Report by Ms.Tifa, translated by Mantis

Traveling through the cold, snow covered landscape, visitors arrived at Székesfehérvár, Hungary, where this year’s first convention was held by one of our capital’s biggest fantasy and anime shop, Holdfényteam. Holdfénycon was different from the usual anime conventions, as it also welcomed fans of fantasy, sci-fi, comics and RPG. Therefore, besides the usual programs, like DDR, parapara, karaoke, AMV; also fantasy and sci-fi themed programs took place in the homely rooms of Köfém.
One curiosity was the 501 Legion, a Star Wars group, who gained the audience’s interest with their sometimes humorous, sometimes touching stories – besides their amazing costumes. Not only the rooms, but also the hallway offered programs for the visitors: the Moonlight Meido, – whose owner, Licorne was the main organizer and announcer at the con – had a little tea-pult, while a girl drew anime-styled pictures of volunteers. Besides these, some con-goers brought BJDs (Ball jointed dolls), while others formed a group around a guitar and singed happily.
Of course, one of the main event was the masquerade, with some twist. The jury members, who were also in costumes and made a one minute performance on stage, and after some more personal questions directed to them (the announcers and the members of the jury were all old acquaintances), the the actual competition began. For the first time in Hungary, also non-anime cosplays were allowed. Because of this, Disney’s Ariel and the 501 Legion with their costumes took part in the competition, too. This time participants could register on the spot, thus occurring a mixed group of cosplayers, both for craftsmanship and for performance – as these are still the two big categories for Hungarian cosplay conventions – though sometime a participant fitted in both category. There were quite a few good costumes and interesting performances. The jury also actively participated in the event, asking questions from participants or being given a bomb by one of the funnier cosplayers and trying to deactivate it. After the actual competition, invited cosplayers presented performances.
The drawing competition was also a big hit, almost 30 participants volunteered for the 2 hour long event. Beside the fanart category, also an original was announced, supporting the interest of the non-anime fans.
The organizers, helpers and guests participants worked together dynamically, almost like a family. The HQ for the staff was a kitchen-like room, sanctuary for the tired people, offering a bit chit-chat, refreshments and snacks (like wurst) that the staff made for each other. As it was meant for a first try, the whole convention was a friendly, somewhat informal, homely event, where old friends could meet and visitors could gain new acquaintances while enjoying the variety of programs. There weren’t any big problems with the stage or the changing rooms, though the later was a bit small, but it fitted with the event’s atmosphere. A small, though somewhat funny problem, that the cosplayers didn’t read through the competition rules, was solved by the flexible jury and the announcers.
To sum it up, this was a really great convention; together with our friends we really enjoyed it. We hope that we will have positive feelings after the next Holdfénycon as well, and be part of this friendly company again!

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