The fifth “Hungarian Heritage Festival,” the annual cultural event organized by the Hungarian community living in the U.S. capital and surrounding areas, took place in Washington on Saturday before a record number of visitors.
Organizations representing the Hungarian diaspora in Washington showcased themselves at their own booths during the event. There was a performance by the “Iciri-piciri” folk music and dance group, consisting of children, as well as performances by the “Regős” folk dance group, active within the Scouting movement, the “Tisza” dance ensemble founded in Washington in 1982, and folk dancers from New Jersey.
The audience was treated to a performance by the Szikra Banda from Washington, a band composed of Hungarian and American members that plays Csángó folk music, as well as a performance by the Flaska Banda, who traveled from Hungary.
Traditional Hungarian associations were also present and showcased, among other things, the customs of the hussars.
The mutton goulash was prepared by masters from Karcag, György Csontos Jr. and his sons, but visitors could also sample langos, fried sausage, chimney cake, and other Hungarian specialties.
According to the organizers, the Hungarian Heritage Festival in Washington offers members of the Hungarian community the opportunity to meet and preserve the traditions of folk culture overseas;
another goal is to introduce Hungary to the American public.
Sándor Végh, chairman of the Kossuth Foundation, which organizes the festival, told MTI that the 2026 event would also commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence.
Photo: CmdrDan/Wikimedia Commons
In connection with this anniversary, tribute was paid to Michael Kovats de Fabriczy, a hussar colonel born in Karcag who fought in the American War of Independence.
Related article
Day of Hungarian Culture Celebrated within and beyond the Border
On this day, Hungarians at home and around the world commemorate Hungarian cultural values.Continue reading
Via MTI; Featured image: Kossuth Foundation Facebook
