The 33rd “Valley of Arts Festival” is about to begin
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The country’s largest multi-arts festival will open its gates in exactly one month, once again filling the streets of Kapolcs, Vigántpetend, and Taliándörögd with plenty of music, literature, art, and cheerful festival-goers for 10 days. Between July 19th and 28th, there will be nearly three thousand programs to choose from, and day tickets are already available.
In the colorful palette of summer festivals, the Valley of Arts occupies a special place. It is not merely a musical or cultural event, but a feeling, a community experience that has been attracting lovers of art and nature to the Bakony hills for over three decades.
The history of the festival dates back to 1989 when István Márta, the founder of the Kapolcs Cultural and Nature Conservation Association, dreamt up the Valley in an abandoned village house. The originally few-day event has now become a festival spanning over ten days and multiple locations, encompassing various fields of music, theater, dance, literature, and visual arts.
The Valley impresses not only with the diversity of its artistic programs but also with the magic of its location. The picturesque landscapes of the Bakony, the romantic atmosphere of the villages, the old peasant houses, and courtyards create a unique atmosphere where art and nature form a harmonious unity. Walking through the festival, one feels like taking a journey through time, where tradition and modernity meet.
The Valley is not just a meeting point for artists and audiences but a true community space where people create together, converse, and jointly experience the joy of art. Numerous civil organizations and community initiatives are also present at the festival, promoting the preservation of local values, environmental awareness, and sustainable development.
The Valley of Arts has faced numerous challenges over the years. Due to the 2008 economic crisis and changes in the festival’s organizational structure, the event temporarily faced difficulties. However, the strength of the Valley community and the dedication to the festival allowed the Valley of Arts to be reborn and remain one of the most important events in Hungarian cultural life.
In recent years, the Valley has gained new momentum. The festival program is constantly renewed, new venues and programs appear, and the organizers are placing increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental awareness.
The Valley of Arts is no longer just a festival but a cultural movement whose impact extends far beyond the Bakony region. The Valley has created a community where the love of art and nature, the community experience, and the commitment to sustainability intertwine.
The Valley of Arts is a place where art and life meet. A place where one can rediscover the beauty of nature, the power of community, and the endless possibilities inherent in art. The story of the Valley is an inspiring example of how the power of culture and community can transform a secluded village into a nationally known and recognized cultural center. The Valley of Arts is a place we always fondly remember and eagerly await to experience its magic once again.