This summer, Székesfehérvár (Székesfehérvár) transforms into a living, breathing medieval wonderland. From August 16 to 20, the city hosts the epic Coronation Festival Games, a vibrant time-travel experience packed with knights in battle, giant royal puppets, boisterous markets, cackling witches, fortune-tellers, and a furious celebration of all things Middle Ages.
Knights’ Day: Kicking Off in True Medieval Style
Saturday, August 16 marks the beginning, starting at 10:00 AM with a grand flag-raising ceremony in the main square. From morning until early evening, the Medieval Crafts Street thrives with musicians, jesters, artisans, and bustling market scenes full of lively vendors and rowdy townsfolk. Visitors mingle, watch, and join in for a taste of “peasant life.”
Kids and adults alike can lose themselves in hands-on stone-breaking games, matchmaking card challenges, logic puzzles, and playful medieval mysteries, all set to the live music of Keleti Szél (Ventus Eurus). Swordplay fans won’t want to miss the interactive martial arts show by the Ars Ensis Knightly Circle, who not only demonstrate historical European weaponry up close but also give daring attendees the chance to try sword fighting themselves.
The pageantry continues at 1:30 PM with a parade of knights alongside giant puppets, leading to a moment of homage and a knightly oath at St. Stephen’s (Szent István) tomb. The afternoon heats up as Buhurt Pro Fight brings full-contact, mixed-weapon combat to the square, followed by the much-anticipated 3rd St. Stephen’s Tournament. Victorious champions are honored in a ceremonial award presentation and flag lowering, wrapping up an action-packed day. The evening concludes with a free-entry medieval mystery play, Fathers and Sons (Apák és fiúk), in the courtyard of the museum—registration required.
The Coronation Festival Games: Four Days of Immersion
From August 17–20, Sunday to Wednesday, the festival spreads across multiple city sites with non-stop programs from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. At its core is the bustling medieval market, filled with actors from the Free Theater (Szabad Színház) who enliven the square with chaotic arguments, playful games, interactive shows, and comedic acts that pull the audience into the fun.
Rustic medieval games, historical trinket stalls, woodcraft workshops, ancient tool exhibitions, and adventure challenges—such as siege catapults, dragon feeding, rope mazes, and target practice—promise to enchant kids and families. Down mysterious alleys, witches and fortune-tellers offer card readings, love spells, lucky charms, amulet making, and quirky photo ops that transport guests straight back in time.
Along Main Street (Fő utca), blacksmiths, coin forgers, calligraphers, and surprise historical troupes bring centuries-old trades vividly to life. Giant puppets are showcased for selfies and themed activities, while two interactive games, House of Árpád Family Tree (Árpád-házi ágbogozó) and In the Footsteps of the Árpád Dynasty (Nyomában az Árpád-háziak), challenge young sleuths to uncover family secrets scattered across the square.
For those craving adventure, the “Adventurer” program offers tips for hiking, cycling, and kayaking, while letting everyone dress up in historical gear. And in Zichy Park (Zichy liget), kids can storm a 98-foot-long wooden knightly obstacle course or learn first-hand how ancient warriors lived, ate, and fought.
A Packed Schedule: Parades, Music, and Street Theatre
The daily schedule is a non-stop carousel: historical music by Tabulatúra, Musica Historica, Keleti Szél, Sub Rosa, and Hollóének Hungarica; hilarious puppet shows; falconry displays; stilt walkers on parade; flag-throwers’ Renaissance dance-offs; hussar (huszár) and baranta martial arts demonstrations; and comedic street theatre. Children’s workshops, folk concerts, musical storytelling, and traditional dance fill the air from morning until dusk.
Evenings come alive with the Pannon Tales performances or, as a true highlight, the mesmerizing Coronation Ceremony Play, The Cursed City (A kiátkozott város)—a grand historical drama depicting the coronation of King Charles Robert (Károly Róbert), presented by the Vörösmarty Theatre (Vörösmarty Színház) with a cast of professionals and youth actors. Tickets for this spectacle cost about USD 2.80, but most festival events remain free.
Not Just for History Buffs
Whether you want to try your hand at crafts, laugh at street performances, test your skills as a swordsman, dance to ancient tunes, or marvel at a parade of enormous puppets, Székesfehérvár’s (Székesfehérvár) Coronation Festival Games offer something truly unforgettable for all ages. The organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs, so check for updates—but one thing’s for sure: the Middle Ages are crashing into town, and everyone’s invited.
