Yesterday's spectacular event in Budapest

This time of the year carnival fever spreads the whole world: colorful parades, mysterious masks, endless parties. The famous carnival of Venice dates back to the 12th century even since that it turns the city into a big colorful party. Everybody knows the popular Rio carnival, which draws over two million people to Brazil. Let’s celebrate the end of winter time, come and explore a historical event with me in Budapest! Here come the best moments on the 102th Széchenyi Grand Ball.

Exclusive venue: The Redoute

The Pesti Vigadó is one of the finest pieces of neoclassical architecture in Pest, its original name was the Redoute, it was designed by Frigyes Feszl. Being the most unique place for balls and events in the country, the building originally was built for this purpose, since the Pest public did not have a ballroom at the beginning of the 19th century. When it opened in 1833 it was not just a venue of the nobility, but it was the only concert hall for Pest, many famous composers gave concerts here like Ferenc Liszt, Johann Strauss, Dvořak, Debussy.

The eclectic appearance of the building with a Moorish twist is compensated by some magnificent art nouveau decoration inside: the impressive hall, the wide marble staircase and a spacious richly-decorated theater hall. Decades after the opening, the Vigadó had a busy schedule for balls, the most luxurious event to be hosted here was the one organized by the National Rowing and Sailing Association in 1870, with a rich order of dances, a sailor-suit military band and a goldfish pool in the middle.

The event is dedicated to Count István Széchenyi, he is recognized as the "Greatest Hungarian" even nowadays. His famous initiation was among others the proposal for the first permanent bridge on the Danube, this is today's oldest bridge, the Chainbridge. The first grand ball was organized in 1907 to remember the great reformer and even today it belongs to the fanciest events in the country.

Attending the ball was pretty amazing, it's a very well organized event with quality services, and some old-time feeling. The gala dinner was authentic based on the typical food of that era with Széchenyi's favorite wine, the Tokaj Aszú from the Oremus Winery.

The whole atmosphere brought me back in time, when noble ladies were walking on the stairs straight to the ballroom and they were dancing all night. As for the dress code, black tie was appropriate for the evening, hence long, evening gown for women and tuxedo for men. I chose a simple, black Lauren Ralph Lauren gown and I'm so thankful for the amazing makeup to my dear friend, Makeup Ar/ch/tist by Adrienn Safarcsik.

If you love elegant, traditional events, this is something for you. Entrance ticket can be purchased every year HERE. Hope you enjoyed this little journey in the past, discover with me the best of Hungary every week on You and Style!