Budapest’s Kapisztrán Square Will Turn into a World of Books This Weekend

Kapisztrán Square in Budapest’s Buda Castle district will become a gathering place for readers over the weekend, with author signings, book launches, stage conversations and family programmes.

Geologist and television science educator Árpád Juhász will sign copies of his latest book, Illegális indiánok, at the Kairosz Publishing stand from 5 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 5. The book presents a lesser-known, mystical side of Juhász’s life and career, from scouting and secret, dangerous Hungarian “Indian” camps to encounters with Indigenous peoples in the Americas.

Novelist Zsuzsanna Czap will sign her debut novel from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday. On Sunday, September 6, historian Károly Szerencsés will speak with Bence Takács from 1 p.m., followed by a signing. Other participating authors include Zoltán Pósa, Márton István Bulbuk, Judit Zágorec-Csuka, Nóbel Kudelász and Zoltán Bene.

The Tortoma publishing stand will host a conversation between László Domonkos, author of Hunyadi Gelijor!, A história-visszaszerző, and novelist Mór Bán, whose work includes the Hunyadi series. The discussion will be followed by presentations of books by Imre János Hegedűs, László Domonkos and Vilmos Gál.

Organisers have planned activities for all ages. Children and families can watch falconry and musical performances, join craft sessions and learn about bookbinding. The 17th-century group Zsarátnok Zsoldosai will present an open-air kitchen and artillery demonstration, while craftspeople offer period games, flower-wreath making and flag-making. The weekend will also include stilt performers, fairground attractions, national minority programmes, folk dance, food tastings and discussions on Mohács 500 and the history of Buda in connection with the 1686 anniversary.