A day of silent remembrance
Like many other nations, Hungarians also commemorated the deceased at the beginning of November. According to the Christian tradition, the holidays started with All Saints’ Day or „Mindenszentek”, celebrated on November 1st, followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2nd. Unlike the colourful celebrations of American Halloween or the Mexican Día de los Muertos, Hungarians commemorate in a silent, reserved way. Families are visiting cemeteries, lighting candles and bringing flowers to the graves.
Taste the autumn harvest on St. Martin’s Day
Around 11 November, you can see many restaurants offering special dishes made of goose. The bird is the symbol of the celebrated St. Martin, a bishop who tried to hide in a goose barn before his consecration. On St. Martin’s Day all goods harvested in autumn are finally turned into flavoursome dishes and wine, so don’t miss the chance to try some traditional meals. It’s a great time to have a cosy dinner or to book a food tour. Don’t forget, eating goose this time of the year is a must. According to folk tradition, those who skip eating it on St. Martin’s Day will end up starving during the next year!
Happy Birthday Budapest!
Did you know that the two sides of the Danube were not always connected? Budapest was formed on 17 November 1873, by the cohesion of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda. The city celebrated its 150th birthday in 2023, with a history that holds a great deal of excitement. Curious about the past of the always-bustling capital? Now is a perfect time to visit the Budapest History Museum, or to take a guided tour and explore the story of the city.
The day of the Hungarian language
Between 1867 - 1918, Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, during which time the Hungarian culture was severely suppressed. The Hungarian language was also not recognized, with German and Latin holding that status. However, due to the strong resistance of the Hungarian people, on 13 November 1844, the use of the Hungarian language was reinstated. The crucial day is celebrated in memory of sovereignty and cultural perseverance. Get to know the nation’s iconic poets by visiting the Petőfi Literary Museum, or if you are looking for a challenge, check out our free Hungarian language course.
In summary, November in Hungary features plenty of traditions, cultural memorial days, and delicious cuisine. Make the most out of the last month of Autumn and experience the graceful shift between seasons.
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