| Cultural
Enterianment Tourism in Zemplén |
|
 |
If we accept the views, that Sátoraljaújhely can be regarded the economic commercial
centre of Zemplén, while Szerencs is the gateway to the Hegyalja and Tokaj is the town of
wines, then Sárospatak should definitely be mentioned as the cultural-educational centre
of the Zemplén region. The former noblemen used to patronise culture, following them
today we are able to organise cultural events, which are reputed as programmes of high
standard not only in the region but internationally as well. Apart form the natural beauty
and the great variety of the man-created values in the region; the cultural attractions
contribute to the recreation with colourful entertainment.
Zemplén offers a number of cultural attractions for the visitors. Over fifty different
cultural, musical or folklore programmes are listed in the annually published brochure of
the county events. Here are some to invite your attention to them:
Sárospatak, as one of the outstanding centres of the Hungarian culture, offers Summer
Nights in the Castle District, held from June through August every week. Within their
programme folklore, musical and other types of performances are organised not only for the
local inhabitants, but for the tourists as well.
An independently organised series of programmes is the Zemplén Art Days, with the
focus on classical music. The Saint Elizabeth Days should also be mentioned here, as well
as the Zemplén Families' Days, Wine Days and the Dixieland and Blues Festival in
Sárospatak. These are important events in the region.
Sátoraljaújhely hosts the traditional Gypsy Folk Dance Festival, followed by the
Children' Dance Festival in August. During the events domestic and foreign folk-dance
groups and art groups entertain those interested and generate the necessary atmosphere of
festivals. Vintage Festivals are organised every September in Sátoraljaújhely, alike
other settlements in Tokaj-Hegyalja.
The tourist season starts with the organisation of Tokaj Spring Days in Tokaj, the
centre of the wine-growing area. At Whitsuntide, the Day of Open Cellars is held and in
early August, the Tokaj Wine Festival provides entertainment. At the end of September,
they organise the Tokaj-Hegyalja Economic Days event.
Szerencs hosts the traditional Hegyalja Farmers' Days at Whitsuntide and in June, the
visitors are invited to the series of events called 'Castle Awaits You'.
The musical performances within the framework of the previously mentioned Zemplén Art
Days are organised not only in the towns but in smaller communities as well, such as
Fűzérradvány, Golop, Karcsa, Kőkapu, Tállya and Tolcsva.
Further details on programmes are available in the regional Tourist Information
Offices.
Edited by Gábor Stumpf
Sárospatak, Hungary

|