18 reasons to attend Sziget festival
A new edition of Sziget festival (Budapest) is about to start (7-13 August, 2019), and if you don't know what I'm talking about, maybe you should reconsider what you're doing with your life. It would be difficult to find a single reason why not to go at least once in a lifetime, in any case, here are 18 reasons why you should go.
01. The location and weather
No other festival has a location like Sziget. Well connected from all European capitals, the good weather is guaranteed. It all happens within an island located in the Danube river in the middle of Budapest. It includes a beach, its open 24/7 and you can camp wherever you want. You want nature? You have it. You want the commodities of a city? You have all of them outside the island just a few minutes by public transport.
Photo by Sziget festival
02. The different nationalities
There are over 100 nationalities represented at Sziget, with people coming from as far away as Brazil or New Zealand. No matter the color, culture or genre, there is no place in the world like the island of freedom to have an international crush or to make new friends from all over the world!
Photo by Sziget festival
03. The pálinka shots
Pálinka is a traditional fruit brandy in Central Europe with origins in Transylvania and invented in the Middle Ages that has to be served at 18–23 °C to fully enjoy the fine smell and taste of the fruit. Sounds good? Then order a round for you and your friends and enjoy the experience, it's strong as hell and it will leave you breathless!
Photo by Sziget festival
04. The secret Party
A classic of Sziget. Hundreds of portable toilets are placed every edition on the island but one of them hides the entrance to a secret rave with a DJ inside. Accept the challenge and find it!
Photo by Sziget festival
05. The tribute stage
From AC/DC, Linkin Park or Abba to Bowie, Nirvana or Queen, the YouTube Music tribute is a must visit stage that replaces the gigs you always wanted to, but could not attend!
Photo by Sziget festival
06. The tiny Bauhaus
To mark the centenary of the influential Bauhaus (German architecture, art and design legendary school), a 3D-printed Tiny [BAU]HAUS will travel to various European cities and will be at Sziget festival. Through the small iconic building you will be able to experience the essence of Bauhaus with all your senses by taking a glimpse into the life of Walter Gropius (founder of the School).
Photo by Van Bo Le Mentzel
07. The boat parties
If 7 days of festival are not enough for you, Sziget organizes morning boat parties to enjoy the sightseeing of Budapest while chilling on sun beds under the rhythm of the music, partying all the way through the capital on the Danube. There are boats for everyone, from chilling in a bean bag with the parliament in the background to going crazy in a pulsing party on board.
Photo by Sziget festival
08. The art of freedom
The Sziget Art Of Freedom is the project were creators from all over the world design the most amazing and unique buildings, statues, and installations, year after year. Pay attention to all the designs located on the island while you walk through the venue.
Photo by Sziget festival
09. The alternative parties
With hundreds of acts and activities scheduled, oftenly the best of the festival happens out of the official program. With people camping everywhere and the island open 24/7, you can bet there are many impromptu parties of all kind happening everywhere!
Photo by Sziget festival
10. The beach
The island of Obuda hides a treasure for all the szitizens during the festival days: the beach. Bigger or smaller depending on the level of the Danube, and although the water area is very limited, the beach is the place to chill, take a nap, practice some yoga or enjoy a drink.
Photo by Sziget festival
11. The circus, theater and museum quarter
While music is an important part of Sziget, art is also a core element. There are multiple venues including a circus, theater, museum quarter and much more. Take a break from the music and discover artists and performers come from all over the world to display their talents.
Photo by Sziget festival
12. The maze
An interactive venue, where visitors can learn about themselves and help discover unknown truths with the assistance of the I Ching, the Chinese Book of Changes, and the octagon shaped labyrinth.
Photo by Sziget festival
13. The workshops, cinema and much more
If you want to enjoy the full Sziget experience by camping on the island, get over the daily hangover by taking part on some of the many proposals offered like circus workshops, daily cinema, board games or samba, belly dance, urban dance, capoeira and many more classes.
Photo by Sziget festival
14. The sports Zone
From Volleyball, Basketball or Football to Petanque, Table Tennis or Rock Climbing. Szitizens can get hyped up before the party starts with the festival sports zone!
Photo by Sziget festival
15. The passport
While other festivals only runs an app, at Sziget you can pick up a passport when entering the island with a complete information about stages, activities, schedule, history and everything you might know about the festival.
Photo by Sziget festival
16. The talks
The cultural offer of Sziget festival is massive, and beyond the music and art, there are every day talks included in this year's program. From famous TED talks to very interesting ones at the Magic Mirror, the resident queer and LGBTI venue of Sziget.
Photo by Sziget festival
17. The music
It's all about the music, in the end its a music festival and there is music everywhere. 7 days of music with hundreds of acts spread through many stages all over the island. With headliners such as Foo Fighters, Ed Sheeran, Post Malone or Florence and the Machine and many other names going from Rock, Indie or Techno to Pop, EDM or World Music, no matter what you like, you will find something for you.
Photo by Sziget festival
18. The vibe
If you are in your twenties and you have never attended Sziget festival before, it will be in your future Summer plans from now on and if you already are in your thirties, you will regret all the past years when you missed it. If program, weather and location are always a good claim, the people and vibe are the elements that makes this festival unique and unforgettable.
Photo by Sziget festival
The 27th edition of Sziget festival will take place in Budapest (Hungary) between August 7th and 13th, 2019. Check out all the information to know more about the lineup, schedule or ticket sales here.
Cover photograph by Sziget festival
