Hungary history
Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe and its history has been a fascinating and complicated one. So many people have lived in this country, from the ruling Turks during the Ottoman Empire to Germans, Croatians, Slovakians and Romanians.
17th – 19th century
By the end of the 17th Century, the Turks no longer ruled, and Hungary became a province of the Habsburg Empire. A number of anti-Habsburg movements tried to gain back the country’s independence, but to no avail. However, by the early 1800s, reformists tried their utmost to preserve Hungary’s national identity as well as the Hungarian culture and language.
In 1848, an uprising in the capital led to the War of Independence, but unfortunately the Habsburgs, assisted by the Russian army, managed to conquer the rebels. Years of terror followed, and only ended in 1867 when a compromise was reached whereby the Hungarians and the Habsburgs jointly governed the country.
In 1873, Buda, Pest and Obuda were unified to form Budapest, capital of Hungary, and in 1896 the Hungarians celebrated the country’s Millenium (1000th anniversary). During the First World War, Hungary lost over a million men who fought on the side of the Habsburgs as part of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. As a result, the monarchy was dissolved.
Quick fact!
From 1000 to 1844, Latin was the official language of the Hungary.
1920 – 1956
The 1920 Trianon Treaty forced Hungary to give up two-thirds of its land to neighbouring countries. But, by taking the side of the Germans during the Second World War, Hungary was able to regain Southern Slovakia and Northern Transylvania. Germany occupied the country from 1944, and as a result, Hungary suffered significant losses fighting the Soviets. On Christmas day, the Red Army laid siege to Budapest and much of the city was destroyed.
The Russians liberated Hungary in 1945 and the following year the country became a Republic. In 1946 the government signed the Paris Treaty and the borders that had been set up by the Trianon Treaty were restored, so Hungary regained its land.
From 1947, Hungary was under a Communist dictatorship and closely affiliated with the Soviet Union. The Secret Police, who were trained by the KGB, arrested and tortured many people and thousands were deported to Siberia. The reign of terror ended in a revolution in 1956, after which reforms were cautiously introduced. Over the following decades, the country managed a peaceful transition from a centralized communist country to a democratic, multi-party political system. This helped the fall of communism throughout Central and Eastern Europe.
Quick fact!
In 1946, Hungary issued banknotes of a face value of 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 pengo (one quintillion pengo) – the world’s highest denomination ever.
1989 – present
In May, 1989, Hungary took down the barbed wire along its border with Austria, an act that symbolised the end of the Iron Curtain separating the East and West. That same year, victims of the 1956 revolution were reburied and Hungary was declared a republic on the 23rd of October. The first free election was held in 1990, 45 years after the democratic, multi-party system had been established. The Soviet army left the country and Jozsef Antal became Prime Minister.
After that, living standards declined and Hungary suffered a severe recession. As a result, the Hungarian Socialist Party won an absolute majority in the May 1994 elections. In 2004, Hungary became part of the European Union and in the parliamentary election in 2010, the alliance of two political parties resulted in a new constitution for the country, which came into effect in 2011.
Hungarian language and culture
Culture of Hungary
Hungary’s culture is as vibrant and varying as the many kings, artists, politicians and architects who have lived there over the centuries. Budapest displays its rich, cultural heritage just from the sheer range of architectural examples. But travel to different parts of the country, and regional cultures begin to emerge. From its soaring cathedrals and opera houses, to folk craft traditions and rural charm, Hungary surprises at every turn.
Architecture
Hungary is known for its exquisite architecture and features a range of building styles including Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau and Modernist. There are plenty of churches, castles, parliamentary buildings and houses to admire when visiting Hungary. Construction of buildings also used to take place on a grand scale. Hungary officially claims the largest synagogue in Europe (Great Synagogue,) its home to Europe’s third largest church (Esztergom Basilica) and has the world’s second biggest Baroque castle (Gödöllő).
