Hungary is rich in preserved and living folk traditions, as well as valuable intellectual heritage, which are certainly important parts of what makes the countryside such a popular cultural tourist attraction. Experience the Busó festivities, falconry, the Matyó embroidery or even folk dancing and folk music, just to name a few; but when it comes to distilling pálinka and winemaking, it’s safe to say that they all form part of the country’s authentic image. Let's take a look at what constitutes the complex world of Hungarian folklore.
What makes Hungarian folk culture so special?
There are two reasons why Hungary’s folk music, folk dance and the traditional folk dresses that go with them are so special and popular around the world. One is that – unlike in other, less fortunate nations – in Hungary, the process of collecting and ‘registering’ folk music and dances was started early enough to bequeath an unparalleled treasure trove of folk art to posterity. This art, from the “purest source”, has been kept alive to this day. The other reason is that this culture of dance and musicality sprang from people’s everyday lives. The harshness of the dances reflected the harshness of daily work. Fiery and virtuosic movements were meant to tame nature itself, while softer partner dances embodied love and the endless cycles of family life, producing truly organic and uniquely human folk art.