Hungary

Odd sculpture of Hungarian freedom fighter Lajos Kossuth with hussar neck tattoo in Cuba raises questions – PHOTOS

A bold and baffling tribute to Lajos Kossuth has appeared in Havana, turning heads and stirring debate. Crafted by Munkácsy Prize-winning artist Gábor Benő Pogány, the unconventional statue features a long-necked figure adorned with patriotic flourishes, blending symbolism with an unusual aesthetic. Its surprising placement and timing have left many questioning whether this curious homage to Hungary’s revolutionary hero is more puzzling than poignant.

Sculpture of Lajos Kossuth in Havana

As 24.hu reports, in early November, Havana saw the unveiling of a striking and unconventional sculpture near the beach: a portrait of Hungarian freedom fighter Lajos Kossuth by Munkácsy Prize-winning artist Gábor Benő Pogány. The piece, which has drawn surprise and scepticism, features a bearded figure with a long neck adorned with a patriotic tattoo, resembling neither Kossuth nor traditional artistic styles. Some have compared it to PEZ dispensers, questioning its relevance in Cuba and linking it to a recent pattern of controversial works commissioned by those close to power.

Cuban FM in Hungary

The monument’s timing has also raised eyebrows, coinciding with the first visit of a Cuban foreign minister to Hungary since 1983. Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla received an honorary doctorate and signed cooperation agreements with Hungarian officials during his visit. The new statue appears to replace a bronze predecessor that mysteriously disappeared from Havana’s Lenin Park years ago, now reimagined and donated by a folk art school. Speculation lingers over the motivations behind the installation, as the artist reportedly received an undisclosed sum for a work that many consider more puzzling than celebratory.

What was the idea behind the sculpture?

According to Szoljon, the unveiling of the Lajos Kossuth sculpture in Havana has sparked curiosity about its design and context. Sculptor Gábor Benő Pogány described the work as a “main column,” symbolising Lajos Kossuth as a “columnar” leader, with the piece crafted from frost-resistant ceramic—a curious choice given Cuba’s warm climate and lack of freezing temperatures. The statue, featuring hussars around its neck and standing twice life-size, was inaugurated in a ceremony attended largely by Hungarian officials, including Fidesz MP János Halász and Hungarian Academy of Arts vice-president Zoltán Rátóti. Despite its political overtones, Pogány distanced himself from the accompanying fanfare, explaining his absence not as a statement but simply due to his aversion to air travel.

Odd sculpture of Hungarian freedom fighter Lajos Kossuth with hussar neck tattoo unveiled in Cuba
Photo: Facebook / L Simon László

Who was Lajos Kossuth?

Lajos Kossuth was a prominent Hungarian statesman, lawyer, and revolutionary leader, renowned for his pivotal role in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848–1849. A powerful orator and advocate for independence, he served as finance minister in the Batthyány government before becoming governor-president and head of the National Defence Commission, effectively acting as Hungary’s leader during its fight against Habsburg rule. Kossuth’s efforts to establish a democratic and independent Hungary made him a national hero, and his legacy endures as a symbol of freedom and self-determination in Hungarian history.

Kossuth Lajos Coloured Színezett Lithography
Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org by Prinzhofer

Read also:

Miracle in Vienna: Hungary’s women’s handball team won bronze! – PHOTOS, VIDEO

Hungary won 25-24 against world champion and Olympic silver winner France in today’s match for the bronze at the 2024 EURO Women’s Handball Championship. The last time a Hungarian women’s handball team could secure a medal was 12 years ago.

Hungary’s women’s handball bronze

According to index.hu the Hungarian team fought fiercely against France in the Wiener Stadthalle in Austria’s capital. Austria, Hungary and Switzerland co-hosted the championships. The matches in Hungary were held in Debrecen.

Hungary's women's handball team won bronze
Photo: MTI

The victory did not come out of the blue since the Hungarian team could defeat the French in Toulon on 24 October in a friendly match (30-27). That was the first time after 14 years that the Hungarian team overcame the French. Thankfully, the “new trend” continued today.

Hungary is considered to be a successful nation in women’s handball. We already won the world championships once and the EHF EURO title 14 years ago. Moreover, the Hungarian team bagged altogether 16 medals. Hungary’s team raised the trophy in 2000, joining the club of only five nations that have won the Women’s EHF EURO.

Norway could only defeat Hungary in the semi-final after key goalkeeper Szemerey was sidelined with a minor injury. Thankfully, she could return for today’s match.

Match highlights

The official website of the competition highlighted the following from the bronze match:

“The goalkeepers stood out in the first half in particular, with France’s Laura Glauser and Hungary’s Zsófi Szemerey saving at over 40 per cent in that period; while Glauser came off with 11 saves at 35 per cent for Hatadou Sako at the 50-minute mark, Szemerey counted 13 stops and was key in crunch time.

