Museum of Ethnography
H-1146, Budapest, Dózsa György út 35.
Phone: +36 1 474 2100
Email: info@neprajz.hu
The Museum of Ethnography will host its two-day Tradition and Design – Advent Fair and Workshop Weekend on 29–30 November 2025, where traditional crafts meet contemporary design. This festive event offers a special opportunity to ease into the holiday season: visitors may browse unique handmade gifts and also experience the joy of making their own creations in the museum’s workshops, held at various times — seven sessions on Saturday and nine on Sunday.
Entry to the fair is free of charge; workshops require advance ticket purchase. In the fair area — accessible from the Damjanich Street entrance — applied artists and designers present their work, ranging from jewellery, bags, belts and clothing to fine and applied art objects and home décor pieces.
Throughout the festive weekend, the museum showcases almost every branch of traditional craftsmanship:
The aim of the Museum of Ethnography is to offer visitors a moment of calm, inviting them to experience the meditative joy of making: the beauty of traditional techniques, the magic of natural scents and textures, and the inspiring energy of shared creativity.
Advent Workshop – Rush Window and Door Decorations
Folk applied artist, instructor and playhouse conductor Mara Bárány demonstrates how to brighten the festive season with handmade decorations crafted from natural, pliable plants. Participants learn about rush as a material and create framed window and door ornaments using weaving, tying and evergreen elements. The technique is easily mastered by beginners.
Fee: 9,750 HUF / person
Ticket purchase
Japanese sashiko workshop
On the first weekend of Advent, visitors can explore the traditional Japanese hand-stitching technique used to create a unique Christmas tree ornament — while learning how sashiko can be applied for stylish, durable mending of garments and textiles. The workshop is led by Andrea Földi, head of the Sashiko Section of the Hungarian–Japanese Friendship Society.
Ideal for beginners: sashiko is easy to learn, offers immediate results, and encourages a new attitude towards textile repair.
Recommended age: 12+ Fee: 12,000 HUF / person
Blue-Dyeing Craft Workshop
The Kovács Blue-Dyeing Mobile Workshop presents traditional equipment from an blue-dyer’s studio. Visitors can observe the entire process up close: printing with century-old wooden blocks and family-recipe paste, as well as the technique of heated dyeing. Participants learn how plain white canvas transforms into a richly patterned material in shades of blue, while creating a small indigo-dyed item with the help of skilled masters. Led by Mária Panákné Kovács, blue-dyer master and folk applied artist, and Annamária Ruzicska-Panák, blue-dyer master, instructor, and Young Master of Folk Art.
Fee: 3,800 HUF / person
Advent Watercolour Painting with Natural Inks
Guided by textile dyer Sára Hajgató, participants paint festive greeting cards, small pictures or gift tags on premium watercolour paper using plant-derived inks. The workshop introduces dye plants, natural colour preparation and modification techniques, offering ample space for personal creativity.
Fee: 4,700 HUF / person
Advent Wreath-Making Workshop with the Guzsalyas Workshop
Create a personal advent wreath using natural materials and candles, guided by Gábor Roskó. A cherished tradition made even more meaningful when crafted by hand.
Fee: 7,000 HUF / person
Christmas Tree Ornaments from Corn Husk
Folk applied artist, instructor and playhouse leader Mara Bárány shows how to create heartfelt festive decorations using natural materials. Participants work with softened, flexible corn husk to craft tree ornaments such as stars, hearts or angels.
Advent Door Decoration Workshop with the Guzsalyas Workshop
With the guidance of Gábor Roskó, participants create their own advent door decoration. A willow wreath is woven as the base, then adorned with evergreens, seed pods and other natural materials — each version reflecting personal taste and creativity.
Fee: 5,500 HUF / person
Advent Textile Tote Bag and T-Shirt Printing
Using hand-cut stencils designed by illustrator Cecília Simonyi and inspired by the museum’s collections and Advent traditions, participants print their own designs on textile bags and T-shirts. A fabric tote bag (one per person) is provided; participants may also bring their own plain, light-coloured cotton T-shirt. Workshop led by Samu Szalay. Fee: 3,000 HUF / person
Basket-Weaving for All Ages
Led by the Kisdió Studio (Borbála Hídvégi and Ákos Mazány), participants try their hand at the ancient craft of basket-weaving. In the spirit of the coming festive season, rustic decorations are made from natural materials such as unpeeled willow rods. No prior experience required.
Ticket Purchase
Venue: Damjanich Street entrance – Press Room The Tale of Beads – Kaláris Workshop
The three-row kaláris is one of the most characteristic pieces of traditional Hungarian jewellery. Participants learn the traditional beading technique and create their own three-row kaláris, finished with an embroidered ribbon. The resulting piece is a beautiful accessory both for folk costume and everyday wear.Led by Mónika Samu, folk applied artist and beading specialist.
Advent Weaving Workshop
Participants create woven Christmas decorations while learning the basics of frame weaving. The rhythmic motions offer a calming, meditative experience. Working on various frames with natural, coloured yarns, each participant takes home a unique festive ornament.
Recommended age: 8+ Workshop led by Piroska Lázár-Barabás (A Mayweaver). Fee: 11,550 HUF / person Ticket purchase