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Valentine’s Day in Hungary: How Hungarians celebrate love on 14 February
Valentine’s Day in Hungary has become an increasingly popular celebration over the past few decades, although its roots are relatively modern compared to traditional Hungarian holidays. While older generations may still view 14 February as a commercial import, younger Hungarians and urban couples have largely embraced the day as an opportunity to celebrate love and relationships.
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Is Valentine’s Day widely celebrated in Hungary?
Valentine’s Day was not traditionally part of Hungarian culture, but since the 1990s, it has become firmly established, especially in larger cities. Today, many Hungarian couples mark the occasion in some way, even if they do not consider it a major holiday.
The celebration is most popular among younger people and couples living in Budapest or other large towns, while in smaller settlements the day tends to pass more quietly. That said, shops, florists and restaurants across the country fully participate, making Valentine’s Day hard to ignore.
Flowers, gifts and small gestures
Flowers remain the most common Valentine’s Day gift in Hungary, with red roses dominating florists’ displays in the days leading up to 14 February. Chocolate, sweets and small romantic gifts are also popular, while greeting cards are less common than in some Western countries.
Hungarians generally favour simple, thoughtful gestures over grand displays. A bouquet of flowers, a handwritten note or a shared dinner is often considered more meaningful than expensive presents.
Romantic dinners and going out
Many couples celebrate Valentine’s Day in Hungary by going out for dinner, particularly in Budapest, where restaurants often offer special Valentine’s menus or candlelit dining experiences. It is common for restaurants to require advance reservations, as 14 February is one of the busiest evenings of the year for the hospitality sector.
Couples who prefer something quieter may choose to cook at home, especially as Hungarian cuisine already includes many rich and comforting dishes well-suited to a romantic evening.
How Hungarians feel about Valentine’s Day
Attitudes towards Valentine’s Day in Hungary are mixed. Some Hungarians openly enjoy the celebration, while others remain sceptical, seeing it as overly commercial or unnecessary. This duality is often reflected in public discourse each year, with social media filled with both romantic posts and ironic comments.
Nevertheless, even those who claim not to celebrate often still acknowledge the day in small ways, such as sharing a dessert, watching a film together or exchanging a modest gift.
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Valentine’s Day at schools and among young people
In schools, Valentine’s Day is sometimes marked with small activities, such as anonymous notes or cards exchanged between classmates. Among teenagers and young adults, the day can carry social significance, particularly for new relationships.
A modern celebration with a Hungarian twist
While Valentine’s Day in Hungary may not have deep historical roots, it has found its place in modern Hungarian life. The emphasis remains on intimacy, moderation and personal connection rather than extravagance, making the celebration feel distinctly local despite its international origins.