Category: News

To Be Translated.
To access the original text switch languages using the button below.

Between the 17-19^th of February, the focus of North America’s Hungarian folkdance world was relocated to Île-Perrot, not far from Montréal. Over 100 dancers gathered here from all over North America to dance together, learn the dances of Szászcsávás and last but not least, to carouse.

The Bokréta Ensemble celebrates this year its 50th anniversary. The members of the ensemble – besides Hungarian dancers – are mostly French Quebecers, so the fact that they sing perfectly in Hungarian is even more creditable. The group works on such a high level that by regular practices, performances, visits to Hungary and Transylvania they can participate in regional festivals overseas and learn new techniques locally, also.

The workshops were lead by two teachers from Hungary: Hortenzia Lőrincz and István Hahn-Kakas, besides them a populous group of artists has arrived from Szászcsávás: three members of the Gipsy band from the village of Csávás that was joined by Levente Fazakas, and Montréal folk musicians Levente Garda, Attila Krasznai and Sergiu Popa.

Most of participants arrived in the afternoon of 17^th, and occupied their accomodation. The táncház (dance house) of the evening lasted until dawn.

The next day, daytime workshops were held, where participants could learn the Hungarian dances of Szászcsávás. But the peak of the weekend was just about to come now, namely the Csávás Ball. As a warm-up, the táncház for children has opened its doors at 7 PM, then the guests of the Ball arrived as well.

Csávás Ball was opened by the concert of the virtuousely playing musicians. They performed a spellbinding set of Hungarian, Rumanian and Gipsy songs to show the unbelievable cultural variegation of Küküllőmente region of Transylvania.

The music performance was followed by the breathtaking show of Bokréta Ensemble, they presented a flamboyant choreography from Kalocsa. The audience’s reply was an uneasing applause, and shortly almost everybody has hit the dancefloor in the táncház. It started with the common teaching of the basics of Hungarian dances from Szászcsávás, then we danced ’lead dances’ to which ones even absolute beginners could join. Being Carnaval (farsang) time, venturesome dancers were wearing different costumes, that the jury considered at the fancy dress competition. Teaching was followed by free dance and revelry until early morning.

The Csávás Ball was run with an absolute full house, almost 200 guests, in an amazing atmosphere. Hungary’s ambassador to Canada, Dr. Bálint Ódor and Dorottya Deák-Stifner cultural attaché marked the event by honouring us with their presence.

Last day of the camp was fulfilled with workshops, and at the evening a closing táncház awaited the unwearying participants. During these 3 enriching days we all have learned a lot, and the teachers from Hungary stayed after for a whole week to teach a brand new choreography to the legendary Bokréta Ensemble.

Photos about the event are posted here.
Dorka Kornélia Takácsy, KCSP, Montréal

To Be Translated.
To access the original text switch languages using the button below.

To Be Translated.
To access the original text switch languages using the button below.

Citizens rely on the media to create awareness, foster public discourse, and strengthen society. Citizens also demand that media, as an integral part of democracy, adhere to a standard of integrity and accuracy that befits its role in modern society. What recourse exists therefore when the media is wrong? What steps should good citizens take when misinformation is veiled in reporting and the shaping of public opinion is orchestrated in a careless manner.

CBCs The National recently featured a rather lengthy report entitled ”Hungary’s contradiction” on November 24^th, 2016. This was followed by an article entitled ”A nasty Hungarian national mood rejects immigrants — and journalists” on December 11^th, 2016. It is with considerable regret that CBC has once again opted to publish a report about Hungary with incorrect and misguided information that should be seen to tarnish not Hungary’s reputation, but CBCs prominence.

Both of CBCs reports begin with images from extremist elements in Hungarian society that exist in direct violation of Hungarian law. The Hungarian government has on numerous occasions distanced itself from the actions of civilian defense groups, ensured that law and order prevail, and that enforcement against extremist groups is investigated and prosecuted. While extremist elements do exist in Hungary, they do so in insignificantly small numbers and in insignificant groups. By comparison, one would not label Canada as a burgeoning far right-wing or extremist haven even though white supremacists, ethnic hatred, racially motivated crimes, and high profile anti-Semitic actions have occurred across Canada. A minority does not represent a society as a whole and should be contextualized as such. A minority does not represent a societal trend.

