The end of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union will be marked by a colourful three-day series of events, between 24 and 26 June. ‘The six-month presidency has been a good opportunity to show ourselves and our colourful culture,’ government spokesperson Anna Nagy said at the press conference announcing the events.

Anna Nagy said that such a presidency had been a great opportunity to improve our knowledge of ‘Brusselian’: in other words, to get to know the decision-making mechanisms at close quarters. She added that it had also been an excellent opportunity to bring the European Union closer to the public. But she also said that not only have we been able to learn more about the Union, but we have also been able to showcase our country and our diverse culture. The closing events being held on the last weekend of June are another good opportunity for this, the government spokesperson added.

With reference to the Danube Party, Anna Nagy said that one of the priorities of the Hungarian presidency is the Danube Strategy, and this is why we have chosen the River Danube as the venue for the events. This river, which flows through so many countries, symbolises our interdependence, so it will be a worthy backdrop for the events, she added.

The twelve sites along the Danube – from ’the Bay’ to Széchenyi Square – will host events for the public which will provide entertainment and delight. Mónika Balatoni, creative director at the Hungarofest Office, said that over the past six months, hundreds of cultural programmes and supporting events have taken place in Hungary and across Europe, which hundreds of thousands of people have enjoyed access to. She added that a number of colourful cultural events are being offered to the public to mark the end of this successful six-month term. The goal is to address people of all ages, from children to the older generation, she added.

Accordingly, during the three-day programme, the Hungarian Canoe Federation is staging a spectacular dragon boat competition and water show, while Magyar Telekom (Hungarian telecommunications) is organising its long-established T-Mobile Connection concert, this year as part of the Danube Party, featuring pop star Kesha. The ‘brightness of Budapest’ will be provided by the final of Visualpower Paint up, a competition unique in the world, offering spectacular sights outside the headquarters of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

Detailed information on Danube Party programmes can be viewed at www.dunaparty2011.hu (in Hungarian only).

(kormany.hu)