tradition

Making good pálinka is not as hard as you think

Most Hungarians think about homemade “pálinka” in the same way to a certain extent. During a family meal or the visit of the relatives, a big plastic bottle of 1.5 litres, filled with pálinka is always there somehow.

A typical scene of the event is when the one who brought it shares it proudly with twinkling eyes and everyone, sitting nearby tries to evade it somehow – usually with no success. In the end, after tasting it they decide that they would never drink it again – in the meantime, certain men decide to prove their manhood by going for another round without being knocked out by the strong beverage.

pálinka, Hungary, drink — Photo: www.facebook.com/pálinka.hu

According to divany.hu, Mónika Czakó and her husband, Gábor Czakó have been managing Bestillo Pálinakház (pálinka house), for a decade now. The started to learn cooking “pálinka” from the basic, and they have also been doing their own experiments in the meantime since then.

Móni says that choosing the right ingredients is the most crucial phase of the process – having the right quality of the fruit vital. They only work with those that they would also put on the family table. According to Gábor,

the quality of the pálinka depends on the quality of the ingredients in 80%.

They worked with controlled fermentation which means that they keep an optimal temperature in the surrounding environment for the mash, while the sugar content of the fruit transforms into alcohol. The process is controlled with certain kinds of yeast. According to Gábor, the selection of the yeast is based on its capability to make the most out of the unique character of the particular fruit that they work with.

After that, distillation follows, and it has three phases: pre-distillation, mid-distillation and post-distillation. The most valuable distillation is the product of the mid-phase and this is why the rest is separated.

Mónika suggests that those who choose this profession or want to make pálinka at home, always work with well-selected fruit. The mash should be cooled down and kept between 14-16°C during the fermentation process. They should also keep in mind that the process generates heat, so the temperature of the mash is 4-5°C higher than its environment’s.

“In rustic villages that plum and pear are collected for a while, stored on the same barrel and only cooked after one and a half months”

– says Móni, introducing a horrible practice.

“The fermentation of the mash takes only 4-6 days – after that, you can wait for two days, but then you have to start cooking it otherwise oxidation starts and which results in deterioration”

– adds the expert.

She does not recommend to add sugar either because it dilutes the aromas and even if we get more pálinka, the quality of it gets worse. Neither should we set the alcohol grade with the post distillation. We should use clean water for dilution instead.

You can read about some delicious recipes with pálinka here. You can also learn about the history of Hungarian pálinka here.

October 15, 2019

5+1 traditional Hungarian soups with recipes – VIDEOS

Goulash soup, Hungarian, traditional, food

Hungarian soups are among the best ones in the world. The majority of tourists who visit the country have probably heard about fisherman soup, chicken soup or at least goulash soup etc. These soups are not hard to make at all; you can try them yourselves at home – let us help you with some recipes and tutorial videos.

Previously we have already published an interesting article about 5 typical Hungarian main courses. As you have probably heard about it, the traditional Hungarian family lunch always starts with a soup – it is a great and healthy choice for a starter. After that, the main course follows, and the meal ends with a dessert.

Take a look at six easy and typical Hungarian soup recipes – if you are in the mood, you can try them with the help of the tutorial videos below. Be aware of the ingredients and the quantity that may be different in the recipe and the video. Are you ready? Let’s cook!

Goulash soup (“gulyásleves”) is maybe the most famous Hungarian soup full of beef, vegetables and a wonderful harmony of tastes. Find the video below and the recipe here.

Another beef-based Hungarian speciality is “palócleves” with green beans and a great variety of other vegetables. Find the recipe here watch the video below and let’s cook!

“Halászlé” (fisherman soup) is a traditional fish-based soup. It works with many kinds of different fish, and it is traditionally cooked, e.g. at Christmas Eve, when you go fishing or when you are simply in the mood to eat it. Find the recipe here, watch the video and do not hesitate to try it!

Do you like cauliflower? Have you tasted it cooked in a soup before? The Hungarian kitchen has an excellent offer for you then – click here to find the recipe and watch the video below about the steps of making it!

Chicken soup (“Húsleves”) seems to be an ordinary starter. Let’s find out how it is done the Hungarian way. Find the recipe here and the video below.

Do you find the other soups too heavy or salty? The last, “+1 soup”, is especially for you then, because it is a light, sweet, cold and very healthy one. The Hungarian kitchen has several different fruit soups, and “meggyleves” (cherry soup) is a very typical one.

