From Dublin to the Danube

Budapest Times

23-02-2025

We're living in turbulent times. It seems as if each new day announces another raft of changes to the world order. Change is good. It keeps things lively. But so much change at once though? That's destabilising. Discombobulating. Downright worrying even.
The butterfly in the butterfly effect, coined by meteorologist Edward Lorenz, some 70 years ago ('tiny, butterfly-scale changes to the starting point of his computer weather models resulted in anything from sunny skies to violent storms, with no way to predict in advance what the outcome might be') has grown into a large bird of prey. Whatever happens in the USA, in Russia, in China, in the Middle East, we will all feel the effects.
I caught myself last week in conversation saying 'At times like these, I retreat, searching for the safety of tradition, of the known, of the constant.' And yet times like these are unprecedented in my lifetime. What I'm retreating from is the hastiness, the seeming rush to change for change's sake.
Thankfully, we're heading into March and the constancy of the annual St Patrick's Day celebrations beckons. I cannot speak for whether the world will be too preoccupied with current events to make much of it this year, but in Budapest, plans are afoot to mark the occasion with aplomb. If ever we needed a day to revel in the simpler things of life, it is now.
On Sunday, 16th March, the crowd will start gathering at noon in Szabadság tér [check the event page on Facebook for more details nearer the date], where a carnival-like experience awaits with live Irish music and dance and a demonstration of Gaelic football by members of the Gaelic Athletic Association (or as we call it, the GAA). There'll also be a brass band and majorettes.
For dog lovers, Irish Setters and Irish Wolfhounds will make an appearance and for kids (and the kid in you) there'll be face painting and balloon bending. By the way, the face painting by the folks from The English Garden will be raising money for Őrzők, a foundation that supports children with cancer and leukemia.
Naturally, as with any Irish shindig of note, in addition to the music, there'll be plenty of food and refreshments to keep the celebrations going. Pack your patience as the Guinness and Irish whiskey stands are always very popular.
The parade itself will start at 2 pm and wend its way through the city, in a palpable demonstration of good cheer. Then it's back to Szabadság tér to continue the party. I'm inordinately proud that on this day (and yes, I know it's a day early, St Patrick's Day itself being the 17th), the world likes to celebrate its Irishness or its affinity for our small country and its people.
I have fond memories of the inaugural Parade in Budapest back in 2011. It was a working Saturday. Oh, the looks we got. People asked what we were demonstrating against and were a tad incredulous that we were parading not in protest of anything but in celebration of something. Many things. All things Irish.
And, of course, the Irish pubs in Budapest will be flying the flag in style that weekend, too, rolling out an even bigger dose of their usual Irish hospitality. Check out Beckett's on Liszt Ferenc tér, Davy Byrnes on Sörház utca, Jack Doyle's on the corner of Városház utca and Pilvax köz, and James Joyce on Podmaninczy Frigyes tér (in alphabetic order lest I be accused of favouritism).
Don't miss out. For more details, check out the St Patrick's Day Budapest Facebook page and the website. A full programme of events will be published as the festive occasion draws nearer.
This year, you've a full week to recover before the annual St Patrick's Gala Celebration takes place at the Marriott Hotel on 22 March. With a welcome drink on the tray from 6 pm, a three-course meal, and lots of Irish fare, it promises to be a night full of the Irish triumvirate of ceol, caint, agus craic (music, chat, and fun) . The gala dinner this year, as always, will feature a tombolo and charity auction to raise funds for two worthwhile Hungarian charities – TAMI and NANE.
Last year's event sold out. Don't be disappointed. Book your place at the table now.
Whatever else happens in the world in March, you can count on the St Patrick's annual celebrations in Budapest to gather old friends and new, create memories you'll cherish, and do some good in the process. What's not to like?
Sure St Patrick himself would be proud.
So, get your green (or your blue) on and come join the festivities. And if you're short on green, don't worry – there'll be t-shirts for sale on the day.