France opened the first two-goal distance of the game at 5:3 just past the 10-minute mark, before Hungary took the upper hand, always scoring first or leading, from the end of the first quarter of the match until the final buzzer.

With an assist from EHF EURO 2024 All-star Team right back Klujber to a goal from All-star right wing Gyori-Lukács, Hungary created the first three-goal scoreline at 10:7 in the 25th minute, but France came back for a difference of one at half-time.

Hungary again created a temporary three-goal advantage early in the second half and kept the edge as a thrilling match unfolded, but when the final 10 minutes began, it was still anyone’s game at 20:20.

Klujber’s nine goals took her overall tally at the EHF EURO 2024 to 60, seeming to cement her place in first on the top scorer list — but the individual title can only be confirmed beyond doubt after the final between Norway and Denmark.”

Here is a highlights video:

“It’s almost impossible to describe how I feel right now. This is the best Christmas present I have ever gotten. And I’m so proud of our team. We work really hard and today we went and fought from the first second to the last one. I think that the key was our team spirit”, Petra Vámos, Hungary’s centre-back, told the press after the bronze match.

Hungary's women's handball team won bronze
Photo: MTI

Read also:

  • Here’s Hungary’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA: can we do it? – read more HERE
  • Willi Orbán vows to help RB Leipzig achieve ‘full potential’ after below-par start to the season

Special LEGO Mercedes cars placed at Budapest’s Fashion Street – PHOTOS, VIDEO

“From beautiful copper fronts to world-famous brands and the best views of Budapest, you can find everything on Fashion Street”, the introduction on the street’s website reads. On 6 December, a new attraction arrived on the street with some unique LEGO Mercedes cars and a Mercedes-Benz G class. Check out some photos and a video about the exhibition below!

Exceptional LEGO tram in Budapest’s heart

We wrote about the magical life-sized LEGO tram of the Deák Ferenc Square in THIS article before. The LEGO tram was built with nearly 1.8 million colourful bricks, an extraordinary masterpiece of fusion of creativity, playfulness, and engineering that’s lighting up the Hungarian capital. It not only represents Budapest’s rich tram traditions but also the everyday magic that LEGO products can give us.

The LEGO tram is also exceptional because there is no other Lego block building in the world that is this big and even moves. The life-size Lego vehicles we know so far have been made using Lego Technic flexible elements. This tram, on the other hand, is built using only classic Lego blocks, which is a particular challenge when it comes to moving it. You may check out some photos and more details about the magical structure displayed on the Deák Ferenc Square available for everyone to visit in THIS article.

LEGO tram in Budapest
Photo: BKK

Fashion Street connects Vörösmarty Christmas market with the LEGO tram

The Fashion Street of Budapest connects Deák Ferenc Square with one of Budapest’s most beautiful Christmas markets on Vörösmarty Square. When you walk on the street, window-shopping in some leading fashion brands, you should not miss a new spectacle born from the cooperation of Mercedes and LEGO.

Brick Galaxy, one of the oldest Hungarian LEGO fan groups, created an installation there and inaugurated it on 6 December with the help of Zoltán Szujó and Santa Claus. Santa arrives in Hungary on 6 December, bringing mostly candies to kids. On 24 December, Baby Jesus brings presents for children in Hungary.

Special LEGO Mercedes cars parked at Budapest's Fashion Street
Photo: FB/Pappas Auto

Unique LEGO Mercedes cars on Fashion Street

As Kreatív Online points out, there is a Mercedes-Benz model under a glass trellis, which you can compare to a realistic LEGO twin built by the group. On the car’s bonnet, there is also a LEGO® Technic™ Mercedes-Benz G 500 PROFESSIONAL Line model.

Photo: FB/Pappas Auto

Péter Oláh, the marketing director of LEGO Hungária Ltd, told Kreatív Online that the exhibition not only celebrates the encounter of two great brands but also shows the unlimited power and infinite creativity of LEGO bricks. He added that trustworthiness and quality were crucial characteristics of LEGO and Mercedes alike.

The Human Telex Advertising & Event team highlighted that they installed the glass trellis on Budapest’s Fashion Street for the third time. They added it was fantastic to see that the idea could take shape and was realised in such a short time.

Special LEGO Mercedes cars parked at Budapest's Fashion Street
Photo: FB/Pappas Auto

Read also:

  • LEGO is one of the most expensive in Hungary – read more HERE
  • Build the Hungarian Holy Crown from LEGO – instructions in our article HERE

UNCHAIN Fintech Festival returns in 2025 in Oradea-Nagyvárad

UNCHAIN Fintech Festival, the most prominent banking tech conference in Central and Eastern Europe, proudly announces its 4th edition, set to take place on June 19–20, 2025, in the well-established Fintech Fortress of Oradea (Nagyvárad), Romania. The event will continue to seamlessly merge business impact with an unmatched summer festival experience, delivering cutting-edge content and invaluable connections.