You can read about where to eat the best Hungarian food in the USA here.

October 7, 2019

New World Record – Hungarian folk dancers are faster than Michael Flatley – VIDEO

The Hungarian folk dance band ‘Fricska’ has become a world record holder. The four boys are not only faster than the Irish “Lord of the Dance” Michael Flatley, but have smashed their five-year-old record and even created a new dance style.

The half-year-long process of practising has been rewarded – Fricska has become the fastest folk dance ensemble, individually and in a team as well.

Actually, they set their own new record, by which the Hungarian folk band has triumphed over the Irish king of tap dance, Michael Flatley.

The Irish dancer tapped 35 times within one second; however, Bálint Gergely Papp, Bence Máté Papp, Márk Popovics, and Dániel Szabó managed to do this 39, 42, 45, and 44 times, by which they have set an absolute speed record in Hungarian folk dance. Besides knocking their iron shoe heels, they stroke their chests and thighs during the movement; the speed is almost impossible to follow, and the steps could be counted by the jury only in slow motion.

“We are very proud of ourselves for managing to do this. All our hard work has paid off. Through this, we would like to draw the world’s attention to the uniquely rich cultural treasures of folk dance in Hungary and the Carpathian Basin.”

“With this extraordinary performance, we would like to pay tribute to the dance heritage of our ancestors,” reported the band’s manager, Gergely, to Hungarian news portal Borsonline. As he says, “We want to show younger generations that folk dance can also be cool.”

“There was immense pressure on us, we could feel the tension. In the last moments, I was thinking of my two sons and my wife; I wanted to tell them – Dad did it, he became the fastest!” said Mark, who bears the title of the fastest folk dancer with 45 strokes and tapping within one second; but of course, he is immensely proud of his team’s performance as well.

Fricska has also gained international acknowledgement – at a talent show in Bratislava, the jury awarded the folk band a golden button, with which the boys directly got to the finals. Moreover, the Hungarian folk dance ensemble created a new style as well, which is a combination of aerial acrobatics and folk dance.

“We would like to do our team record upside down, hanging from a so-called ‘hammock.’ No one has done this before. Here, our dancing skills are not enough, we have to learn difficult aerial acrobatic movements to complete the performance safely. We love challenges,” said Gergely with a smile.

SHOCKING RECORDS

Michael Flatley – The world-famous Irish dancer tapped 35 times per second.
Shemika Charles – The 22-year-old “limbo queen” went through under a car leaning back, which had the height of a beer bottle.
Jeanne Carlin Cilliers – In March 2005, the prima ballerina swung her alternating legs 1199 times in the air.
Alicia Clifton – In December 2010, the professional dancer made 50 rotations – lifting her legs to the side – within 30 seconds.
Steve Stevens – In 2011, the adventurous man was dancing for 123 hours and 15 minutes, having only a five-minute-long break every hour.

October 3, 2019

Interesting facts about Hungary

Hungary is located in central Europe, and the capital is Budapest. It shares a border with Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Slovenia. One of the critical factors in the reputation of Hungary is its hospitality to visitors. Also, you can discover an ideal mix of history and modern times in Hungary. Hungarians proudly cling to their ancient Magyar tradition while at the same time, keeping themselves updated with the latest trends around the world.

The city can sometimes be a mix of culture and exceptional beauty, making it the perfect place to visit. Hungary occupies a strategic position between the mainland routes between Western Europe and the Balkan Peninsula. Hungary is also an oasis for writers, musicians, and artists who had been heavily influenced by this graceful city. Below you will find interesting facts about Hungarians from their language to some of them wearing colored contacts to alter their eye color:

Population and languages

The Hungarian community is about 10 million people, and the official language is Hungarian. It is mentioned that the Hungarian language is most difficult to learn, which could be the case, particularly in Europe, as no other style is similar to this language. The main reason why Hungary language is different is that it comes from the steppe of Central Asia and the ancestors who founded Hungary as a country.

The eye colors of people in Hungary

Genetically and optically, one cannot clearly differentiate the eye colors of people in Hungary because Hungary has a mixed population, and with the eye colors of no significant difference. Even by photography, it is hard to get a general consensus as some wear colored contact lenses. The average eye color of the Hungarian may be challenging to determine because Hungary is a very ethnically diverse nation. Hungary is located in Central Europe and the last millennium has experienced a fair share of migration and the blending of different countries and ethnic groups.

