Braving biting winds

The market on Sunday was a clear demonstration of people's commitment to quality artisan products. Despite -6C, freezing winds and snow from a couple of days earlier turnout was good - and so was the mood.

Visitors and producers alike survived - fueled partly by wonderfully warming mulled wine from the Sárga Borház stand outside, partly by the warmth of atmosphere. The joy of seeing each other again, and celebration of closing the first year of the market successfully. Delicious!

Photos soon - but in the meantime there are some excellent ones here by Szerencs TV. Thank you for support!

Permaculture, artisan market and slow food in Sárospatak

After the market on Sunday we organised a film showing of three short films about permaculture, artisan market and slow food dollowed by a short panel discussion, and then a feast of what we brought to the table. We asked people to prepare something to share - and bring cutlery, plate and a glass.

Permaculture - as part of the Védegylet and Zöldpok campaign we showed part of a BBC film Farm for the Future which looks at the approaching oil crisis and alternative forms of food production including the basics and practice of permaculture and forest gardening
Artisan market - Szerencs TV made a superb short film at the last Tokaj-Hegyalja Market
Slow food - the active Slow Food group in Sárospatak meets every 2 weeks to share ideas and food, create a communal space for the adults and children.

Hungary is still very much a land of bottling, so we decided to hold a swap too. An array of jars to exchange for something participants don't make - or in a different way! Summer sun to enjoy in the winter.

Sunday 9th December at 4pm in Sárospatak Cinema.
Entry is 300Ft for over 14s to support the cinema.

The advent market

The lights have been switched on here in Sárospatak and the town is sparkling. The twinkles lift the spirit during the long darkness of the winter - and the market this Sunday will also as artisans gather around the Sárga Borház to present their wares. A perfect place to find quality presents for those you love.

There will be a Christmas tree grown by talented wreath maker Katalin of Tokaj, and, as no tree is complete without adornment, a handcraft workshop to make decorations. Carols too!

Advent

Christmas is a time of giving. And what better to give someone than a unique gift made by someone's hands - even if not our own. The Tokaj-Hegyalja Market is full of such potential presents - and I know my rucksack will be full of things I'd like to take back to friends and family in Manchester - soaps, oils, vinegar, Christmas decorations, wooden toys... Would love to take a basket too, but not so practical on the plane unfortunately!

Hope you can join us on the 9th December for our Advent market. There'll be a handcraft workshop (10-12), an exhibition of stolls by artist and soapmaker Mária Kolbás, traditional Hungarian sweets to hang from the tre, and the Miskolc choir - time to learn some carols! As always we'll have live music too, and all our favourite producers.