Building on three years of success, UNCHAIN enters a new growth phase with strengthened international partnerships. The strategic partnerships with LOT Airlines, Oradea Municipality, and Visa will boost the festival’s direct flight connections across the CEE, enhancing its accessibility and impact, and making it a significant milestone for both UNCHAIN and the region.

“Strategic partnerships drive growth and are the cornerstone of innovation in fintech. Through trusted collaborations, we aim to cultivate an industry revolution over time. Our alliance with LOT Airlines, for example, simplifies travel for participants, offering direct flights connecting all CEE capitals via Warsaw, along with exclusive perks like business lounge access. Similarly, Visa’s continuous partnership with UNCHAIN underscores their trust in the event, providing their international experts with a premier platform for learning, discovery, and innovation and turning them into genuine fintech ambassadors. Such initiatives embody our commitment to growing UNCHAIN into a truly transformative event, a vision made possible by a reinforced team focused on achieving even greater impact in the years ahead,” said Alexandra Pollack, Founder & CEO of UNCHAIN.

Unchain Festival in Oradea fortress
Photo: FB/Unchain

A Thriving Network at the Core

The strength of UNCHAIN lies in the network it creates and fosters. To enhance this, the UNCHAIN team consolidates by welcoming David Pollack, an expert in international projects development & financial markets, as a permanent member and growth driver. This renewed team will focus on expanding the community of business and industry advisors, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the region’s diverse fintech landscape. Their mission remains steadfast: to unite the CEE fintech ecosystem, amplify its collective voice, and encourage business growth.

David Pollack, Head of Growth & International Development at UNCHAIN, remarked: “Next year marks a strategic leap for UNCHAIN. We’re cementing the event’s foundation with robust partnerships but also with an elite advisory network that spans all major CEE markets. I am excited about the influx of financial institutions, regulators, innovators, and startups who will enrich the event through their knowledge, ideas, and collaboration.”

UNCHAIN’s Role in Regional Fintech

As the benchmark for fintech and financial services events in the CEE, UNCHAIN is dedicated to driving regional innovation through cooperation, resource access, and elite networking.

Alexandru Chira, Director General at Visit Oradea, stated: “The success of the UNCHAIN Fintech Festival highlights not only the remarkable potential of Central and Eastern Europe’s fintech ecosystem but also the importance of public sector involvement in driving innovation and collaboration. Events like this provide the economy with access to essential networking opportunities and relevant industry insights, fostering growth and development. Oradea is proud to play a pivotal role in creating the infrastructure necessary to support and nurture initiatives like UNCHAIN. Visit Oradea will continue working alongside the festival’s extraordinary project team to bring together regional leaders from fintech, regulators, banks, startups, and academia. We remain committed to contribute to their vision of fostering a collaborative spirit that will resonate across Europe.”

UNCHAIN Festival returns
Photo: FB/UNCHAIN

2025 Agenda Highlights

The upcoming edition boasts an expanded agenda, with more enhanced targeting of content. The main stage will transform into a general assembly focused on policy and public sector topics, while the sub-stages will further deliver exceptional quality content.

  • Digital Banking, with focus on the rise of neobanking and how AI implementations shape the financial ecosystem;
  • Payments, with focus on Cross-Border and P2P (Peer-to-Peer) models;
  • Regulation & Compliance, Security being the main topic of discussion in nowadays’s changing digital landscape.

All this will be matched by a lively expo & networking area, enhancing visibility and improving connectivity for the partners

The organizers expect over 120 global speakers from 40 countries, with insights on emerging trends, plus participation from 700+ delegates and 350+ companies. With 70% representation from the financial sector, UNCHAIN is the definitive platform for impactful fintech dialogue.

Bankers, fintech creators and enthusiasts that want to meet global leaders, discover innovative solutions, and expand their network should seize the opportunity to join the most dynamic fintech event in the CEE. Immediate registrations will benefit from the Super Early Bird Offer — 750 EUR, meaning an exclusive 40% discount until January 31st.

See you all at this summer’s UNCHAIN Fintech Festival on June 19-20, 2025, for unforgettable moments.

  • Super Early Bird registration here
  • Check out the 2024 after event video here

Read also:

  • 500+ delegates from over 40 countries gathered at the 3rd edition of UNCHAIN Fintech Festival

Scuffle at Budapest Airport: police officers forced passengers down from Wizz Air plane

A scuffle broke out at Budapest Airport after some passengers refused to pay extra for their oversized baggage. As we covered in a previous article, Wizz Air takes baggage sizes more seriously again, but the passengers disregarded the staff’s warnings and boarded the plane. Police arrived to solve the situation, and the plane could take off only with a delay.

The scuffle started at Budapest Airport due to oversized baggage.

