On 13 December, we remember the Sicilian martyr Saint Lucy (‘Luca', in Hungarian). Every Hungarian has heard of Luca's chair, which reveals any witches in the vicinity right up until the midnight mass prior to Christmas Day. Perhaps not so many, however, are aware that in the island of Žitný Ostrov (Csallóköz), for example, men would dress up as Luca, place whitewash on their hands and drive away troubles from their families. The ‘Lent of Christmas', 24 December, is the day of Adam and Eve, when the family focuses on the coming year. On the following day, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and in many Hungarian locations, traditions centred on the nativity play are brought to life through period events. On 28 December we remember the victims of King Herod's infanticide with the Holy Innocents' Day, with various cathartic customs - such as "vesszőzés” a birching ritual that is also known as "aprószentekelés” (celebrating the innocents) - that help ensure our future well-being. Not to mention the traditional singing practices during advent of that feature poetic greetings and chanting. Zoltán "Batyu” Farkas will have some wonderful assistants to bring the rich and diverse festive season to life on the stage: in addition to the folk singer and storyteller Krisztina Benedek, he will also be joined by the three groups and the band of the Kistarcsa Pannonia Dance Ensemble.

Age: 10-14 year
Presented by: Müpa Budapest