This new contemporary art festival will be organised for the first time this June.
The concept of the festival goes back to an 18th century legend. One of the most prominent symbols of the town is the Merchant Cross (or as it is more commonly called Plague Cross) on Main Square. It was erected by the Association of Serbian Merchants, the richest citizens in town in 1763 as a token of their gratitude because a plague epidemic at the time did not affect the town. Popular legend has it that the epidemic only had one victim: a young woman, who was buried under the cross upside down. The ‘Chase away the Plague’ Festival commemorates these events.
The festival starts on Friday afternoon with concerts. The highlight of Saturday is the performance of a professional dance troupe that arrives by boat from Szentendre Island. They symbolise the arrival of the deadly disease in Szentendre. After the musical procession from the Danube, the troupe stages a contemporary dance performance act around the Plague Cross on Main Square. After the performance, they return to the island in their boats, which symbolises the disease leaving the town. The programme continues with a torchlight procession in the centre. Local sports and civil associations march with life-size papier-mâché figures taken from the works of local contemporary artists. The procession is accompanied by the brass band of the students of Tihamér Vuichich Music School directed by Gergő Czifra. The band has a special repertoire for the occasion. After the procession, the day ends with a concert.
On Sunday morning, a boat race takes place on the Danube. Participants can enter in three categories and we are expecting the application of competitors, families, groups of friends, school teams and associations. The winner of each category will receive a valuable prize. In the afternoon and in the evening, visitors can watch concerts and walk about in the gastronomic fair.
Admission is free.
Website: http://szentendreprogram.hu/fesztivalok/szentendrei-pestisuzo-fesztival/
FB: Szentendrei Pestisűző Fesztivál