Almost all European phenotypes are found in Hungary. The average Hungarian eye color can vary between blue and brown color which is visible. Some Hungarians wear colored contact lenses to change their eye color.

Local customs

Like every other country, Hungary has its traditions. For example, it is customary to make toast and return it. It is customary to provide gifts to the host of a meal. Also, note that smoking is also restricted and banned in most public areas. However, travelers can smoke on long-distance trains. Casual clothing is acceptable in most places and formal for promotions. Tips between 10 and 15% are common for all services, including restaurants, bars, nightclubs, taxis, etc.

It is rude to toast with your beer glasses

History explains in detail that during the defeat of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 against the Habsburgs, about 13 Hungarian generals were executed, and the Austrians who defeated them toast their beer glasses after each execution. After the war, the Hungarians vowed not to toast with beer glasses. It is more than 150 years since the incidence, but it is still a custom.

The first foreign fast-food restaurant was McDonald’s

Just before the collapse of communism in 1989, Mcdonald’s established itself as the first foreign fast-food restaurant in the country. However, it was not the country’s first fast-food restaurant. This is because there was also a local fast food chain called City Grill and another called Paprika.

Hungary is among one of the oldest countries in Europe

Hungary was founded in 1000, which means that it is older than countries like France and Germany.

There are cowboys known as “csikós” in Hungary

The Hungarians traveled on horseback to Europe and even today cowboys can be seen in the plains of Puszta.

You cannot name your child if it has not been approved by the government

You can name your child with a list of pre-approved names by the government, but note that if you want to give a name to your child with a name that is not in the list provided by the government, you must submit a request and wait till it is approved.

The Hungarian alphabet contains 44 letters

This is one of the exciting facts about Hungary. It includes 44 alphabetical letters; this is why the Hungarian language is known to be truly unique and different from other European languages.

There are lots of Hungarian inventions

The Rubik’s Cube is a Hungarian invention. Also, there other remarkable designs by Hungarians such as the holography, the thermography camera, and digital data processing. Besides that, the first-ever helicopter to fly was also designed by a Hungarian.

The Hungarian inventor behind the world-famous Illy coffee

In Hungary, your last name comes first

When somebody writes or introduces his name in Hungary, the last name comes first.

Hungarians love spas

The famous baths of Budapest in Gellért and Széchenyi are hot springs in Hungary. The country has about 1,500 spas, including 450 public ones. Lake Hévíz in western Hungary is the second largest thermal lake in the world and is located near Lake Balaton (not a thermal lake, but the largest lake in Central Europe).

Traveling to Hungary

By Air – International airlines operating from Hungary are Aeroflot, Air France, British Airways, Easy Jet, KLM, Lufthansa, Sky Europe, Swiss, United Airlines and Wizz Air. Budapest Ferihegy International Airport in Hungary is the largest airport in the world about ten kilometers southeast of Budapest.

By the river – MAHART offers a daily hydrofoil service between Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest from April to October.

By train – The country is part of the train network connecting European metropolitan areas. Hungary is compared to 16 European cities, and there are 47 international trains daily to Budapest via a direct train connection.

Prohibited items in Hungary

Preserves, meat or milk products, narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic drinks with an alcoholic content of more than 60%.

Hungary is known as the home of the world’s first official vineyard

The first officially documented winery is located in Hungary, the Tokaj wine region. Wine production dates back to the 5th century, so it is not surprising that this region has received the world’s first wine title. Since 1737 it has been on the World Heritage.

October 2, 2019

Orbán greets Jewish communities on Jewish New Year

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán greeted the leaders of Hungary’s Jewish communities on the Jewish New Year on Sunday, the prime minister’s press chief, Bertalan Havasi, told MTI.

In a letter sent to Eduard Deblinger, president of the Autonomous Hungarian Orthodox Jewish Community, András Heisler, head of the federation of Hungarian Jewish communities (Mazsihisz), Slomo Köves, chief rabbi of the Unified Hungarian Jewish Congregation (EMIH), and György Szabó, head of the Hungarian Jewish Heritage Foundation,

Orbán wished the Hungarian Jewish communities “peace, prosperity and blessings in the new year.”

