AUGUST CELEBRATIONS

The Hungarian community in Auckland celebrated August 20th in a warm, family-like atmosphere.To mark the occasion of Hungary’s state foundation and the celebration of the new bread, a variety of programs awaited those who attended the festive event. Cultural performances, a craft corner, and culinary specialties all contributed to a rich and memorable community experience.

Participants of the club day had the chance to admire a miniature replica of the Holy Crown, encased in an ornate ostrich egg. Beside it stood a sourdough bread wrapped in a tricolor ribbon, made by KCSP scholarship holder Fanni Csényi. These two symbolic items beautifully captured the essence of the celebration.

As part of the program — and to further explore the deeper meaning of the bread metaphor — I read aloud Ferenc Móra’s short story “Our Daily Bread”, whose touching lines moved the audience and even brought tears to the eyes of several elderly club members. Many of them had personally experienced the harsh realities of poverty and deprivation.

Following the reading, we sang the Hungarian National Anthem together, its melody and lyrics helping us connect more deeply with our Hungarian identity.

In true holiday spirit, classic Hungarian dishes were served for dinner: fragrant chicken and mushroom paprikash with nokedli and fresh pickles, filling every corner of the room with their heavenly aroma. And of course, dessert was not to be missed — after all, we were celebrating!

As in previous years, the community had the chance to taste the New Zealand version of Hungary’s Cake of the Year, once again superbly recreated by Szilvia Nagy-Nagyné. This year’s confection bore the creative name “DCJ Style Exercise” (DCJ STÍLUSGYAKORLAT) and did not disappoint.

From our much-loved vendors, everyone could also stock up on delicious Hungarian-style meat products and dairy goods — just the thing to help endure the final weeks of winter. These surely brought joy to family and lucky friends back home, too.

For children, alongside the playground, the craft corner offered exciting activities including clay modelling, drawing, and bead threading.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came, participated, and contributed to the success of the event.The time spent together, the shared remembrance, and the revival of Hungarian traditions once again reminded us that even far from home, we are united in spirit.

Áron Darvasi

KCSP scholarship holder