People experience dragon dance during the Budapest Chinatown Spring Festival Temple Fair in Budapest, Hungary, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
BUDAPEST, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Under a crisp, pale blue winter sky, the rhythmic thunder of drums and the sizzling aroma of spices from China's Sichuan province transformed the industrial backdrop of Budapest's 10th district into a vibrant tapestry of color and sound.
The Year of the Horse has galloped into the Hungarian capital not merely as a date on the lunar calendar, but as a grand celebration increasingly woven into the fabric of European urban life.
For Karina Szucs, a local resident visiting the Budapest Chinatown Spring Festival Temple Fair for the first time, the experience was nothing short of "cathartic." The highlight for her was the ethereal melodies of Chinese opera.
"They had very beautiful voices. I had goosebumps the whole time," she said. "Everyone is so kind, and the opportunity to try these traditional activities firsthand is incredible."
This year's celebration is being held on Feb. 7-8. From the "fire-spitting" masters of Sichuan opera to the hypnotic "long spout teapot" show, where tea is poured with kung fu-like precision, the festival offered many Hungarians their first close encounter with China's intangible cultural heritage.
The sensory journey continued at the food stalls, where the air was thick with the scent of authentic Sichuan street food. Two master chefs from Chengdu worked tirelessly, preparing spicy noodles and sweet mochi for a growing queue of hungry locals.
For many visitors, such as Ferenc and his daughter Izabella, the festival has become a cherished family tradition. Returning for their fourth year, they represent a growing number of Hungarian families for whom the Chinese New Year is a fixed highlight of the winter season.
"We enjoy the atmosphere, and we really enjoy being here," Ferenc said, as Izabella marveled at the intricate colors of the parade dragons.
In the "culture exploring" tent, visitors swapped winter coats for flowing Hanfu robes, practiced the delicate strokes of a calligraphy brush, and experienced the ancient wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine.
"Although our traditions may be different, Kobanya (10th district) is our common home," said Antal Kovacs Robert, mayor of Budapest's 10th district.
Anita Kiss-Hegyi, state secretary of the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation, highlighted the "community-building power" of the event in an interview with Xinhua.
"This festival helps bring the cultures of our two countries closer together," Kiss-Hegyi said. "It sets an exemplary example of how communities can meet and share a truly special experience."
Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao noted that as more local families embrace Chinese traditions such as eating dumplings and watching lion dances, the Spring Festival has evolved into a vital bond connecting different civilizations. ■
A woman poses for photos with a card written in Chinese characters meaning well-being during the Budapest Chinatown Spring Festival Temple Fair in Budapest, Hungary, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Children experience dragon dance during the Budapest Chinatown Spring Festival Temple Fair in Budapest, Hungary, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
People perform dragon dance during the Budapest Chinatown Spring Festival Temple Fair in Budapest, Hungary, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Anita Kiss-Hegyi (3rd L), state secretary of the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation, and Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao (3rd R) pose for a group photo with performers at the Budapest Chinatown Spring Festival Temple Fair in Budapest, Hungary, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by Laszlo Balogh/Xinhua)
A man takes a selfie with performers in traditional costumes during the Budapest Chinatown Spring Festival Temple Fair in Budapest, Hungary, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by Laszlo Balogh/Xinhua)
Local people visit the Budapest Chinatown Spring Festival Temple Fair in Budapest, Hungary, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by Laszlo Balogh/Xinhua)
People perform dragon dance during the Budapest Chinatown Spring Festival Temple Fair in Budapest, Hungary, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by Laszlo Balogh/Xinhua)