Orbán said he was “happy to see the largest Jewish community in central Europe living … in peace and security and even organising cultural and sporting events that draw their brethren from other parts of the world.”

September 30, 2019

PREMIER of Legenda, the Hungarian folklore music revisited

The Hungarian band Bordó Sárkány (Bordeaux Dragon) has presented its new video clip Legenda (Legend) from their 4^th upcoming album inspired by the story of the well-known piper of the steppe called Márton Tulok Balogh who lived in the 19^th century.

According to szeretlekmagyarorszag.hu, sailing on their folk vessel on the international sea of modern themes since 2010, the Bordeaux Dragon navigates us towards their authentic musical world which nourishes not only from the Hungarian folk traditions but also fuses Sephardi Jewish, Celtic and Catalan motives, thus creating exceptional flows of melodies.

Their uniqueness lies in the exclusive application of acoustic musical instruments; this song is special as well because its central theme originates from the Hungarian folkloric tradition, but the band twists its performance by playing it without its typical musical instruments.

We can hear the deep-toned mandocello, the cobza (or koboz), the tones of the violin, enjoy the sound of medieval bagpipes, and move to the rhythms of the tapan (a large double-headed drum played with mallets), all this old historical music essence spiced up with 21st-century modern vibes. A new refreshing aural cocktail to taste.

The story of Márton Tulok Balogh is based on the folk song preserved by the folk singer Tamás Kobzos Kiss and his father, Tamás Kiss, which has been adopted by the band. The clip depicts the extraordinary talent of the piper who could make everyone dance all night/day long with his pipe music. “The DJ of the 19th century,” we could say.

The music video

This music video, shot at Hortobágy National Park (East Hungary), has been the biggest project in the band’s history. Zsuzsanna Madák from Csokonai Theatre of Debrecen who directed the clip, and Roland Dickmann, the one who imagined the clip, aimed to present the typical motives of the Hortobágy with its pure natural beauty using modern cinematographic technology to create harmony between music and visuality. Indeed, a beautiful scenery pleases our eyes while watching the video, depicting the country’s incredible flora and fauna. Besides, it features the horsemen of Szabó Horsecourt of Fehérgyarmat and the Hajdu Folk Dance Ensemble of Debrecen, amongst others.

The band has played in 13 different countries in the past years, and they are regular performers at thematic and world music festivals. Their next concert is October 4th in Fogasház, Budapest, and they also participate in the theatre show Carmina Burana in Erkel Theatre during the autumn season.

They are one of the righteous representants of Hungarian music and culture. Wherever they are, they energise everyone and create a vibrant atmosphere which lifts the concert experience to a whole new level that you will surely never forget.

For more information about the band, click here: Bordó Sárkány

By Kata Barkó

September 28, 2019

Will Smith loves Hungarian folk music!

The American superstar was dancing to traditional Hungarian folk songs on the rooftop of a fancy downtown hotel in Budapest. This is a sight you do not see every day.

As Daily News Hungary reported earlier, Smith’s latest blockbusters, Gemini Man, hits theatres on 10 October in Hungary. For this reason, the superstar, accompanied by film director Ang Lee and producers Jerry Bruckheimer and David Ellison, came back to Budapest this September.

During his stay in the Hungarian capital, Smith not only gave interviews and attended press releases, but he was also admiring Hungarian bridges and celebrated his birthday with an incredible concert in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica.

https://dailynewshungary.com/news_to_go/this-is-how-will-smith-celebrated-his-birthday-in-budapest-photos-videos/

Now, Index reports that the superstar was enjoying some Hungarian folk music on the rooftop of a downtown hotel. Will Smith was giving an interview to a German broadcaster on the rooftop of Marriot Hotel Budapest. The cable company thought it would be a great idea for the musicians who were performing at the hotel (György Derzsi and his band) to sing “Happy Birthday” to the superstar. The band was, of course, more than happy to do so.

Then, they went on to perform traditional Hungarian folk songs. Luckily, the performance was recorded and later shared by Roma Hungaricum Zenekar. You can watch it below.

Will Smith seemed to appreciate the gesture and started to dance to the music accompanied by the German anchorman. György Derzsi told Index that Smith was very friendly and casual. He even asked them to perform the song one more time, and he made a selfie video with them.

September 28, 2019

WOW! Photos about how Hungarians got married in the previous century

Weddings were mostly organised in autumn, and until the 1900s the wedding dress was totally different from what we know today.

