Debrecen’s cultural richness and openness are well reflected by the Jewish Cultural Days and Street Festival, organised jointly with the Debrecen Jewish Community. The aim of the event is to bring Jewish culture, traditions and community values closer to visitors, while offering insight into a diverse world through engaging programmes.

Culture and experiences

During the festival, you can also take part in guided visits, where you will discover the world of the synagogue and gain a deeper understanding of religious and community traditions.

Concerts

Tuesday 26 May, 7:00 pm
Nagyvárad Klezmer Orchestra – “Klezmer Rhythms from Bihar to Hajdú-Bihar” – Pásti Street Orthodox Synagogue
(The Klezmer of JCC Nagyvárad was founded in 2005 within the Nagyvárad Jewish Community under the name Hakeshet Klezmer Band, becoming the first such ensemble in Romania after 1990. The orchestra performs Jewish instrumental music, horas, and vocal pieces with a wide-ranging klezmer repertoire.)

Registration is required for the event. Applications can be made by email at debrecenizsidosag@gmail.com or by telephone on +36 52 415 861.
Please note that entry to the synagogue is subject to a security check. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Thursday 28 May, 7:00 pm
Zoltán Tordai and Band – Pásti Street Orthodox Synagogue
(Gipsy Klezmer – Echoes of Tradition
We invite you on a special musical journey where klezmer melodies meet the passion of Romani music.

Throughout the evening, the deeply rooted sounds of tradition come to life: joy and sorrow, fire and lyricism, past and present intertwine through music. Virtuosic string performances and the delicate harmonies of the piano create a unique musical experience within the uplifting setting of the synagogue.)

Registration is required for the event. Applications can be made by email at debrecenizsidosag@gmail.com or by telephone on +36 52 415 861.
Please note that entry to the synagogue is subject to a security check. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Saturday 30 May, 9:00 pm
Anima Sound System concert – returning as special guests with their distinctive soundscape

Saturday 31 May – All-day STREET FESTIVAL

10:00–11:00 am
Debrecen Dixieland Jazz Band

11:20 am–12:00 pm
Lauder Javne Klezmer Band
Student klezmer ensembles have been active at Lauder Javne School for more than 20 years. In keeping with the school’s educational programme, their repertoire focuses on traditional klezmer music. The performing group represents the youngest generation of klezmorim.

Band members: Angéla Ács – flute, Tamás Bacher – clarinet, Adél Kisbán – bass guitar, Annabella Lukács-Peller – guitar, Benedek Pados – drums, Laura Mira Szántó – flute, with Zsóka Incze accompanying on piano.
Coaching teachers: Zsóka Incze, Anna Nagy and Balázs Pados.

12:15–1:15 pm
FLÓDNI – improvisational gastro-theatre
“Improvisational gastro-theatre – full of laughter, mainly sweet in flavour, with a touch of sharpness. We layer it all together from a cultural-historical perspective, then turn up the heat. What comes out is just like a delicious flódni,” explains Judit Stahl, creator of the performance.
(Featuring Péter Novák, Judit Schell, Máté Járai, Hanna Bohus and Judit Stahl)

1:30–2:30 pm
Judit Klein and the Haverim Band
Concerts by Judit Klein, often referred to as the queen of Jewish songs, together with the Haverim Band led by pianist Zoltán Neumark, always offer audiences a joyful musical experience. Their performances feature melodies rooted in authentic Jewish musical traditions, evoking the atmosphere of Central and Eastern European communities of the 1920s and 1930s, all enriched with plenty of humour.

2:30–3:30 pm
Agyagbanda Ensemble

3:30–3:45 pm
Book presentation by Róbert Scher
Moderated by Zsolt Heller, Vice-President of the Debrecen Jewish Community

3:45–4:45 pm
Selections from the musical Fiddler on the Roof performed by actors of the Csokonai National Theatre Debrecen
(Featuring Zsolt Dánielfy, Klári Varga, Zsuzsa Lehőcz, Zsolt Csata, Boglárka Berkó, Bence Pálóczi and Eszter Balázs-Bécsi)

5:00–6:00 pm
Progetto DAVKA
“Our music is nourished by memory, travel, and dialogue between cultures, and we believe that festivals like this create vital spaces for connection and mutual understanding.”

6:00–7:00 pm
Franciska Törőcsik – “ON THE ROAD” – acoustic version
The evening promises a truly special musical journey, featuring songs that have accompanied Franciska’s career as both an actress and singer over the years, reimagined in acoustic arrangements with guitar accompaniment and personal stories.

One of the festival’s highlights is the presentation of kosher cuisine: among other dishes, you will be able to try cholent in both gluten-free and vegan versions.

Source: facebook.com | Photo credit: Facebook – Papp László