Hungarian communities in the United States celebrated the August 20 national holiday with lectures, cultural programmes, masses and picnics in several cities.
In the Kossuth House in Washington, DC, historian György Arató gave a talk about the legacy of St Stephen, Hungary’s first king, and the significance of the foundation of the Hungarian state.
In Cleveland, a holy mass was celebrated in St Emeric Church in the morning, featuring also the blessing of new bread.
Programmes afterwards included a picnic of families which offered traditional Hungarian dishes, music, folk-dance shows, children events and a church tour.
In Los Angeles, programmes were hosted in the garden of the United Hungarian House beginning with a prayer and blessing in partnership with the local chapter of the First Hungarian Reformed Church. It was followed by speeches, a performance of the Kárpátok Hungarian Dance Ensemble and a community lunch.
In Irving, Texas, celebrations began in the afternoon with a holy mass in the Abbey. It was attended by András Doncsev, Hungary’s consul to Houston. Programmes included talks about St Stephen and the foundation of the Hungarian state, Grand Prince Géza, the father of St Stephen and the celebration of the New Bread.
Celebrations were held in Chicago on Sunday including a holy mass in St Stephen’s Church attended by members of the local Hungarian association, students and scouts.
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