Every September, Brassó (Brașov) transforms into the center of southern Transylvania’s Hungarian community. From September 14 to 21 in 2025, the 15th Brassó (Brașov) Hungarian Days will unfold across the city, with more than 5,000 guests expected to attend concerts, fairs, exhibitions, and folk festivities at multiple locations.
A Grand Opening With Strings Attached
The festival kicks off Sunday night in the grand hall of the Drama Theater with a solemn opening ceremony featuring the internationally respected Traffic Strings Orchestra. The carefully curated classical music program, compiled by violinist Lucian Moraru, blends Hungarian themes with iconic pieces. Expect selections from Ferenc Liszt and Imre Kálmán, along with several movements from Brahms’ Hungarian Dances—sure to win over both music lovers and curious newcomers alike.
Stories, History, and a Touch of Local Wine
Monday brings intellectual nourishment and spectacle. Dr. Szilárd Szilágyi delves into the epic tales of Central Asian and Siberian Turkic peoples and their echoes in Hungarian folktales (House of Hope [Reménység Háza], Moldovei St. 2, 5:30 pm). In the evening, it’s drama time: “Light of the Hungarians,” a musical theater production inspired by the Battle of Alsó-Tömös (Timișu de Jos), lights up the Drama Theater at 7 pm.
Tuesday spotlights education with “Apáczai 400”—a tribute to educator János Apáczai Csere’s 400th birthday. Dr. Erzsébet Kerekes delivers a lecture on his life at the House of Hope (Reménység Háza), followed by an intimate exhibition called “Speech on the Utmost Necessity of Schools,” curated by Alpár Vörös and Dr. Előd Sándor Ősz. For wine enthusiasts, Attila Bíró, former national women’s water polo coach and now vintner, leads a tasting at the local Reformed Church at 6:30 pm (advance registration recommended).
Book Releases and Carpathian Basin Wine Adventures
Wednesday keeps history buffs entertained with historian Olivér Fráter’s multimedia talk and book launch about Károly Kratochvil, legendary commander of the Székely Division (5:30 pm, House of Hope [Reménység Háza]). Just a block away, sommelier Zsolt Attila Borbély opens more regional wines at the Reformed Church at 7 pm—be sure to reserve your spot!
Craft Fairs, Pub Quizzes, and Stand-Up Surprises
Thursday morning at 10 am, the Kronstadt Fair opens in Council Square (Tanácstér), filled with handmade crafts and local produce. The afternoon brings art: visual artist Imola Ábrahám’s solo exhibit opens at the House of Hope (Reménység Háza), introduced by art historian Dr. Ágnes Zigler. As dusk falls, the Aprily courtyard on După Ziduri St. comes alive with a pub quiz (6 pm), hilarious stand-up (7:30 pm), a blues concert by Fernet Blues Company (9 pm), and a dance house in the local high school’s ceremonial hall at 9 pm.
From Hikes to Rock Legends: Friday Madness
Friday morning starts outdoors with the János Czetz Memorial Bus Tour. Spots fill fast, so registration is required—the cost is about $12 per person. Back in town, the Kronstadt Fair returns to Council Square (Tanácstér). In the afternoon, the Redut Cultural Center hosts a screening of “The Hardest Route” (68 min), featuring cinematographer Sámuel Szabó.
At the Aprily courtyard, young people take part in Nebulónia Student Union’s games or join a youth-focused discussion panel. The musical lineup is electric: the Tiltott Illés Memorial Band with Zita Melánia Antal graces the main stage, followed by headlining sets from Hungarian rock legends Gyula Vikidál, József Kalapács, and Joe Rudán. The excitement continues with concerts from local bands—Hell’s Grace—youth activities, and DJ Turbo G spinning late into the night.
Food, Folk, and Saturday Festivities
Saturday is a marathon of events. The day begins with a traditional stew cooking competition in the Aprily courtyard and the bustling Kronstadt Fair. Guided city tours of Hungarian landmarks, Maltese Charity fun houses for kids, and screenings of the “Legendarium” cartoon fill the morning schedule.
Children rock out with the Kelekótya Band, and more student games return at 4 pm—plus a children’s folk dance session with Attila Onodi. In the main square, the KerecseN Band performs, along with concerts by Tamás Gábor’s group and rising star Szebasztián Nagy. Expect additional stand-up, youth activities, and DJ sets from Meze and Hiron, plus surprise guests lasting late into the night.
From Mountain Treks to a Fiery Finale
Sunday peaks with a mountain hike to Mount Tampa (Cenk Hill) to commemorate the former Árpád-monument. The Kronstadt Fair continues at Council Square (Tanácstér). Early afternoon features a parade of folk dance groups from Aprily High School to Council Square (Tanácstér), launching the 18th Barcaság (Țara Bârsei) Folk Dance Meeting in memory of István Reiff. At the Redut Cultural Center, Balázs Szendőfi unveils his new nature film, “Mountain Music” (75 min).
The conversation continues at a student organization panel. On the main stage, a concert by US Band from Miercurea Ciuc (Csíkszereda) will be followed by closing performances from the Bagossy Brothers Company. For anyone with energy left, DJ Soundnoise will keep the party going well past midnight in the Aprily courtyard.
All festival events are open to the public, and photos may be taken for potential online sharing. Expect changes—after all, it wouldn’t be a Hungarian festival without surprises.
