International Festival of Dance and Songs
International Folk Dance Festival “St Stephen’s Day”
Kecskemét, Hungary
21 August - 24 August
International Festival of Dance and Songs
International Folk Dance Festival “St Stephen’s Day”
Kecskemét, Hungary
21 August - 24 August
International Festival of Dance and Songs
International Folk Dance Festival “St Stephen’s Day”
Kecskemét, Hungary
21 August - 24 August
International Festival of Dance and Songs
International Folk Dance Festival “St Stephen’s Day”
Kecskemét, Hungary
21 August - 24 August
International Festival of Dance and Songs
International Folk Dance Festival “St Stephen’s Day”
Kecskemét, Hungary
21 August - 24 August
International Festival of Dance and Songs
International Folk Dance Festival “St Stephen’s Day”
Kecskemét, Hungary
21 August - 24 August
International Festival of Dance and Songs
International Folk Dance Festival “St Stephen’s Day”
Kecskemét, Hungary
21 August - 24 August
Overview
20th August is St. Stephen’s Day in Hungary and it is a public holiday. We celebrate the foundation of the Hungarian state 1000 years ago. The new bread is blessed on this day too. Around these days the Hungarians celebrate all around the country with music, dance. Traditional programs, traditional cuisine, fireworks.
This is the 20th festival when folk groups, folk dance groups arriving at our cities from all over the world. During the meeting, the groups will able to communicate through their performances, take part in various games and activities that will reinforce the message of friendship and cooperation.
Kecskemét:
Comprising all the beauties and values of the Great Plain, Kecskemét is situated in the middle of Hungary, 85km far from Budapest. It is the 7th largest town of Hungary with the area of 321 km2 and the population over 112,000. This town is well-known for its Apricot Pálinka, the beautiful buildings of Art Nouveau style ornamented with coloured ceramics, and also the "Kodály-method" named after Zoltán Kodály the world-famous composer who was born in Kecskemét. The seat of Bács-Kiskun county is usually called "Hírös Town" as Sándor Petőfi, the great Hungarian poet would call it. The name Kecskemét originates from the word "kecske" - meaning goat, and "mét" - meaning district.
Thanks to its favourable geographical position Kecskemét has always been the meeting point of different religions, cultures and traders of all nationalities. The city was founded at the cross-roads of ancient trading routes. In 1368 it was identified as a market-town in a charter of King Anjou Louis the Great, so Kecskemét celebrates its 650th anniversary this year with a series of programs all through the year. The development of gardening, wine-growing viniculture and fruit-growing all have led to the development of the city. The most famous product of the town is Apricot Pálinka, which is made of special tasty apricots. The cultivation of the characteristic fruit of the region started more than 100 years ago.
Kecskemét is the native town of József Katona, the author of the Hungarian national drama, and Zoltán Kodály, the world-famous composer, expert of music pedagogy, musicologist, and researcher of folk music. He founded the first primary music school of the country in Kecskemét, which bears the name of the master and has become world-famous together with the Zoltán Kodály Institute of Music Pedagogy.
Due to its advantageous geographical location Kecskemét has developed into the economic, administrative, educational, and cultural centre of the region. It hosts several institutions of fine art, unique collections, and renowned festivals.
Trip Planner
It will be our pleasure to make your trip an unforgettable experience!
We can provide the following services for your group:
- accommodation during the trip (in case you need a sleepover on your way to the chosen destination)
- accommodation during the festival event you attend
- travel and transportation tips and assistance
- purchasing airplane and bus tickets
- organizing transportation for a group or individuals
- assist and advise in the procedure of issuing visas (if needed)

Accommodation
Participation Fee
From 205 euro per person
Includes:
- Accommodation (choice of 3★ or 4★ hotels)
- Half-board meals (breakfast and dinner daily)
- Participation in festival concerts
- Diplomas and gifts from the city of Kecskemét
- Official invitation and organizational support
Accommodation Options
4★ Aranyhomok Business-City-Wellness Hotel
www.aranyhomok.accenthotels.com/en
- 205 euro per person in triple superior rooms
- Supplement: 15 euro per person per day for a double room
- Supplement: 35 euro per person per day for a single room
- Includes free use of wellness facilities (pool, jacuzzi, saunas, aromatherapy steam bath, and fitness room)
3★ Hotel Három Gúnár
www.hotelharomgunar.hu/en
- 210 euro per person — Double Standard rooms
- Supplement for a single room: 28 euro per person per day
- 210 euro per person — Triple Superior rooms
- Supplement for a double room: 12 euro per person per day
- Supplement for a single room: 40 euro per person per day
Not Included
- Transport
- Insurance
- Tourist tax: 2 euro per person per day (payable on site)
Dates
- 21/08/2026 - 24/08/2026
Pricing
21/08 - 24/08
- 4 days (3 nights) = 205 € per person
Itinerary
Participants
- Open to folk dance ensembles, folklore groups, orchestras, majorettes, modern dance groups, and music bands from all over the world
- No age limits and no restriction on the number of participants
- Choirs and ensembles must be prepared for open-air performances
- Limited availability — early registration is recommended
DRAFT FESTIVAL PROGRAM:
21 August – Arrival Day
- Arrival and hotel check-in from 14:00
- Meeting with group leaders and festival organizers
- Discussion of the program and event details
- Dinner and free time for evening exploration
22 August – Performance Day
- Breakfast
- Free time or optional sightseeing in Kecskemét
- 17:00 – Festival Performance on the main stage at Szabadság Square, the central venue of Kecskemét’s St Stephen’s Week celebrations
- Closing ceremony, presentation of diplomas and gifts
- Dinner and evening leisure
23 August – Cultural Exploration
- Breakfast
- Free program or optional visit to Kecskemét’s Zoo or Aqua Park
- Dinner and time to enjoy the local atmosphere
24 August – Departure
- Breakfast and farewell departure of participants