A vibrant week of cultural diplomacy in Budapest and Fertőd
Edited by Anna Popper
To mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Ecuador and Hungary in 1946, the Embassy of Ecuador – led by Her Excellency Cynthia Mayer Zavala, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to Hungary – hosted a series of cultural events during the last week of September. These carefully curated programmes honoured this historic bilateral milestone, bringing the rich, diverse, and vibrant heritage of Ecuador to the heart of Central Europe.
Through cinema, traditional music, fine arts, and gastronomy, the Embassy highlighted the enduring friendship, cooperation, and mutual admiration that have characterised the diplomatic ties between the two nations over the past eight decades.
The commemorative week officially commenced with a celebration of Ecuadorian cinema in Budapest. The Embassy of Ecuador proudly inaugurated the “Latin American Film Festival 2026” at the prestigious Uránia National Film Theatre.
The opening night featured a special screening of the acclaimed Ecuadorian film “Puka Urpi” (The Red Bird), which is rooted in the Indigenous culture of Otavalo. The event drew a distinguished audience, including prominent local authorities, members of the Ecuadorian community residing in Hungary, and numerous international cinema enthusiasts. The compelling narrative of Puka Urpi served as a powerful medium for cultural exchange, allowing Hungarian audiences to immerse themselves in Ecuador’s visual storytelling and profound cultural landscapes.
Following the success of the film screening, the celebrations continued with an unforgettable evening at the renowned Eötvös10 Cultural Centre in Budapest. The Embassy organised a cultural gala, centred around the “Misa del Chimborazo”, an event that masterfully intertwined Ecuador’s musical heritage, visual arts, iconic floral exports, and world-class coffee. The programme was met with great enthusiasm with over 180 guests in attendance, filling the venue to capacity.
It was a profound honour to share these cherished traditions with the Ecuadorian diaspora, members of the diplomatic corps, Hungarian authorities, and local friends with a keen interest in Latin American culture.
The highlight of the evening was the majestic Misa del Chimborazo, a monumental Andean and choral composition created in 1984 by the esteemed Ecuadorian composer Mario Godoy. This breathtaking musical journey was brought to life through a collaborative performance featuring the virtuoso Francisco “Paco” Godoy, the magnificent Pesterzsébet Mixed Choir, and the celebrated traditional music group Los Andinos. The audience was captivated by an emotional repertoire that transcended borders, taking listeners on a musical voyage through exquisite choral pieces, traditional melodies rooted in the majestic Andean highlands, nostalgic pasillos, and vibrant urban mestizo rhythms.
Complementing the musical programme was a stunning visual showcase by Ecuadorian visual artist Daniela Godoy, whose colourful and evocative paintings adorned the venue’s lobby, showcasing the country’s artistic talent. Attendees were also treated to a tasting of exquisite Ecuadorian coffee, courtesy of Flor’d Café, allowing guests to savour the authentic flavours of the country’s highlands.
Furthermore, the atmosphere was enhanced by the vibrant colours of Ecuadorian roses, generously provided by Naranjo Roses, which transformed the space into a sensory garden.
The week of cultural festivities culminated outside the capital, at the historic Esterházy Palace in Fertőd, often referred to as the “Hungarian Versailles”. Located in western Hungary, near the Austrian border, the magnificent palace provided the setting for the first edition of the Latin American Festival in Fertőd, in which the Embassy of Ecuador proudly participated in collaboration with other Latin American embassies in Hungary.
This majestic 18th-century Baroque palace, an architectural jewel, holds a special place in European musical history. Between 1766 and 1790, the renowned Austrian composer Joseph Haydn served Prince Miklós Esterházy as court composer and musical director, living and working at Eszterháza for nearly a quarter of a century. During this exceptionally productive period, many of Haydn’s works were premiered at the palace, which became one of Europe’s leading centres of musical life. Its rich cultural legacy provided an especially evocative backdrop for celebrating Latin American culture and heritage in Hungary.
Ecuador’s prominent presence at the festival was marked by a dynamic and engaging national stand, offering comprehensive information about the country, interactive games for children, and exciting prizes for attendees. To further promote the nation’s biodiversity and tourist attractions, the Embassy organised an inspiring tourism promotion seminar, inviting the local public to discover the wonders of Ecuador.
The country’s representation was further enriched by a vibrant display of art and paintings by Ecuadorian painter Gina Altamirano, who has lived and worked in Hungary for more than 20 years. The programme also featured spectacular and joyful musical performances by Los Andinos, Paco Godoy, and Mario Godoy, whose rhythms resonated throughout the historic palace grounds.
As the Embassy of Ecuador reflects on a week of cultural engagement, these events stand as a testament to the robust, dynamic, and ever-growing relationship between Ecuador and Hungary. As both nations celebrate 80 years of shared history and diplomatic cooperation, the universal languages of art, music, and cinema continue to forge a strong bridge of understanding and friendship between their peoples.
Source: Embassy of Ecuador in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of Ecuador in Budapest
