Debrecen, 1961
The 200th anniversary of Debrecen’s bathing culture will be celebrated with a 200-day series of events starting on May 1 at the Aquaticum in Nagyerdei Park, organizers announced on Wednesday at the opening event of the anniversary.
The Nagyerdei Bathhouse (today’s Régi Vigadó) opened its doors on May 1, 1826, marking the beginning of the eastern Hungarian city’s bathing culture. The anniversary event series not only looks back on the values of the past but also demonstrates, through experiences, programs, and community initiatives, what bathing means today and how it shapes the future, as stated at the opening ceremony.
Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt
László Papp, mayor of Debrecen, said that with the creation of the baths, a unique Debrecen mindset emerged regarding water, health, public space, recreation, and quality of life:
A way of thinking that, over the past 200 years, has become the city’s identity, a tourist attraction, and an economic resource.”
Debrecen, 1935. Photo: Fortepan / Mészöly Leonóra
In Debrecen, thermal water, science, nature, and human creativity intertwine: the Aquaticum, the Nagyerdő (“Big Forest” nature conservation area), the thermal water, the renovated beach, the medical facilities, the tourism infrastructure, and the knowledge base of the University of Debrecen together form a system that now has not only regional but also national and international significance, noted Papp.
Lajos Fazekas, director of Aquaticum Debrecen, highlighted
the Grand SPA 1826 pass, the premium experience package available for 200 people, the Feredő pass, the Wellness Island vouchers, and the themed programs from the anniversary offerings.
As he noted, the anniversary is also reflected in the culinary offerings: in preparation for this notable milestone, they are serving dishes that evoke the cuisine of two centuries ago while remaining enjoyable for today’s guests.
Debrecen, 1961. Photo: Fortepan / Szilágyi Lajosné
He added:
to mark the anniversary, guests will be treated to a special dessert, which features a rich chocolate sponge cake filled with homemade jam, evoking the flavors of our grandmothers’ kitchens.
There will be prize drawings in the spirit of the number 200, anniversary souvenirs will be provided to those interested, and on August 15, a spa ball will be held in Nagyerdő, which will also serve as the opening event of Flower Carnival Week, said Fazekas.
Via MTI, Featured image: Fortepan / Szilágyi Lajosné