It is one of the symbols of reaching adulthood in the Hungarian tradition. Thus, they usually lasted for three days, and each had its own schedule like the photos selected by the Femina.hu show.

It was not a must for the brides to wear a white wedding dress at the beginning of the 20th century. Instead, they said “Yes” in their most beautiful dress. The photo was taken in 1906.

In 1910, some swore fidelity in white. The dress told a lot about the social status of the couple; rich people married in expensive, unique designer dresses.

Weddings were one of the biggest events in a family’s life. Therefore, everybody was doing their best to wear fashionable clothes. Tableus were already very popular in the 1910s among wealthy families.

Meat soup and stuffed cabbage were part of the menu even those days. The party was organised in the home of the family, but in the country, the whole village helped in the preparations and the cooking.

Horse-carriages were used those days to bring the newly-weds to the venue of the celebration from the church. This photo was taken in 1928.

In the small, churches, guests and relatives surrounded the couple according to their family and social status. The photo was taken in 1936.

The bride and the groom listen the priest while kneeling. Brides were wearing long veil those days which was held by two children on both ends. The photo was taken in 1940.

In the countryside, the newly-weds were accompanied by the whole village and most of the people wore folk costumes. The photo was taken in 1940.

The bride often wore myrtle wreath, and the flower was put in her bouquet, too, and symbolised virginity. Taking down the wreath meant becoming a wife. The photo was taken in 1954.

In the 1960s, wealthier couples rented a car or decorated their own for the Day of the Wedding. This photo was taken in 1963.

Want more? HERE is an article about the things you should know if you want to marry a Hungarian and you can see photos of a traditional Hungarian wedding HERE.

September 23, 2019

National Bank of Hungary launches new collector coins series with Vizsla

The National Bank of Hungary launched a non-ferrous metal collector coin of HUF 2,000 named Hungarian Vizsla on 7 September 2019, the National Hunter’s Day. With the collector coin, the Bank seeks to launch a new series presenting the Hungarian shepherd and hunting dogs.

The generic term ‘Hungarian shepherd and hunting dogs’ refers to nine dog breeds, and it was added to the Collection of Hungarikums in 2017. Of these, one of the most well-well-known Hungarian hunting dog breed is the Hungarian Vizsla all over the world. Its conscious breeding was started in Trenčín in 1712. The breed standard was first described in 1930, which was approved by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World Canine Organization) in 1935 and consequently the Hungarian vizsla was added to the official list of internationally acknowledged national breeds.

The Hungarian vizsla is an ancient breed with high stability.

The breeding of the shorthaired vizsla was started in the 1930s. The first shorthaired yellow Hungarian vizsla was presented and judged in 1943. The breed became internationally recognised in 1966. It is characterised by elegant external features, a graceful build and smooth movement. Being gentle-mannered, and highly intelligent, it even stands out among other vizslas. It is versatile, not just a hunting dog, and certain to become a family pet the children’s playmate. However it is not fit for protecting property.

The ‘Magyar vizsla’ (Hungarian Vizsla) collector coins are legal tender in Hungary, but they do not serve circulatory purposes. Their primary role is providing education and presenting the versatility and outstanding characteristics of Hungarian shepherd and hunting dogs.

The centre motif on the obverse is the two-thirds profile of the shorthaired Hungarian vizsla’s head, which authentically reflect its obedient nature and the fact that it focuses on humans and has good problem-solving skills.

These features made this breed popular all over the world. The compulsory design elements of collector coins are also placed here: In the upper legend the lettering ‘MAGYARORSZÁG’ (Hungary), to the right, in a legend the denomination ‘2000 FORINT’ is shown, on the left, the mint year 2019 and the mint mark ‘BP.’ are placed broken into two lines below one another.

On the reverse, a hunting scene comes alive.

As a hunting dog, the vizsla is a breed capable of performing all kinds of tasks, but primarily it excels in catching small game in the field or in shallow waters. On the reverse, in the foreground a shorthaired Hungarian vizsla is shown, treading in water in a typical pose sensing game, while in the background the representation of a wirehaired Hungarian vizsla exiting the reed is featured. In the upper legend the breed name ‘MAGYAR VIZSLA’ (Hungarian vizsla) can be read. The collector coin was designed by Mihály Munkácsy prize-winner sculptor, Gábor Benő Pogány. His master mark is hidden in the representation of the water.

