For my fourth cultural post, I have decided to write about Christmas traditions in Hungary and interesting events that happen on Christmas Eve. Since it is almost the middle of December, I think it is a very nice moment to appreciate how beautiful and magical the time of Christmas and winter holidays is. I have never celebrated either Christmas or New Year here, in the United States. Every year I fly back either to Russia or Europe and celebrate these holidays together with my family. Therefore, I would like to reflect on this culture during my time during Christmas in Budapest.
Budapest is a very beautiful city in general, but during Christmas and winter holidays it becomes almost unbelievably magical and breathtaking. All of the seven bridges that go through the main area of downtown and which connect two sides of the city - Buda and Pest, get filled with various decorations, lights, statues, symbolic ornaments, etc. Christmas markets and festivals are another big part of Christmas time in Budapest. There are two main squares in Budapest downtown where these markets are located - Vörösmarty Tér (Eng. Vörösmarty Square) and Szent István-Bazilika Tér (Eng. St. Stephen's Basilica Square). It is very interesting and fun to spend time at the markets. Usually, they open in the events from 4 pm to 10 pm because that is when all of the city lights get turned on. On the markets, you can try traditional Hungarian goulash soup, kürtőskalács, or chimney cake (traditional Hungarian sweet pastry), hot wine, and other delicious Hungarian foods. Also, you get to see a lot of local handcrafts, and homemade traditional creative souvenirs. Usually, it gets very busy at the markets because they are open just during one Christmas week, so as many people as possible try to visit them. As I said, last year when I was in Budapest over the winter break, Christmas markets, specifically the one located on Szent István-Bazilika Tér, was my favorite place to spend evenings with my family, siblings, and friends. Below I will include a picture of kürtőskalács and 2 glasses of hot wine which I got at one of the markets. It is a great memory to have, and looking at this picture makes me want to come back to Budapest!
I like spending Christmas in Europe. I think it is such a magic time, and Christmas markets make it even more special and fun. I hope you enjoyed reading about this, and it makes you want to visit Budapest once during Christmas time.
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Comments
Christmas in Budapest sounds beautiful! I've never been, but I've heard how European countries really spice their cities/towns for Christmas, and the markets I'm sure are really decorated. The food sounds amazing, and I want to visit one day. Thanks for sharing a social/cultural event of Hungary!
It is interesting to read about how Christmas differs in different cultures, especially since I am so used to experiencing Christmas in America or Korea. The Hungarian Christmas customs sound very warming and exciting, especially the part about the markets in Budapest. I’m guessing it gets very cold in Hungary since there are so many hot foods involved. It was also interesting to read about your personal experiences at these markets!