Holidays Not Endorsed By The State
| Date | English Name | Local Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 December | Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas Day | Mikulás, Télapó | On this day, every Hungarian child polishes their boots and puts them in the window. Mikulás comes in the night and fills them with chocolates and/or small presents. If they were bad, they might get sticks instead of, or as well as, presents. |
| 31 December | New Year's Eve | Szilveszter | Young people go partying until morning. Streets are noisy with paper trumpets, hoots and the pop of champagne corks; people often wear masks and throw petards. Those who stay home usually watch comedies made for the occasion; at midnight they drink champagne and wish each other good luck for the new year. National television channels broadcast orchestral and choral national anthem at midnight, and then the speech of the President. Firework displays are common. The next day streets are as empty as ever, and people sleep long (or sleep themselves sober). Lentils are eaten, symbolising coins for good luck. |
| Moveable | Carnival | Farsang | A six day regional carnival, originally celebrated by the Šokci (ethnic-Croatians) living in the town of Mohács. Traditions include folk music, masquerading, parades and dancing. |
Read more about this topic: Public Holidays In Hungary
Famous quotes containing the word state:
“When we seek reconciliation with our enemies, it is commonly out of a desire to better our own condition, a being harassed and tired out with a state of war, and a fear of some ill accident which we are willing to prevent.”
—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)