liszt (after which our tours are named), and the highly popular Hungarian Dances of Brahms. The performance of famous gypsy bands and the sound of cimbalom have always enchanted the audience no matter whether they were royal dignities, or great artists such as Debussy, Yehudi Menuhin, Ruggiero Ricci, and many more.
You can discover the connection between Liszt, Brahms, Kodály, and gypsy music, hear the story of the virtuoso pianist Cziffra and see how a gypsy musician lives today, and how the traditions are kept. You will hear more about the history and mission of a unique Hungarian Romani school, called the Rajkó School (rajkó means gypsy musician boy) which was established with the aim of preserving and teaching gypsy music to gypsy children through the Rajkó Method, and know more about the very special formation, the Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra of Budapest.
The tours include a 90-min walk in the neighbourhood of Budapest’s District 8, where the majority of Romani people live, followed by an interactive overview of Hungarian gypsy music and its impact on classical music. The presentation is held in the Károly Bura Art Gallery, home to exhibitions of Romani painters.
The tours are led by the guides of UCCU Foundation, a local civil organization, and a recent European Heritage awardee. UCCU means C’mon and they run social programs, sensitization training, walks, and projects to overturn the discrimination and prejudice toward Romani people.
Both UCCU and Károly Bura Art Gallery are NGOs, and every donation matters to them.
In recognition and respect for UCCU Foundation’s mission and achievements, we transfer them the net income from this tour.
The size of the group is intentionally left small, i.e. no more than 15 people can join, but there is a minimum number of 3 registered participants to start a tour.
DURATION
3 hours including the visit of the Art Gallery
LANGUAGE
English (you may also also ask the tour in Norwegian language)
MEETING POINT
II. János Pál pápa tér Metro station (Metro line 4), street level exit (WHAT3WORDS: proof.gentle.tinted).
Advance booking is required. Please, note, that owing to third-party obligations booking is closed 24 hours prior to the announced starting time.
TOUR ENDING POINT
Károly Bura Art Gallery 1085 Budapest, Kőfaragó utca 5.
DATE AND TIME
At 10.00 and 14.00 on selected Wednesdays and Saturdays, please consult the Calendar for available dates.
NUMBER OF STOPS
11
COST
40€ (5€/child under 14 years)