Esplanade Princesse Élisabeth
Join us for Brass & Paprika – Dinant Meets Hungary on 11 July 2026, from 3 PM to 9 PM at the Esplanade Princesse Élisabeth in Dinant.
This unique celebration brings together the cultures of Hungary and Dinant. Part of the programme features local Dinant artists, traditional folk dance, and heritage workshops, while the other part showcases Hungarian music, dance, gastronomy, and the famous Rubik’s Cube.
Enjoy live performances, discover local and Hungarian traditions, witness the unveiling of a Hungarian saxophone sculpture, and end the day with a concert by the Budapest Saxophone Quartet.
Free admission.
PROGRAMME
3:00 PM – Mosa River Band
Hailing from the Dinant region and inspired by the spirit of the great Dixieland bands, this ensemble takes you on a musical journey with, for this special occasion, a touch of Hungarian flair. Discover a vibrant blend of cultures, traditions, and lively melodies.
The musicians will also introduce you to the full saxophone family, along with other instruments created by the renowned Belgian inventor Adolphe Sax. An entertaining and enriching musical experience for all ages!
3:30 PM – Film Screening: 30 Shades of Dance (VostEN, 72min)
Thirty dance companies, iconic Hungarian venues and every facet of the art of dance – the new dance film 30 Shades of Dance tells the story of Hungary through the language of movement.
4:30 PM – Rubik’s Cube competition
Join our Rubik’s Cube Challenge and test your speed!
Participants can compete throughout the day, with the fastest solver of every 30-minute session winning a classic Rubik’s Cube. An official Stackmat timer will also be available for experienced speedcubers.
Before the BSQ concert at 7pm, we will announce the three fastest cubers of the day, who will receive special collector’s edition cubes.
Free participation – registration at the Rubik’s Cube stand.
5:00 PM – Mosa River Band
5:30 PM – Dinant Folk Dance: Compagnie Sylphide
Experience the Dance of the Copères, performed by the Sylphide Company! An emblematic part of Dinant’s folklore, the Dance of the Copères is deeply rooted in the city’s history and identity. The term “Copères,” an affectionate nickname for the people of Dinant, dates back to the Middle Ages and reflects the town’s renowned tradition of copperworking and engraving. Through this lively and characterful performance, the Sylphide Company brings this treasured local tradition back to life, inviting you to discover the rich cultural heritage of Dinant.
6:00 PM – Unveiling of the Hungarian saxophone sculpture
Did you know? The saxophone was invented by a man from Dinant.
Adolphe Sax changed music history forever, and his hometown proudly celebrates his legacy through the colourful saxophone sculptures found throughout the city.
Discover more at the "All About Sax" stand and join us at 6:00 PM for the unveiling of the refreshed Hungarian giant saxophone, strengthening the cultural ties between Hungary and Dinant.
6:30 PM – Hungarian folk music and dance performance
Hungarian folk music is one of Europe’s oldest living musical traditions. Rooted in centuries of rural life, it carries stories of love, celebration, sorrow, and community through its unique rhythms and melodies. Experience this living heritage at 6:30 PM with an authentic Hungarian folk music and dance performance featuring Panni Demeter and Szabolcs Nagy, accompanied by musicians Dóra Gudlin (violin), Tibor Halla (viola), and Gábor Karsai (double bass). Together, they bring to life the vibrant spirit of Hungarian tradition in a dynamic fusion of music and dance.
7:00 PM – Budapest Saxophone Quartet concert
The grand finale of Brass & Paprika - Dinant meets Hungary will be a special concert by the Budapest Saxophone Quartet.
Taking the stage at 7:00 PM, the ensemble will celebrate the rich musical connection between Hungary and the city of Adolphe Sax. Expect virtuosity, passion, and a spectacular saxophone experience in the heart of Dinant. Musicians: Bence Szepesi, Levente Puskás, Bernát Tószegi and Marcell Horváth
ALL AFTERNOON
• Hungarian food & drink stands
Taste Hungary in Dinant! One of the highlights of Brass & Paprika - Dinant meets Hungary is the chance to discover authentic Hungarian flavours.
Throughout the afternoon, visit our Hungarian food and drink stands and enjoy crispy lángos, delicious traditional cakes, and a selection of Hungarian wines. Whether you're already familiar with Hungarian cuisine or tasting it for the first time, you're in for a treat!
Magyar Langos Belgium - Magyarbolt - Sophie's Selection: Quality Hungarian Wines
• Mini Hungarian language lessons
Curious about Hungarian language? Drop by for our mini Hungarian language lessons throughout the afternoon and learn a few useful words and expressions!
• Tourist Tips & Information
• Rubik’s Cube for Beginners & Advanced
• All About Sax Stand
• Workshops Dinanderie (3:30PM & 5.30 PM)
No celebration of Dinant, its history and traditions would be complete without a tribute to its brassware heritage.
Brassware is the traditional craft of shaping copper and its alloys—particularly brass—through techniques such as casting and hammering. The craft takes its name from Dinant itself, a city renowned since the 13th century for the outstanding quality of its metalwork.
For this special themed day, metalsmith Vanessa De Nys invites you to explore this centuries-old craft through free, hands-on workshops open to participants aged 10 and above. A wonderful opportunity to discover a traditional skill, work with metal, and create your very own piece to take home. (12 places available per workshop – sign up on the day)
The event is organised by the Liszt Institute Brussels, International Adolphe Sax Association, Cultural Center in Dinant and the city of Dinant.