Thousands attended the Open House event at the Embassy of Hungary in Washington DC on Saturday, 11 May. The event was held in celebration of Europe Day, marked on 9 May by the European Union to celebrate ‘peace and unity in Europe’. For the occasion, all EU Member States welcomed members of the public to visit their respective Embassies, where they could take part in miscellaneous programmes.

Hungary was among the more popular Embassies during the Europe Day celebrations, with around 3,000 people visiting the cultural and culinary events held there.

Multiple Hungarian diaspora organizations were present, such as the Kossuth Foundation, the Hungarian American Coalition, the Hungarian Academy of Washington DC, and the HuGo mobile community app, which allows you to share and find Hungarian-related sites and events in the United States.

The Hungarian folk dance troupe Tisza Ensemble and the musical groups Szikra Band and Magnolia Band were the featured performers. Meanwhile, the visiting children could entertain themselves in an arts and crafts workshop, and attendees of all ages could enjoy film screenings together—all to promote and educate about Hungarian history and culture.

Interim Charge d’Affaires Pál Péter Schmitt said that the event, organized in the spirit of strengthening Hungarian national identity, will be given additional priority this year thanks to the fact that Hungary will soon take over the rotating presidency of the EU Council. He added that this event is proof that Hungary believes in a ‘Europe of strong nations’.

Another major political event in Europe this year is the upcoming European Parliamentary elections in June. Schmitt pointed out that there is a special information point set up for Hungarians living in the US on how to cast their vote if they wish to take part in the election.

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