Since the free and fair election of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and the outbreak of the migrant crisis in Hungary and Europe, there has been a free-for-all among media accusing Hungary of a gradual shift to authoritarianism, corruption, restrictions on the freedom of press and civil society, and the curbing of judicial independence. Accusations have been a dime a dozen, but any real evidence or proof of those claims has been few and far between. Even a cursory examination of Hungarian newspapers reveals a shockingly free exchange of ideas and criticism of government and ideologies on both sides of the political spectrum. Journalists are free to operate anywhere in Hungary and are only challenged (a freedom not always so openly embraced in Canada) when they report misinformation. The closing of the Népszabadsag, a left-wing daily newspaper, was a result of financial difficulties and not, as suggested, a government conspiracy. Should we therefore call the closure of newspapers in Guelph and Nanaimo in 2016 into question as government meddling? In fact, 23 newspapers have been closed in British Columbia alone over the past decade. Further, Hungary’s judiciary remains transparent and the government’s only attempt to reform the body was intended to ensure a healthy transition and turnover from long-term serving individuals, many of whom served under previous Communist governments. One wonders if stalled talks of Senate or democratic reform in Canada as part of political maneuvering by the governing party could be similarly likened to democratic backsliding.

Many in the media have also seized on Hungary’s limited capacity to handle the migrant crisis as a fortuitous moment to label the small central European nation as a dictatorship, racist, anti-Muslim, and worthy of removal from the European Union. Central to their argument are the more than 200,000 Hungarians who fled Hungary as genuine refugees during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, and those arriving at Hungary’s borders now. How interesting that those same claims omit debates about the very important differences between economic and political migrants, genuine and non-genuine refugees, the role of human smugglers, and the burden inherent in accepting large numbers of people from often divergent cultures and beliefs. It is discussion of these salient points that would afford a more accurate and fulsome discussion of the migrant crisis and multicultural societies. The only signs of tyranny or authoritarianism one can see are those imposed on states who have decided to protect their identity, their culture and their borders. Critics who speak of perceived Hungarian perceptions to the current migrant crisis would do a great service to also speak of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s 2010 statement on the failure of multiculturalism and integration by migrants in Germany. Or for example, the failures of integration in the banlieues of Paris, the conditions of migrant temporary housing in Calais, or the lack of security for German citizens celebrating in Cologne. What appear to be isolated events could so easily be characterized as a national “nasty” mood.

CBC has demonstrated with great effect its intent to overlook historical context. It has only been 71 years since the end of World War II. Hungary indeed requires the time and due process to examine its history, its triumphs, and its failures. From 1945 to 1989 no one in Hungary was allowed to discuss history, only the version forced upon it by an occupying power. I believe history deserves more respect than to assume a nation with almost 2,000 years of history should resolve all outstanding debates in the 27 years since freedom was won in 1989. CBCs attempt to demonstrate a veiled connection between Hungary during World War II, the Hungary of 1956, and the Hungary of 2016 is highly irresponsible. Comparisons of that nature, without context or analysis, demonstrates a significant lack of awareness to the complexities of history and the realities of present-day.

Finally, it has been suggested by CBC that perceived hatred and intolerance in Hungary could be “spread” to Hungary’s neighbours. It is shameful that while Hungarian minorities in Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine among others continue to experience harassment and discrimination if they attempt to use their native language. What of the hatred and intolerance shown towards the Székely people, an ethnic group of Hungarian origin in Transylvania, who only ask for a measure of self-autonomy to guide their future, only to be forcefully declined with government sponsored measures aimed at suppressing and oppressing their identity. Or, for example, the countless cases of discrimination, abuse, vandalism, and ethnic hatred shown to Hungarian minorities in their ancestral lands, such as present day Slovakia, Serbia, Transylvania, Carpatho-Ukraine. In fact, Hungary has always been a bastion of ethnic tolerance and has a long history of welcoming and accepting foreigners. By doing so, Hungary, during its long history, existed as one of the first examples of a multicultural society, something that Canada cherish and benefit so greatly today. Perhaps CBC mistakenly overlooked the last century of history in central Europe.

NAHC/KMOSz, therefore, resents these reports as it finds them highly damaging to the reputations of the Hungarian people in Canada and worldwide, and it requests that CBC consider a correction or revision to the two reports published in November and December of this year. At the very least, input should be sought from organizations like the National Alliance of Hungarians in Canada and similar organizations who may be able to provide more accurate information for future CBC reports. Media integrity must remain a strategic goal for reporters and media across the country and not a mere catch-phrase. CBC has done a great disservice to Hungary and the Hungarian people and should demonstrate actionable willingness to make corrections moving forward.

This press release has been delivered to:

CBCnews.ca Team

CC: His Excellency Dr. Bálint Ódor, Hungarian Ambassador Dr. Stefánia Szabó, Hungarian Consul General Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Hungaria Social Club celebrated its 90^th anniversary in Montréal. The club was founded by the first Hungarians who arrived to Montréal as they tried to rely heavily on one another and wanted to keep their identity and build a community. They decided to establish a centre where Hungarians, regardless of their religion, could gather, socialize and spend their free time together.

Interesting fact about the Club that it used to own a soccer team that won the Canadian championship in 1957. The financial situation of the Club was not always stable, but thanks to the donations of the members, the financial problems could be solved, and now the Club operates in its own building in downtown Montréal.

