Celebrate Purim 2026 across Budapest, Szentendre, Keszthely, and Miskolc with Megillah readings, costumes, family carnivals, teen parties, live music, and ’80s disco nights. Mostly free, registration required.
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Purim 2026 arrives with carnivals, costumes, Megillah readings, live music, and feasts across Budapest and several Hungarian cities, celebrating the casting of lots and a hard-won victory led by a queen who finds her people and stands up to tyranny. Events run March 1–3 at multiple venues, many free with registration.
Zsilip transforms into a Purim fairytale for kids — playhouse, synagogue, lobby, upstairs — the whole building goes full carnival. Expect games, costumes, learning, and lots of laughter as the Zsiliptuti Jewish Sunday School brings the Purim story to life. Free, registration required. Venue: Zsilip, 1137 Budapest, Újpesti rakpart 1 (District 13).
Will there be a round table? Maybe. A roaring party? Absolutely. The night starts with the Megillah reading — heard in medieval costume. Only after that come the cocktails, mixed in the spirit of what our ancestors might have sipped. Come dressed in knightly gear and keep the Purim spirit front and center. Schedule: 17:45 doors, 18:00 Megillah reading with a twist. Venue: Jewish House Szentendre (Zsidóház Szentendre), 2000 Szentendre, Pátriárka St. 6.
No Purim without teens. Join the fastest-paced bash of the season with CTeen: epic vibes, a Purim feast, and jaw-dropping mocktails and cocktails tailored for different age groups. Live music is a given — what they’ll play on is a secret until you’re there. Free for CTeen and Leil Shishi members (+1 friend). Ages 14–25. Venue: Óbuda Synagogue (Óbudai Zsinagóga), 1036 Budapest, Lajos St. 163 (District 3 – Óbuda).
The year’s most hyped party. Dress code: ’80s disco. Celebrate Purim’s wild plot twist the right way. Program includes Megillah reading, costume contest, karaoke (men), Purim foods and drinks, dance-floor games, DJ, and partying till dawn. Hosted by Óbuda Synagogue (Óbudai Zsinagóga), 1036 Budapest, Lajos St. 163 (District 3 – Óbuda).
A monthly cultural series on Jewish life, holidays, customs, and Keszthely’s Jewish history. First topic: Purim in Judaism — the Purim story, personal memories, and a hamantaschen tasting. Greetings by Viktória Kovács, Deputy Mayor of Keszthely and patron; series introduced by Gábor Rejtő, head of the Keszthely Jewish Community. Lecture by Dr. Katalin Gürtler on Purim’s historical background, followed by a discussion with community members. Time: March 3, 17:00. Venue: Keszthely Jewish Community — Prayer Room (Keszthelyi Zsidó Hitközség – imaterem), Keszthely. Free, registration required by phone (+36 30 428 7831) or email (rejtoga@keszthelynet.hu).
Costumes or not, where there’s Purim, there’s the Megillah. Celebrate with Japanese vibes, Megillah reading, fine bites, and Far Eastern flair. Costumes warmly encouraged. Venue: Jewish House Miskolc (Zsidóház Miskolc), 3525 Miskolc, Kazinczy Ferenc St. 12.
Motto: “Purim Under the Sea.” Ready to make a splash? Families big and small are invited to dive into a fantastic underwater-themed celebration. Expect a buzzing atmosphere, kids’ programs, top games, sweet mishloach manot, a costume contest, great music, and the sea’s famed delicacy: sushi. And what sets it apart from a standard costume ball? It’s Purim — the story of Esther, Haman, and a great deliverance, marked by reading the Megillah. Venue: Zsilip, 1137 Budapest, Újpesti rakpart 1 (District 13).
Organizers reserve the right to change schedules and programs.