According to Telex, the reason was the oversized bags of some passengers, which ground handling partner Menzies Aviation refused to approve. However, some passengers of the Budapest-Basel flight did not want to pay the extra charge for their luggage. A scuffle broke out, and the passengers boarded the plane without permission.

Finally, the jet crew forced them down with the help of police officers. However, the plane could only take off with a delay due to the incident, but, thankfully, they arrived in the Swiss town later on Saturday.

Budapest Airport told Telex that Menzies Aviation asked for the help of the police and promised to examine the circumstances with the ground handling service provider.

Hungarian police Budapest Airport Wizz Air scuffle (Copy)
Photo: FB/Budapest Airport

Police do not investigate

The Hungarian police wrote that they had to intervene on Saturday morning because of an argument between employees of the ground handling company and some passengers. They said passengers cooperated with the officers and the crew, and neither of the two sides wanted to press charges. They wrote that there were no ongoing police investigations concerning the issue.

Two readers of Telex wrote that one employee of Menzies Aviation behaved aggressively against a passenger, but it seems nobody wanted to report that to the police.

Telex has not yet received a comment from Menzies.

Read also:

Aeroplex expands capacity at Bucharest base

State-owned aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul company Aeroplex expanded capacity to two production lines at its base at Bucharest’s Baneasa Airport, the company said on Friday.

The Bucharest base, established in cooperation with Romaero, was inaugurated in October. The second client at the base, Spanish airline Albastar, is due to arrive mid-December.

Aeroplex aims to expand the Bucharest base to three production lines by the end of next year. It had net sales revenue of HUF 31.4bn last year, public records show.

Read also:

  • Aeroplex inaugurates aviation components repair base near Budapest Airport

Featured image: illustration. Source: FB/Aeroplex

VIDEO, PHOTOS: Gödöllő light park is astonishing – UPDATED with more photos

The Royal Palace of Gödöllő offers a unique light show and exhibition dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria, affectionately known as “Sisi”.

The park opened in October presenting a unique blend of art, history, culture, and modern technology, providing an insight into Sisi’s life, family, and times. This exhibition will also be open until 2 March and can be visited between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

@dailynewshungary Light Park- Gödöllő, Hungary #Fénypark #lightpark #gödöllő #christmas ♬ original sound – Daily News Hungary

Gödöllő light park is astonishing 3
Photo: DNH/Alpar Kató

However, you may buy tickets only between 4:30 PM and 8.15 PM. The light park will be closed on 24, 25, and 31 December. Experience shows that many people try to get in on the weekends so you should buy your ticket in advance to avoid queueing for hours. Thankfully, jegy.hu’s online ticket purchase system is also available in English, so click HERE to buy your pass or ticket.

Gödöllő light park is astonishing
Photo: FB/Gödöllő light park

Adult tickets are priced at EUR 8, while discounted tickets are available for EUR 7. A family ticket costs EUR 29. The park’s map can be found HERE.

Finally, check out some photos below:

Here are some more photos:

Read also:

  • Balaton light ferry and decorated Budapest cogwheel railway makes Advent brighter – PHOTO GALLERIES and details HERE
  • Budapest City Park Ice Rink is Europe’s 2nd most popular! – PHOTOS and more in THIS article

Hungarians’ favourite porn categories revealed by PornHub: there are surprises

Sticking to tradition, Pornhub revealed its statistics about Hungarians’ favourite porn categories in 2024. Although the ‘lesbian’ category dominated the porn consumption habits of Hungarians for many years, in 2024, PornHub found that another porn type took the first place. They also revealed the biggest porn consumer countries, but Hungary is not among them even though many regard our country as a porn industry giant.

Hungarians’ favourite porn categories revealed

On the globe, the most popular porn category was ‘hentai’, a type always in the top 10. In 2014, it occupied only the 14th place but took the lead step by step. It “won” the competition every time in the last four years. The second place went to the MILF category, while the third was pinay referring to Philippine women, Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, wrote. Here is the top 10 in 2024:

  • hentai
  • MILF
  • pinay
  • lesbian
  • anal
  • big butt
  • anime
  • Japanese
  • Latina
  • Asian

The porn consumption habits of the Hungarians differed a bit from the global trend. The first place in Hungary went to the MILF category, while last year the lesbian took the first place.

Hungarians' favourite porn categories revealed by PornHub
Photo: depositphotos.com

Angele White tops internet searches

Concerning porn stars, the Australian Angela White is in the first place. The second place went to Abella Danger, and Violet Myers was third. In the men’s category, Alex Adams topped the list.

The statistics also showed from which countries people consume the most porn. Hungary is not even in the top 20. From the Eastern and Central European regions, only Poland (12th) and Ukraine (15th) are in the top 20. The top 10 countries are the following ones:

  • United States
  • France
  • The Phillippines
  • Mexico
  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • Brazil
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Canada

In two countries, women watch more porn

Interestingly, the time per capita spent on PornHub and consuming content was lower than last year. The average was 9 minutes and 40 seconds, 29 seconds less than in 2023. People spend the most time on average in Mexico, the Netherlands and the United States watching porn on PornHub.

