Haraszthy200 Festival

American-Hungarian history keeps track of Ágoston Haraszthy (1812-1869) as the first Hungarian to settle down in the USA and as the founding father of the viticulture in California. On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Ágoston Haraszthy we are organizing a monumental event – ‘Haraszthy200 Festival’ - in California and in Hungary.

Aims

Introduction of Ágoston Haraszthy’s character and history of life to the Hungarian and US public
Celebration of the Hungarian-American relations remembering the first American-Hungarian
Promotion of Hungarian wines and viticulture in the US and in Hungary
Popularization of Hungarian and American contemporary arts in Hungary as well as in the USA
Encouraging and supporting the marketing and sales of Hungarian wines in the USA

Messages

Ágoston Haraszthy was a ’rolling stone’: restless, impatient, creative, theatrical, wayward and robustly healthy; that is to say: Hungarian. Regardless of the source we look for, his reputation is mentioned in books, viticulture literature and even on the Internet. He is one of the few historical characters mentioned as a Hungarian, even in US memoirs. First of all, he was a pioneer, an ’explorer’ in the word’s classic sense. Secondly, he was an investor, and a constructor of bridges, a mill-owner, brick-maker, cereal cultivator, sheriff, city-founder, gold-washer, governmental commissioner, vine-dresser and a merchant.
Art is limitless, it connects continents, centuries, countries, cultures and peoples. This civil initiative also serves the purpose of promoting Hungary, through the beauty and power of art. We invite all, young and old, American and Hungarian, artist and winemaker to join us in saluting the memory and heritage of Ágoston Haraszthy, this „Pinoeer of California winemaking” in an avant-garde spirit.

Main events, timing

August-November 2012, California

Red & White: Contemporary Art Exhibitions related to the topic: ‘colors of the wine’; 30 August-27 September 2012 - San Francisco; 5 October-4 November 2012 - Sonoma
Haraszthy-Tokaj-Grape Harvest: Exhibition presenting the winning works of Tokaj’s children’s drawing competition; 31 August 2012 - Sonoma
Sonoma-Tokaj celebration: A ceremony dedicated to the event where Sonoma and Tokaj become sister cities; with reception; 31 August 2012 - Sonoma

October-November 2012, Hungary

Press Conference: Conference for representatives of media; 3 October 2012 - Budapest
Red & White: Contemporary Art Exhibition related to the topic: ‘colors of the wine’; 4 October-4 November 2012 - Budapest
Haraszthy200 Wine Conference: Professioinal programme; 5 October 2012 - Tokaj
Haraszthy-Sonoma-Grape Harvest: Exhibition presenting the winning works of Sonoma’s children’s drawing competition; 6 October-4 November 2012 - Tokaj
Tokaj Grape Harvest: Open-air event; 6-7 October 2012 - Tokaj
Sounds of wine, taste of music: Musical evening in memory of Ágoston Haraszthy; 7 October 2012 - Tokaj