What did I get myself into? As a result of Pride week here in Budapest, there have been multiple special cultural and LGBTQ awareness events going on all over the city.
Today, I went to a Shaman dance workshop in promotion for a free space for all people and their self expression and spiritual solidarity with the community. It was refreshing to do; traveling around doesn’t leave a lot of time for you to relax and let your spirit helpers guide you through your trances … So I am told. Now that I think of it, travelling might actually aid this.
The workshop started a little late, and I, along with two Aussies, were the only non-Hungarian speaking attendants. I felt a little bad, the head woman had to translate portions for me, which I worry took away from her experience.
Either way, I think we all had a swinging time. Regrettably, I did not take photos since I was, well, immersed into the ritual.
(Photo credits by PintsizedPioneer)
The instructors played a mix of Native American, Serbian, and Mongolian chants, which were all accompanied with some basic circle dances. More often than not, there was throat singing as the vocals.
However, my favorite parts of the programs were the free drum dancing, where people had maracas and rattles to evoke their spirit guides, and the rainbow mandala creation, when everyone used string to connect with one another to show the interconnectedness of life and with the spirits. It was definitely a unique afternoon.
There were people of all ages and backgrounds at the workshop. I love when the LGBTQ community comes together because it just demonstrates how diverse it is and how you cannot really categorise what it means to be (insert name here).
With that said, tomorrow should be good …
Tomorrow is the parade! I do not know if I should stay in to prepare for the madness that will be tomorrow day and night (Rainbow Party!) … Who knows? I am excited to get back to Prague though and meet my friend I met the last night before I left. I am also super psyched to see the Croatian goddess, Nina in Dubrovnik in less than a week! Oy! Too many plans. Whatever. I can sleep on the Student Agency bus … Stay tuned …