Furthermore, women spend a bit more time watching porn than men. The difference is 17s. However, women watch porn at a bigger rate than men only in the Phillippines (59%) and Argentina (51%).

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Bulgaria, Romania Schengen accession one of Hungary’s greatest achievements, says official

The decision by European Union interior ministers on Bulgaria and Romania’s accession to the EU’s passport-free Schengen zone is one of historic significance and one of the most important achievements of the Hungarian EU presidency, the chief of Hungary’s Permanent Representation to the EU said on Friday.

Speaking to Bulgarian news agency BTA, Bálint Ódor noted that on Thursday EU interior ministers decided to remove checks on persons at the internal land borders with and between Bulgaria and Romania from Jan 1, 2025. “This achievement is not only significant for Bulgaria and Romania but also for the European Union and, of course, for Hungary,” Ódor said.

He said that during its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU, Hungary had managed to achieve a consensus on key policy objectives in areas like migration and the common agriculture policy, “which will guide EU actions for the next five years”. He said progress had also been made on the Hungarian presidency’s top priority of improving the bloc’s competitiveness.

End of Schengen at Hungarys borders
Source: FB/Hungarian Police

Ódor said Hungary had also aimed to speed up the accession procedure of the Western Balkan countries. He said the opening of the first stage of accession talks with Albania had been another breakthrough. In response to a question, he said transatlantic relations will always be crucial for the EU. Hungary, he said, had a “good relationship” with US President-elect Donald Trump, adding he believed the country could “act as a bridge”.

Tuzson: Hungarian presidency will have last impact on EU competitiveness

Hungary’s EU presidency will be talked about “for a very long time” as its approach to competitiveness will have a lasting effect on how the whole bloc functions, Bence Tuzson, the justice minister, said in Brussels on Friday.

Speaking before a meeting of the Council of Justice Ministers, Tuzson said Hungary’s presidency had highlighted the importance of taking a broad approach to competitiveness that “permeates the operations of the entire European Union … in all areas, from civil law, the economy to criminal law.”

Competitiveness, he added, was a priority as Europe lagged behind its competitors. The Hungarian presidency has promoted matters that help improve the bloc’s competitiveness, the minister said.

Concerning the council meeting’s agenda, Tuzson said it would include a proposal to promote the application of artificial intelligence in justice, in order to make procedures faster and more efficient.

In terms of criminal law, Tuzson said it was important to adopt a planned directive aimed at preventing people smuggling. “If the EU wants to protect Europe’s borders it will need to take more effective measures against smugglers,” he said. He called for “firm and clear” action by the EU “to facilitate prevention of people smuggling across borders.”

The aim is to make EU members more competitive

Tuzson said passing European legislation against the sexual harassment and exploitation of children was a priority of the Hungarian presidency. The resulting new rules will increase international cooperation to investigate such cases and to take perpetrators to court, he added.

The Hungarian presidency made “unprecedented progress” on a directive concerning economic competitiveness and bankruptcy procedures, Tuzson said, adding that uniform regulations were necessary “to make European countries increasingly competitive and help them stand the test of time in decades to come”.

The minister was asked about money laundering charges against former EU commissioner Didier Reynders, and he said “such cases undermine trust in the EU” and called on the European Commission to do everything to restore people’s trust in European institutions.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Tuzson said one of the most important achievements of the Hungarian presidency had been a change in direction in the bloc in terms of shifting the focus of EU policies to the improvement of European competitiveness.

Tuzson said the Hungarian presidency had managed to ensure that every EU policy has to be considered from the point of view of whether it helps improve competitiveness.

The Budapest Declaration on a new European Competitiveness Deal establishes a comprehensive principle that competitiveness has to be a key consideration in all areas, the minister said.

Read also:

  • Hungarian embassy in Paris receives threat, says Foreign Minister Szijjártó
  • Hungarian surgeons have performed the first ever pacemaker implantation in African country – read more HERE

Warning to Primark fans: Beware of scams targeting online shoppers in Hungary

Primark has issued a warning to its customers in Hungary to remain vigilant against fraudulent websites falsely claiming to sell the brand’s products online. The fast fashion retailer, which opened its first Hungarian store in Budapest earlier this year, has confirmed that it does not operate an online store in the country.

Fraudulent websites target Hungarian shoppers

According to Forbes.hu, several fake websites, including www.primark-magyarorszag.com, have been reported for scamming customers by offering non-existent online shopping services. Victims have lost tens of thousands of forints to these schemes, with some individuals reporting losses of up to HUF 40,000–50,000 (EUR 98–122).

Fans of the newcomer franchise have voiced their concerns in online groups, sharing stories of being duped by these fraudulent sites. Among the deceptive domains identified in the past are primarkmagyarorszag.com, primarkhungarywebshop.com, and primarkonlinewebshop.com. All of these have been confirmed as scams.

