As Many Christmas Trees As Applied Artists

One of the most spectacular of all the habits linked to the Christmas holidays is the decoration of pine trees. It is only natural that the event series entitled "Christmas in the Castle" - Christmas Colours, Shapes, Sounds, Tastes, Aromas will be held for the seventh time between the 5th of December 2009 and the 3rd of January 2010 at the Castle Museum of Nagytétény, where the Christmas trees set up in the rooms of the castle will be the main attraction.

This time, forty outstanding contemporary applied artists with an inclination for experimenting have been given an opportunity to decorate the trees. Among them are the Bodza team recruited from students of Textile Design of the Moholy-Nagy University of Arts, who were rewarded with a Niveau Prize for their collection submitted to Canon's international call for photographic works, as well as the Ballon quintuplet, who have named the sphere as the symbol of perfection.

"Baroque Christmas"

The Száraz-Rudnyánszky castle, which hosts the furniture museum established by the Museum of Applied Arts, is considered to be a gem of late baroque architecture in Hungary. With its period tapestries, chandeliers and paintings, the permanent exhibition displaying 14th-19th century furniture pieces and concentrating on individual masterpieces is also an enchanting attraction that is worth visiting in itself.

Festive Decoration

On the distinguished occasion, the Castle Museum itself gets clothed in a ceremonial decoration. The ornaments in the stairhall and on the windows of the building were created by Kata Imre, master of flower arrangement, and the garlands of the staircase and the entrance were made by the students of the Magyar Gyula Horticultural Secondary School. The facade was decorated for the special occasion by students of textile design from the Harsányi János College, in order to make the available space show its full splendour as a background to the exhibition.

Bid for The Ornaments!

The pine trees decorated with artistic objects do not only impact our sense of beauty, but we may also get inspiration for the decorations at home by looking at them. Should we grow so attached to a glittering ornament that we would readily take it home, that is also an option. Although we may only bid for the masterpieces after a year, it is worth being patient. The already traditional auction, the income of which is generally devoted to the renovation of the castle, is an indispensable part of the event series.

Listen to Márta Sebestyén!

In the wide variety of accompanying programs, non-Hungarian speaking members of the audience can also find their favourites. In addition to this, they can also buy handicraft articles, Hungarian wine or honey for their beloved at the weekend fairs linked to the event series. For those who desire different kinds of delicacies, the afternoon classical music concerts are an excellent alternative. On Saturday, the 19th of December at 3:00 PM, the popular Hungarian singer Márta Sebestyén will be singing, accompanied by Judit Andrejszki on harpsichord. On Sunday, 27th of December at 3:00 PM, the Excanto Company will play Renaissance and Baroque music of the Christmas holiday season.

Even if we share the experience of expectation, every nation aims to shape the holidays in its own image. How do Hungarians prepare for Christmas? - you can find out if you visit the Castle Museum. Do not miss the aromatic baked apples, and drink a glass of the spicy mulled wine and let it warm your hands!