The non-ferrous metal collector coin is minted from an alloy of copper (75%), nickel (4%) and zinc (21%). It weighs 16 grams and it is 34 mm in diameter and has a reeded edge. The collector coins are issued in limited edition: a total of 10,000 coins will be minted in reverse proof.

To promote the collector coins’ value transferring and educational role as widely as possible the ‘Magyar vizsla’ (Hungarian vizsla) commemorative coin can be purchased for one year from the date of issuance, at their face value until stocks last, at the coin shop of Hungarian Mint Ltd., the producer and the distributor of the coins, in the webshop on the company’s website (https://www.penzvero.hu) from 7 September 2019, and at the company’s coin shop (Budapest, distr. V, 7 Báthory street) from the first business day following the issuance.

September 8, 2019

What a show! – Hungarian folk dance on the beach – VIDEO

The performance of the Hungarian “Szabolcs” Folk Dance Ensemble has become a huge hit due to their unique performance.

The boys made a video, in which they are dancing Hungarian folk dance on the beach of the Italian Jesolo, and posted it on Facebook.

As szeretlekmagyarorszag.hu describes, the one-minute-long show has become so successful that more than 500,000 people have clicked to view it, and it has been shared 6,000 times so far. The dance team got many congratulatory and supporting messages for the fantastic show.

“Szabolcs” Folk Dance Ensemble

The dance team is the oldest folk dance ensemble of Nyíregyháza, which is the 7th most populated city in Hungary. It was founded in 1957 by György Dalanics, with the purpose of introducing folk tradition and culture to a wider audience, including younger generations as well.

Members of the ensemble also represent several generations “from a very early age (children from nurseries) up to seniors (even retired people)”. The most important goal is to make Hungarian folk music and dance enjoyable for all participants.

According to szabolcsneptanc.hu, the dancers can be seen on numerous occasions, including cultural events, dancing workshops, etc. Their special feature is that folk dancing movements are combined with modern choreographies, as a result of which the composition of old tradition and stylish progression can be enjoyed. This can be considered as the ‘secret’ of the ensemble: raising people’s interest in folk dancing, folk singing, and respecting folk traditions.

Besides these factors, the aim of the “Szabolcs” Dance Ensemble is to preserve all the dances “collected and taught in its 57 years of existence,” and to make domestic dancing culture varied by continuously renewing choreographies.

As far as the video is concerned, transmitting significant folk values to younger generations is also an important goal of the ensemble, through which the folk culture of Hungary can be introduced in a special but extremely enjoyable way. 🙂

Featured image: www.facebook.com/SzabolcsNeptancegyuttes/

Video: www.facebook.com/SzabolcsNeptancegyuttes/

August 31, 2019

Success: a Hungarian carpenter won the gold medal on the 45th WorldSkills Competition

Krisztián Simon, a furniture carpenter, won the gold medal in Kazan (Russia), on the 45th WorldSkills Competition. Members of the Hungarian team won 11 Medallions of Excellence for their outstanding performance in their professions between August 22nd and 27th.

In the national contest, Hungary finished in the first third of the top countries, at the 20th place – this is the best result of the country so far in this competition.

At the closing event, Vladimir Putin welcomed the participants. He appreciated the work of the WorldSkills Movement, which has an incentivising effect on the professional training in Russia, and he also added that next time,

the Euroskills Competition will be taking place in St. Petersburg.

László Parragh, president of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, states that the Hungarian participants proved their workmanship again. The results show that young Hungarian specialists’ performance is good in many economic sectors – they are as successful in traditional professions as in IT or web technology – said the president of HCCI.

Megnyitó WorldSkills — Opening ceremony of the 45th WorldSkills Competition in Kazan, 2019
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/pg/WorldSkillsKazan2019/photos

After being selected, the Hungarian competitors prepared for six months. During this time, they focused inclusively on their profession, rather than psychological factors. The knowledge of the profession was visible in the results, and Hungarian participants had to stand the ground with very competitive opponents, said Gáborné Pölöskei, the deputy state secretary of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology.