More than 100 people, including members and guests, gathered here to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the organization, on November 12^th. Tibor Kelemen, president of the Hungaria Social Club and the Hungarian Committee of Montréal opened the event with a welcoming speech followed by Ilona Szima’s review of the 90 years of rich history of the Club.

Then, father Szabolcs Licskó catholic priest greeted the guests and opened the dinner with a prayer. After the delicious three course meal, singer Anna Peller of Hungary took the stage and performed an operetta and dance songs to delight the audience. The talented artist is a winner of the Voice of Hungary award as her voice can overlap 4 full octaves enabling her of an exceptionally wide repertoire of songs. The evening continued with the long awaited raffle when 12 happy winners could receive their basketful of surprises.

After the raffle, the band V-Romas from Vancouver (Botos Flórián, Kalányos Tamás and Lakatos Zoltán) took the stage and played a mixture of dynamic retro and mulatós songs inviting people to the dance floor. The party continued into the wee hours of the morning.

Photos of the events are available here.
Dorka Kornélia Takácsy, KCSP program, Montreál

To Be Translated.
To access the original text switch languages using the button below.

What could have been a better closing of the first Hungarian Week in Montréal than a grand gala? The Budapest Gala in Montréal took place at the Omni Mont-Royal Hotel downtown Montréal in September 2016, with more than 130 people from the executive members of the Hungarian community in the city.

His Excellency dr. Bálint Ódor, Hungary’s ambassador to Canada opened the gala and he summarized the achievements of the Hungarian Week in Montréal. This event was held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight, and to promote the efforts so that Budapest and Montréal may become sister cities in the future. In his speech, he expressed his appreciation for the hard work and devotion of the local Hungarian community to keep the spirit of the 1956 Revolution alive during those times when in Hungary, even talking about the event could get someone in trouble. He acknowledged the various activities and efforts the community has made to pass the language, traditions and culture to the next generation, and expressed the Hungarian government’s gratitude to Canada for receiving thousands of refugees who had to leave their home in that period. To commemorate the significance of the 1956 Revolution, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szíjjártó remained in Montréal on the 23rd of October, the day of the revolution.

Following his speech, the ambassador presented awards to leading members of the Hungarian community of Montréal for their valuable work. Members of the community who received awards are as follows. Andrea Blanar, Elizabeth Corte, Ava Couch, Kálmán Dreisziger, Imre Keresztes, Klára Joó, László Korsós, István Maráz, Alice Palkó, Anikó Pelikán, Elizabeth Répási, Gábor Szilási, and posthumous Júlia Ciamarra, John Ferkó, and Miklós Takács.

The ceremony was followed by a multi-course dinner and an amazing performance by the Bokréta Ensemble.
Dorka Kornélia Takácsy, KCSP program, Montreál

We celebrated the 60^th anniversary of the revolution of 1956 with a grand celebration in Montréal. Organized by the Hungarian Committee of Montréal, members of the local Hungarian community gathered in the Mindszenty Hall of the Our Lady of Hungary Parish to commemorate the event. Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador to Canada also attended the meeting honouring the anniversary of the revolution with their presence.

The celebration started with a march of flag carrying scouts followed by father Szabolcs Licskó’s words that opened the ceremony. Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szíjjártó made a powerful speech where he underscored the importance of the 1956 Revolution for the entire nation. He reminded that Hungarians are strong freedom loving people who will always stand up against any form of oppression or attempt to take their liberty from them. He emphasized that Hungary will always protect its sovereignty. Szíjjártó’s visit was a significant gesture from the Hungarian government as he was the first politician delegated at this level to attend the celebration of the 1956 Revolution in Montréal.

The famous folkdance ensemble Csillagszemű performed a breathtaking show to delight of the audience where adults and small children were welcome to take part in the choreography. The show was followed by Ferenc Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 14 performed by Dékány Anna on the piano.

The program continued with the presentation of a short movie with interviews with Hungarian people in Montréal about their memories from the 1956 Revolution. The movie was a product of collaboration between the Csillagösvény Ensemble, Bethlen Gábor Fraternity Club, and Zsolt Kövessy. The movie made a deep impact on the audience.

In his closing speech, pastor Attila György put the 1956 Revolution in the context of present day and reminded the audience that Hungary, due to its geographical location, lies in the clashing zone between East and West, therefore, we should always be vigilant and protect the freedom we enjoy today. We sang the Hungarian, Szekler and Canadian anthem with András Tomecz in the lead accompanied by Dékány Anna on the piano. The scouts marched out.

The event was a great commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution. We would like to say thank you to all participants, guests for their contribution to the celebration with their presence and valuable work.
Dorka Kornélia Takácsy, KCSP program, Montreál