The retail chain has taken action against these fraudulent websites. According to a company statement sent to Forbes.hu:
“We treat such issues with the utmost priority and take all necessary measures to have these fake websites removed as quickly as possible. We urge our customers to exercise caution when encountering suspicious sites and to refrain from sharing personal information with unknown online sources. Our official website, https://www.primark.com/hu-hu, provides information about our latest collections and in-store availability.”

 

Hungarian Primark store
Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org By Kolforn

No online shopping, but expansion continues

Despite the increasing popularity of e-commerce, the franchise remains primarily a brick-and-mortar retailer. Its only online shopping service, Click & Collect, is currently being trialled in select UK stores. Customers in Hungary do not have access to online ordering or delivery services, a fact scammers exploit to deceive shoppers.

Primark opened its first Hungarian store on 28 May 2024, at the Arena Mall in Budapest. The store offers the brand’s full range of products, including clothing for men, women, and children, as well as home decor, beauty products, and accessories.

The fast fashion giant continues its expansion in Europe and beyond. With over 400 stores in 16 countries, Primark plans to grow its network to 530 locations by 2026, further solidifying its position as one of Europe’s most popular retailers.

Stay safe

The Irish retail chain advises customers to rely on its official website for accurate information about its products and services. If you come across any suspicious websites claiming to sell Primark products, report them immediately to prevent further scams.

Read also:

Hungarian President on Transylvania visit – PHOTOS

Franciscan friar Csaba Böjte does “exemplary work” in the children’s homes he founded, President Tamás Sulyok told the Hungarian public media after visiting a facility in Déva, in western Romania, on Saturday.

Sulyok presented a gift of toys to the children, gathered for the occasion from several homes in Böjte’s network. The president said he was moved to see “a close-knit, lively community” at Déva.

Hungarian President on Transylvania visit
Csaba Böjte and Tamás Sulyok. Photo: FB/Tamás Sulyok

“In an atomic world, when society no longer has forces of cohesion … the strength of community, the power to help each other is especially crucial,” he said. “I saw on the children’s faces and in all their expressions how much they listen to each other … this is what adults should learn,” the president added.

Today’s free Romania unimaginable without László Tőkés

Today’s free Romania was conceived in Timisoara (Temesvár), with a remarkable contribution by [ethnic Hungarian pastor] László Tőkés to recovering the freedom of Romania and dismantling the dictatorship, President Tamas Sulyok said at a gala event marking the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Romanian revolution.

Sulyok told the event held at the New Millennium Reformed Centre that experiencing freedom started with the ethnic Hungarians and Romanians of Timisoara joining forces to protect a Hungarian family.

Hungarian President on Transylvania visit
László Tőkés (cr) and Tamás Sulyok (r). Photo: FB/Tamás Sulyok

“Freedom is collective. There is no separate Romanian freedom and separate Hungarian freedom,” he added.

Sulyok said there was no alternative to community, joining forces, and belonging together.

Read also:

  • Schengen enlargement: No border controls between Transylvania and Hungary from 1 January – read more HERE
  • Timisoara 1989: Hungarian National Museum marks 35th anniversary of Romanian revolution

New bulky waste collection system to clean up Budapest’s cityscape

Budapest is set to overhaul its bulky waste collection system, replacing street dumping with controlled collection points across the city. The initiative aims to enhance urban cleanliness, support recycling, and promote sustainable waste management practices.

Revamped bulky waste collection system

As Index reports, Budapest is set to modernise its bulky waste collection system, aligning with European cities adopting environmentally sustainable practices. Mohu Budapest emphasises that the current system, where household waste is left on the streets, causes public disorder, disrupts daily life, and harms the urban aesthetic. The city will introduce a controlled collection point system to address this, offering up to 10 supervised locations in each district. These collection points, typically within 800 to 1,000 metres of residents’ homes, will operate for three days at a time. Door-to-door services will remain available for free on a needs basis, alongside a year-round paid option.

Bulky waste collection
Photo: depositphotos.com

This change is designed to ensure cleaner streets and smoother operations during waste collection, reducing the disruption to residents’ lives. The approach mirrors successful systems in other EU cities and large Hungarian towns like Zalaegerszeg and Nyíregyháza. The initiative supports Hungary’s circular waste economy and sustainable urban management goals by promoting cleaner waste fractions for recycling and proper hazardous waste disposal. Ultimately, the revamped bulky waste collection process will enhance Budapest’s cityscape, making it more appealing for both residents and tourists.