You can see the list of Hungarian competitors, who were awarded the Medallions of Excellence, below:

Nikolett Orosz – nursing care
Martin Fekete – carpentry and building
Olivér Simon – painter
Nikolett Nagy – hairdresser
Bálint Mészáros – IT operator
Ádám Homokay – garden design
Gergő Stummer – garden design
Krisztián Balogh – stone-cutter
Laura Cságoly – cosmetician
István Krehely – electrician
Balázs Máté Török – plumbing, heating, gas fitting
Ákos Balogh – web technology

Between 23rd-26th August, 1354 young participants competed in 56 different professions, gathered at Kazan Expo, from 63 countries and regions. Hungary sent 24 competitors in 22 professions. 3500 volunteers contributed to the organisation, and 250,000 people visited the event, mainly from Russia.

August 30, 2019

Official praises government schemes supporting ethnic Hungarians

The government’s Kőrösi Csoma Sándor and Petőfi Sándor programmes are exemplary and unique in global comparison, the state secretary for ethnic Hungarian communities abroad said on Wednesday.

The Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Programme helping diaspora Hungarians and the Petőfi Sándor programme supporting ethnic Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin are flagship projects of Hungary’s policy for Hungarian communities abroad, Árpád János Potápi said at the opening event of a week-long preparatory course for scholarship-holders.

The Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Programme was launched in 2013 with 47 scholarship-holders and expanded with the Petőfi Sándor programme two years later, he said.

Currently 225 people receive scholarships under the arrangements of the two schemes, he added.

Both schemes are aimed at helping ethnic communities retain their national identity and strengthen cohesion through Hungarian language teaching and cultural activities. Over the past few years, a total of around 1,000 young people were granted six-to-nine-month scholarships to help Hungarian communities all over the world.

August 22, 2019

August 20 – Arts and Crafts Fair in Buda Castle attracts 65,000

Some 65,000 people participated in programmes of this year’s Arts and Crafts Fair traditionally held in Budapest’s Castle District around the August 20 national holiday, organisers told MTI on Wednesday.

Japan was guest of honour at the 33rd fair, represented by 20 craftsmen presenting kimonos, lacquerware or stone seals, as well as offering such programmes as tea ceremonies or samurai fights.

Shoemaking was this year’s central theme with special focus on southern Hungary’s famous “Szeged slippers” but also presenting traditional footwear from other countries including Turkey and Spain.

Some 800 craftsmen from the Carpathian Basin set up model workshops at the fair showing their skills to visitors.

The programmes were accompanied by folk music with lots of opportunities to sing along and dance.

August 21, 2019

Fiftieth Debrecen flower festival gets under way

The traditional flower festival in the eastern Hungarian city of Debrecen got under way on Tuesday with a carnival march including 18 floats with flower compositions and ten domestic and 17 foreign art groups, organisers told MTI.

The flower compositions included representations of the Hungarian crown, Debrecen’s coat of arms and the Legend of Saint King Ladislaus.

Debrecen’s twin cities, German Paderborn, Japanese Toyama and Romania’s Oradea (Nagyvarad) also set up floats.

Art groups from Belgium, Colombia, Croatia, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey and Ukraine participated alongside ten Hungarian groups, organisers said.

The day will close with concerts and fireworks, they said.

August 21, 2019

August 20 – Hungary celebrates with amazing fireworks! – PHOTOS

“After thirty years, we are rightly proud of our achievements in 1989”, President János Áder said in his address at Hungary’s August 20 national holiday, at the oath taking ceremony of some 140 military officers.

Since 1989, many dreams such as democracy, a multi-party system, freedom of speech and accession to NATO and the European Union, have come true, while others are yet to be fulfilled, Áder said.

With the fall of communism in 1989, the hope returned that Hungary would become a country where “we shape our own laws and expel foreign, barbaric ideas”, he said.

Of the officers taking the oath today, many were born after the regime change, Áder said, and so they are “younger than the regained Hungarian freedom”.

Referring to Hungary’s founder King Stephen I, to whom the August 20 holiday is dedicated, Áder said that the Hungarian coat of arms features a crown “reminding us that our history started with a brave king”.

The officers today vow to protect their homeland even, if necessary, by laying down their lives for it, Áder said.

In 1989 and the thirty years since, the aim was to create the environment for a “better era” when, instead of sacrificing their lives, people have to live and work for freedom, Ader said.

“We are grateful to our first king, his successors and all Hungarians who created freedom and security in this land,” Áder said.

