Hungarian Canadian Cultural Society of Manitoba Inc was established in 1982. The society was created to allow Hungarian Canadians a meeting place to gather to share cultural traditions, events, heritage and stories free from political or religious ideologies. Currently there are 100 members with many more non members participating in events and weekly activities.
Events occur all year that represent the traditions and customs of Hungary and its people. Some of these events include the celebration of the 1848 March 15th revolution, the commemoration of the October 23rd 1956 revolution, the establishment of Hungary on August 20th and the participation in Folklorama. Throughout the year there are special programs to showcase Hungarian traditions, such as “Farsang” known as the Hungarian Mardi Gras that takes place in February, Easter celebrations where buckets of water are thrown at girls and women, Mothers day feasts, where young boys and husbands cook the meals, Fathers day picnics of traditional roast pig and Mikulas that is the Hungarian Santa Claus that is celebrated on December 6th, where children put clean boots on their window sills and Mikulas comes and fills them with candy or presents if you have been good or a switch if you have not. This gives children 20 days to redeem themselves if they wish to receive further gifts from family members or Jesus Christ.
Weekly programming includes the Golden Age club that meet Wednesdays to socialize, play Hungarian cards and chess. There are adult language classes offered for a variety of skills from beginner to advanced. Children are encouraged to participate in weekly activities that include cooking, Hungarian language, music, stories and crafts to learn about Hungarian traditions in a fun and engaging way.
The Hungarian cultural society participates yearly in Folklorama under the name of Budapest-Hungaria Pavillion. Preparing for Folklorama is a year long endeavour that starts in January with sausage preparation and ends just a week before with cabbage roll making. All of these undertakings require the dedication of volunteers that spend hours making delicious traditional foods served at Folklorama.
Please contact us with any questions you may have or for information about how you can join us.
Sincerely
HCCS.