Hungarian folk traditions are still very much part of community life in the small village of Kiscsősz, in western Hungary. A new Anadolu photo series captures residents in traditional dress as they perform folk dances, play music and preserve customs that have been passed down through generations.

The photographs were taken in Kiscsősz, Veszprém County, on 13 August. They show villagers wearing authentic traditional costumes and taking part in folk dances accompanied by traditional music.

According to Anadolu, the local community actively preserves centuries-old Hungarian rural traditions, folklore and cultural heritage. The images also highlight indigenous musical instruments and community gatherings designed to ensure that these customs are passed on to younger generations.

Hungarian folk traditions remain part of village life

What makes Kiscsősz particularly striking is that these traditions are presented not simply as historical exhibits, but as part of a living community.

Folk dance and traditional music have long played an important role in Hungarian cultural identity, with regional variations in costumes, choreography and musical styles reflecting the country’s diverse rural heritage.

In Kiscsősz, that heritage remains visible through community events and performances where different generations take part together. Anadolu’s photographs show both the elaborate detail of traditional clothing and the social side of folk culture, with musicians, dancers and residents gathering in an intimate village setting.

The emphasis on transmitting traditions to younger people is particularly important, as many rural customs across Europe face the challenge of surviving demographic change and increasingly urban lifestyles.

Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village 11
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village 5
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village 10
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village 9
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village citera
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village 8
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village 6
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village 3
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village 2
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village 7
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village veszprem
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village 2026
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu

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A different side of Hungary

For international visitors, Kiscsősz offers a glimpse of Hungary far removed from Budapest’s grand architecture, ruin bars and thermal baths.

Small communities such as this one preserve another layer of the country’s identity: one shaped by village life, traditional music, colourful costumes and customs that have survived for generations.

The Anadolu gallery captures that atmosphere particularly well. Rather than presenting Hungarian folk traditions as something frozen in the past, the photographs show a culture that continues to be practised, shared and celebrated today.

Hungarian girl Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village 12
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
hungary horses
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Hungary animals
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Hungarian family Where centuries old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Hungarian folk dancer boy
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Old houses in small Hungarian village
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu
Hungarian couple folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village
Where centuries-old Hungarian folk traditions are still alive folk dancers and custodians of tradition in a small Hungarian village. Photo by İlkin Eskipehlivan – Anadolu

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