Defence Minister Tibor Benkő said in his address that Hungary needed well-trained soldiers and well-equipped, modern technology to face the challenges of the 21st century. The Hungarian government has launched a development programme for the armed forces to make sure the army is up to date, he said.

The minister called on the officers to be proud of serving their country and to stand as examples of faithfulness, love and comradery. They should be examples for their underlings too, he said.

August 20, 2019

The greatest cultural festival of Transylvania – Hungarian Cultural Days of Kolozsvár (Cluj-Napoca)

The Hungarian Cultural Days of Kolozsvár (Cluj-Napoca) just started at the weekend (17th August), and it is ending on 25th August. The most visited cultural festival of Transylvania is celebrating its 10th jubilee this year. Visitors can choose from more than 600 programmes in more than 100 different locations.

The backbone of the festival consists of concerts, exhibitions, wine tastings, theatre plays, sporting events, literary programmes – you can see them all by clicking here.

Last year, approximately 250,000 people visited the festival, and this year, even more are expected to come.

So, during the jubilee festival, the local bus schedule is also going to be changed (between 22nd and 25th August). More buses, trolleybuses, and trams are needed for transportation, so, their schedule is going to be extended.

Knock-Out concert
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/pg/magyarnapok/photos

The traditional party site of Bánffy Palace opened on 18th August, and the big stage at the main square of the city opens on Monday. The second-most visited place of the festival, Farkas Street, is opening on Wednesday, according to Lilla Szabó (programme manager).

Farkas utca — Folk dance on Farkas street
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/pg/magyarnapok/photos

Planetarium Court is unfortunately closed this year, but – as alternatives – the new Insomnia, L’ Autre Café, Café Bulgakov, and the Heltai Folk Pub are the proper places to visit after an eventful day or a party (e.g. at Főtér).

Bohemian Betyars — Bohemian betyars concert
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/pg/magyarnapok/photos

Balázs Gergely, the main organiser, thanked all the people supporting the event for covering the extremely heavy expenses of the festival (entrepreneurs of Kolozsvár, the local government, the Hungarian government, etc.) and promised an even more charming festival for the jubilee to the visitors.

August 19, 2019

Next week: Savaria Historic Carnival in West Hungary

Szombathely will host its Savaria Historical Festival evoking the historical past ancient traditions of the city founded in the Roma times between August 22 and 25, the organisers have said.

Szombathely is one of the oldest settlements in Hungary founded by Emperor Claudius around 50 A.D. Then known as Savaria, it is the only settlement in the Carpathian Basin which has been continually inhabited ever since its Roman foundation.

Organised for the 20th time, the festival will offer some 400 events at 30 venues.

In a highlight event, about 1,200 people dressed in costumes will be evoking the glorious and memorable historical events of Szombathely and the province Pannonia at a Grand Procession taking place on Saturday and Sunday. The march will be followed by music performances, and acrobat, fire juggler and banner waving shows.

The four-day festival will offer a wide range of other programmes including exhibitions, national costume shows and art workshops.

Delegations from Szombathely’s sister cities in Austria, Germany, Portugal and Romania will also attend the event.

August 16, 2019

More than 400 tonnes of wheat collected to make Bread of Hungarians

So far, about 400 tonnes of wheat has been collected from all parts of the country as part of the Bread of Hungarians charity programme ahead of the August 20 national holiday.

Speaking in Nemeshány, in western Hungary, on Saturday, state secretary of the ministry of agriculture Sándor Farkas said the donations collected from nineteen counties and from twelve ethnic Hungarian communities in neighbouring countries will be given to charity organisations to help children in need.

Farkas said the Bread of Hungarians programme “gathers us together the way Hungarians are united by their respect for bread, expressing the unity of Hungarians living across the world.”

Collection will continue until the end of August, and the amount is expected to reach or exceed the 605 tonnes collected last year.

The state secretary said the approaching national holiday, August 20, marks the end of the wheat harvest, the founding of the Hungarian state and the anniversary of the canonisation of King St. Stephen. He added that the Bread of Hungarians programme is a worthy preparation for St. Stephen’s Day, a celebration of the unity of Hungarians.

Farkas noted that Hungary’s wheat harvest reached 5 million tonnes this year.

He noted that in 2011, when the initiative was launched, the donations offered by farmers totalled 10 tonnes, which gradually increased to 605 tonnes last year.

August 11, 2019