Sports
Even though it’s landlocked, Hungary has two major rivers and a large lake, so water sports are quite popular. Hungarians have won medals at the Summer Olympics in the past for water polo and canoeing. In recent years a whole range of extreme type sports have sprung up in response to increased tourism demands. Kiteboarding, parachuting, paragliding, scuba diving, wakeboarding and more are all now on offer for adrenalin junkies. More traditional sports such as horse riding, golf and football are also popular ways to keep fit in Hungary.
Festivals and traditions
Budapest is host to a range of cultural festivals throughout the year. Spring and autumn are peak times for festival goers with music, film, opera, ballet and many more performances taking place at these times. Many small towns also celebrate their own time honoured folk traditions and unique customs in spring and summer. Village festivals are lively affairs with handcrafts, music and dance. The Körös Valley Folk Arts Festival in Gyula, for example, is a popular event that is widely attended in July and August.
Cuisine
Hungarian food has been strongly influenced by countries such as Italy, Germany and even ancient Turkey. Traditional soup and stew dishes, such as goulash, are reminiscent of the country’s rustic past when the cooking of meals was done in a pot over an open flame. The beauty of Hungarian food though is its regional variety. Gastronomes will discover everything from hearty lamb stew and fish soup, to pancakes and sponge layer cake! Old-style taverns are the best place to head for a taste of traditional cuisine.
Music
Although Hungary has made small contributions over the years to popular music, it’s mostly known for its folk and classical music. Even modern songs tend to be strongly reminiscent of folk music which has been influential in Romania, southern Poland and other neighbouring countries. Quite a few famous, classical musicians have originated from Hungary over the years, Franz Liszt for example. Today opera and classical music lovers are well accommodated for in Hungary, with world class venues and performances by renowned international and Hungarian artists.
Languages of Hungary
Hungarian is the official language of Hungary, a country that is almost entirely composed of a single ethnic group. However there are seven languages spoken by ethnic minorities spread throughout the country. German is spoken around the Mecsek Mountains, Slovak around the North Hungarian Mountains and Serbian by the minority residing around Bácska. Other minority languages are Slovene, Croatian, Romanian and Romani.
Basic Hungarian words and phrases
Hello – Szervusz
Goodbye – Viszontlátásra
Please – Kérem
Thank you – Köszönöm
Yes – Igen
No – Nem
My name is… – a nevem…
I don’t speak Hungarian – Nem tudok magyarul
Hungary weather
Hungary has a typical continental climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The most popular time to visit Hungary are between the months of May to September when warm sunny days are complimented by cool nights. Whereas autumn and winter are usually chilly and snow is common.
Spring in Hungary
Precipitation and temperatures begin to rise slowly throughout the months of March, April, and May. Average temperatures begin in the single digits early in the season but are up into the teens by the end. Temperatures in the mountainous regions remain around freezing while the lowlands are able to warm much more rapidly. Expect warming weather, but keep a jacket or coat handy for the occasional chilly day.
Summer in Hungary
High temperatures in the summer average in the mid-twenties and average lows linger in the mid-teens. June records the most amount of rainfall throughout, this trend teeters as autumn nears. Short sleeves will suffice in the warm summer months and light jacket will protect you from the rain.
Autumn in Hungary
Average autumn temperatures begin in the teens but drop into the single digits as winter nears. Precipitation tapers off and nights start to begin to get chilly. Depending on how far south you are, a light to medium jacket will be able to keep you warm through a chilly autumn’s day.
Winter in Hungary
Winters are generally dry and average temperatures loom around zero degrees. The coldest month ofJanuary averages a temperature of -1 degree Celsius and average lows for the month are near to -4 degrees Celsius. Dress up in a heavy coat, temperatures can easily dip below freezing, especially in the higher altitudes.
Average temperatures in Budapest, Debrecen and Pecs
Average rainfall in Budapest, Debrecen and Pecs
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