Safer waste disposal

Mohu Budapest stresses that the current bulky waste collection system allows hazardous and miscellaneous waste, including electronics, paint, and clothing, to be irresponsibly dumped on streets, undermining recycling efforts and Hungary’s landfill reduction commitments. The unregulated system also sees unauthorised companies adding to the problem, resulting in waste piles that block pavements, damage greenery, and tarnish Budapest’s urban image, which negatively impacts tourism and public safety. The new system addresses these issues by introducing secure collection points within 800-1,000 metres of residents’ homes, ensuring environmentally responsible waste disposal while supporting sustainability and maintaining a clean, orderly cityscape.

What can you bring to the collection points?

Mohu Budapest asserts that the new bulky waste collection system is both environmentally and economically sustainable, promoting cleaner waste fractions that can be effectively recycled. The controlled collection points will enable residents to dispose of wood, metal, plastic, glass, textiles, electronics, and hazardous materials responsibly, ensuring public spaces remain clean and orderly. While the system involves additional costs for infrastructure, staffing, and security, these measures are essential to eliminate the public disorder and unsightly waste piles associated with the current street-based collection, creating a more sustainable and visually appealing urban environment.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Hungarian surgeons have performed the first ever pacemaker implantation in African country

Hungarian surgeons have performed the first ever pacemaker implantation in Chad, the state secretary for helping persecuted Christians said on Friday.

Hungary carried out two successful medical missions in Chad in the autumn which included fundamental life-saving screening tests, training, as well as the country’s first ever pacemaker implantation, Tristan Azbej told MTI.

The implantation was performed by a team of health-care volunteers from Budapest’s St. Ferenc Hospital as part of the Hungary Helps Agency’s medical mission, Azbej said. This milestone, he said, was the start of a new chapter in Chad’s health-care system, involving local doctors and experts.

Hungarian surgeons have performed the first ever pacemaker implantation in African country
Photo: FB/Tristan Azbej

The support provided through the Hungary Helps humanitarian scheme was indispensible in ensuring that pacemaker implantations could be performed locally, contributing to reducing mortality rates related to heart disease, he said. The programme’s long-term goal is to allow local surgeons to master the skills needed for implanting and programming pacemakers, ensuring that these procedures could be performed in Chad. Azbej added that the mission involved ECG and pacemaker programming training sessions.

Chad’s health ministry wants to ensure that pacemaker implantations can be performed locally so that patients do not have to travel abroad to get the procedure done, the state secretary said. The Hungary Helps Agency’s programme did not just provide life-saving care, but also laid the foundations for the local health-care system’s long-term sufficiency in this area, he added.

Hungarian volunteers spent 140 working days treating refugees, carrying out hospital duties and conducting training programmes in Chad over the last two months, in cooperation with the country’s health ministry, Azbej said.

The Hungary Helps Agency has also donated a significant supply of medicine to the most important hospitals in N’Djamena and outside the capital.

Read also:

The most worthwhile hot industry to join before Christmas: Investing in ION cloud mining now can get explosive income

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Top Hungary news: 3rd-country guest workers will earn less, Buda Castle revamp, Dua Lipa – 14 December, 2024

We’ve rounded up today’s best Hungary news; check them out below!

Featured Hungary news

    • Tax benefits change, 3rd-country guest workers will earn less in 2025 in Hungary! – details HERE
    • From border seizures to supermarket shelves: Dubai chocolate fever in Hungary
    • Here’s Hungary’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA: can we do it?
    • The ‘Butcher of Csantavér’ revealed who stabbed a Hungarian mother 70 times in Amsterdam
    • Hungarian embassy in Paris receives threat, says Foreign Minister Szijjártó

 

Travel in Hungary

  • Will the cars of motorists driving far above speed limit be seized in Budapest? – read more HERE
  • Balaton light ferry and decorated Budapest cogwheel railway makes Advent brighter – PHOTO GALLERIES and details HERE
  • New motorway stretch, twin tube tunnel inaugurated in Hungary – PHOTOS and more in THIS article
New motorway stretch, twin tube tunnel inaugurated in Hungary news
Photo: MTI

Society and culture

  • Dua Lipa is in Budapest and she’s spending Christmas here – check out the photos and the details in THIS article
  • The buttress of the Western Gardens of the Buda Castle is shining in its original beauty – check out the details and some photos HERE
  • Culinary triumph: Michelin Guide acknowledges an unprecedented number of Hungarian restaurants – check out the details in THIS article

Featured image: depositphotos.com

PHOTOS: Dua Lipa is in Budapest and she’s spending Christmas here!

Christmas gift arrived early for Dua Lipa fans: the British-Albanian singer who already bagged three Grammies and won the love of tens of millions of people arrived in Budapest to stay until January. Here’s how you can meet her.

Dua Lipa is in Budapest

“Our Christmas gift arrived early: you asked, and we made it happen! Until the end of January, you can meet Dua Lipa’s figure in the attraction. One of your favourite singers flew straight from Amsterdam to us so you can party to her greatest hits together”, Madame Tussauds Budapest wrote in a Facebook post.

