‘The memory of the martyrs of Christmas invites us to recognize that the season is not only about joy and blessings but also about sacrifice and steadfastness. These saints and unnamed heroes, who gave their lives for Christ, teach us that true love is never easy. Yet, through sacrifice, we partake in the light that Christ’s birth brought into the world.’

Emőke’s story from the flight from Hungary as a small baby and an accidental move to Peru to her stage performances in multicultural Lima and her endurance through local crises illustrate the destiny of a unique group of Central Europeans finding refuge and a new community far from Hungary.

An interview with the artistic director of the Csipke Ensemble about the challenges and beauties of organizing the premier Hungarian dance camp in the United States, as well as about family, Transylvania, folk dancing, and more.

‘In few countries was the period of 19th century national revival more productive than post-Compromise Hungary, where the national-cultural revival was accompanied by a period of economic prosperity and renewed political prominence. And, within Hungary, no other building complex captures the spirit of this era, and its intertwining of the aesthetic, the historical, and the political, as the Buda Castle.’

‘The immigrants, such as me, are called Hungarian American, and those who were born here are American Hungarians. Our mentality can differ for many understandable reasons, but we are all bound together by the same mission: our love for God and for each other,’ says Reverend Zsolt Ötvös, who leads the diverse and vibrant Magyar Reformed Church congregation in New Brunswick.

Much like in many European countries, marzipan enjoys a great popularity in Hungary, too. Marzipan first attained admiration in the Hungarian Kingdom under the rule of the Renaissance king, Matthias Corvinus. According to historic records, a chessboard from brown and white marzipan was the eighth course on King Matthias’ wedding with Beatrice of Naples in 1477.

With the Continental Army in dire straits, Commander in Chief George Washington knew he had to do something special to change the tide of the War of Independence at the end of 1776. So, he decided to strike the enemy when they least expected it: he crossed the icy Delaware River to get to the Hessian mercenaries stationed in Trenton on Christmas Day.