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Mathias Corvinus Collegium is set to host its immensely popular festival, MCC Feszt, in Esztergom for the third consecutive year. Taking place from July 27 to 29, MCC Feszt promises a thrilling array of fresh speakers, engaging programs, and exceptional musical talent. This one-of-a-kind festival will bring together distinguished international and Hungarian experts, influential thought leaders, captivating family activities, interactive programs, and, naturally, the cream of Hungarian pop music. All of this will unfold against the enchanting backdrop of Esztergom, Hungary's historical gem.

MCC Feszt is uniquely positioned in the crossroads of entertainment and education in Hungary. Never before have festivalgoers had the opportunity to attend an event with so many professional, public, and cultural events, including exciting presentations by foreign professors, journalists, and public figures. Last year's festival attracted over 32,000 visitors in three days, with 110 stage programs featuring 220 expert speakers and 48 exhibitions. This year, MCC is raising the bar even higher: visitors can expect even more high-quality programs, captivating speakers, and the best of the best Hungarian music scene.

 

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet renowned foreign guests.

In keeping with tradition, programs featuring renowned foreign experts will be one of the mainstays of this year's MCC Feszt. Foreign invitees include, among others, Mark Daniel Regnerus, professor of Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin, Jay W. Richards, director of the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family and senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and the Discovery Institute, Dean Karalekas, research fellow at the Centre for Austronesian Studies at the University of Central Lancashire, author of several books, including The Men in No Man's Land: A Journey Into Bir Tawil and Civil-Military Relations in Taiwan: Identity and Transformation. At this year's MCC Feszt, visitors can meet Rebeka Vital, an experienced senior lecturer at the Shenkar School of Design, who teaches Interior, Building and Environment Design, while leading innovative research in fields such as lighting and cultural heritage. David Wolpe, Max Webb senior rabbi at Temple Sinai in Los Angeles, author of eight books, including the bestseller Making Loss Matter and David: The Divided Heart, will also be present at the festival. The latest, a biography of King David, has been optioned for a movie by Warner Bros. David Wolpe has been named the most influential rabbi in America by Newsweek.

 

A variety of musical and professional programs await the festivalgoers

Musical performers at the three-day festival will offer exciting entertainment for all ages. The event will focus on showcasing musical talent and feature bands that combine classical music and jazz with pop music to create a unique sound. These bands include the Blahalouisiana symphonic, a rock band inspired by modern American songwriters featuring blues and country elements, the Bagossy Brothers Company, a Hungarian rock band from Transylvania, and the Roma folk band Parno Graszt.  The MCC Feszt will also feature Irie Maffia, a primarily reggae and dancehall band, the Hungarian pop duo VALMAR, and György Korda and Klári Balázs, whose performance at last year’s festival proved quite popular.

 

The professional-themed events will include panel discussions with representatives of leading companies, as well as presentations on gastronomy, fashion, literature, and Hungarian innovation. At the Edu Promenade, MCC will showcase its wide range of training programs and several partner organizations will also be present. Furthermore, various family activities will be organized throughout the day.

 

New stages at the MCC Feszt

In response to visitor demand, this year's MCC Feszt will feature new stages, such as the Move stage in the pedestrian zone, where visitors can enjoy exciting sports-related discussions. The Mindszenty stage will continue to operate as the Bottyán Bridge stage, bringing its events closer to the city center, and the organizers will also build a new stage on Rákóczi Square. These changes are expected to make the festival more compact by bringing the venues closer to the historic city center. Just like last year, the event will be mostly free. However, if you want to enjoy all the concerts and parties, and get extra discounts and services, you can boost your MCC Feszt experience by purchasing a MCC Feszt Pass, which includes free festival transport between the Esztergom train station and the event venue, a tour on the sightseeing train, free camping, and free use of the beach baths. The Pass also entitles you to a discount on food and drink prices. For more information, please visit the official website of the event.

 

Budapest, April 18 2023