One of the most popular contemporary singer’s wax “alter ego” will remain in the Hungarian capital for a couple of weeks.

The superstar herself participated actively in the creation of her lifelike wax doppelganger since the artists needed her to remain still for hours to record her biological data. In Budapest, she’s wearing an extravagant satin dress that she wore in 2018, Turizmus Online wrote.

Dua Lipa is in Budapest and she spends Christmas here
Dua Lipa in the Madame Tussauds Budapest. Photo: FB/Madame Tussauds Budapest

“If I wasn’t a singer, I’d probably be a fairy tale princess,” Dua Lipa once said. She is still below 30, but her career resembles a fairy tale already. Born to a family of Albanian origins in London, Dua Lipa moved back to London alone when she was only 15 to make her dreams come true. Now, she has three Grammies, the unquestionable love of tens of millions of people and four Madame Tussauds figures. Dua Lipa is currently one of the most valuable brands.

The singer’s wax figure came from Amsterdam and will stay at the Dorottya Street in Budapest until the end of January. Interestingly, she inaugurated her wax figure in Amsterdam in 2019. Here are some photos:

Some of the tattoos are also visible

Dua Lipa is a fan of discrete tattoos. She currently has 18 and some can be seen even on her wax figure in Budapest. For example, the inscription “Patience” on her left hand that reminds her to remain calm and patient. Other tattoos designed by the world-famous graffiti artist Keith Haring are also visible on the figure’s fingers.

Dua Lipa’s tattoos remind the singer of her past and the road that led her to where she is. Among others, her tattoos feature her family and even the annual Sunny Hill festival, which she organises with her father in Kosovo. The name is derived from a district in Pristina.

Dua Lipa is in Budapest and she spends Christmas here
Photo: FB/Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

The figure wears a satin dress designed by Alessandra Rich. Millions of fans were able to see the loose, bold outfit at the 2018 Billboard Awards.

Dua Lipa performed twice at the Sziget Festival in Budapest. Furthermore, this summer, she visited Hungary in complete secrecy to record a video for her song “Falling Forever”. Unfortunately, her 2025 World Tour will not include Budapest, but her wax figure will stay in Budapest for more than a month.

Read also:

  • Madame Tussauds Budapest is very Hungarian – Photo gallery and details HERE
  • Madame Tussauds Budapest awaits visitors with special Halloween programmes – read more and check out some more photos HERE

Balaton light ferry and decorated Budapest cogwheel railway makes Advent brighter – PHOTO GALLERIES

The Balatoni Hajózási Ltd. reported that passengers can cross Lake Balaton by the famous and astonishing light ferry daily. Furthermore, in Budapest, a decorated cogwheel railway serves passengers during Advent to make everyone’s Christmas happier and brighter.

New ferries, Balaton light ferry in operation during the Advent and Christmas period

According to turizmus.com, the company wrote on their official Facebook page that Lake Balaton’s light ferry carries passengers daily. In the morning, you may travel with the beautifully decorated light ferry between 7 AM and 8.15 AM. In the afternoon, you may take the ferry for a ride between 4 PM and 5.15 PM.

We wrote HERE that the state-owned Balaton Shipping Company (Bahart) received brand-new ferries and catamarans in 2023 built at the Komárom shipyard. The EUR 5 billion investment was made possible by the state’s capital increase of more than EUR 6 billion in Bahart in 2019.

First and foremost, the boats improved the transportation options for people living around Lake Balaton. Additionally, tourists can now have a better experience, and the crossing between the shores of the lake is also faster. Moreover, the vessels can transport more bicycles than the previous boats. The development could also reduce car traffic around Lake Balaton. Finally, one of the boats could be decorated for the Advent season to provide a unique experience for all passengers on board.

Decorated cogwheel railway in service

According to the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), the Budapest cogwheel railway’s interior and exterior have been dressed in decorative lighting. The LED lighting contains 11,412 LED bulbs and is 500 metres long. The cabin is decorated with light nets and neatly placed artificial pine.

Check out the operating days and routes of the illuminated tram fleet of the BKK below:

Operating days and routies of the illuminated tram fleet
Photo: BKK

Read also:

  • Advent light trains, buses, and HÉV trains carry passengers from today! – PHOTOS and details HERE
  • Advent light tram sets off in Miskolc with stunning illuminations – Look inside and out here

Hungarian embassy in Paris receives threat, says Foreign Minister Szijjártó

Staff at Hungary’s embassy in Paris have received a life threat in an email, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó said on Facebook on Saturday, adding that French police were searching the premises at the time of his post.

The sender of the email had attached the image of a home-made bomb, but such a device has not yet been discovered, Szijjártó said.

Szijjártó said the email “is believed to have arrived from a neighbouring country,” adding that the Hungarian secret services were also investigating the case.

Read also:

  • Hungarian opposition politician teams up with French national TV to film the Orbán mansion – VIDEO and more HERE