From Csárdás to bagpipes, folk dance and music still beat in our hearts

Hungarian folk dances and music are vibrant expressions of the nation's cultural heritage, showcasing rhythmic movements and melodic tunes. These traditions not only entertain but also strengthen community bonds and bring much joy.

Verbunk

The term 'verbunk', referring to a male dance, originates from the German word Werbung, meaning recruitment. The recruitment of soldiers provided opportunities for amusements which contributed to the development of a male dance of an informal structure, though rich with motifs, from the 18th century.

Two versions (solo and circle) of the verbunk dance belong to the new dance types, while the elements of these versions are rooted in earlier male dance traditions. Because of its the free improvised nature it has been considered as one of the most expressive manifestations of the Hungarian spirit and freedom ever since the age of Romanticism. As a result of the Hungarian dance house movement verbunk tradition, revived in the 1970s has had a special place in the repertoire of dance groups all over the country.

Csárdás

The 'Csárdás' is a living couple dance with several versions belonging to the relatively new stratum of Hungarian dance tradition. Like the verbunk, it developed during military recruitment from the 18th century on. Until recently, various versions of the Csárdás were danced in a large part of Hungary, as well as in Transylvania, the Highlands and Vojvodina. Local unique versions of it could be collected and learned from tradition bearers (Nagyecsed, Sárköz, Kisalföld) even during the last decade. As a result of the Hungarian dance house movement, the Csárdás tradition, restored since the 1970s, has occupied a special place in the repertoire of dance groups throughout the country.

Hungarian and Gypsy dance 

The Upper Tisza region appeared in the focus of the Hungarian dance folklore researches in the 1950s and so Nagyecsed became one of the most well-known dancer’s settlement of the Hungarian folk dance movement. The Gypsy and Hungarian residents of Nagyecsed insist on their dancing tradition which also forms the basis of their identity. On the local programmes such as balls and dance houses various generations, Hungarians and Gypsies dance as a community.

This is a good example of the integration of different communities, recognition of cultural diversity and active participation through generations. The safeguard of the tradition is also built into the education so the kindergarten and primary school children learn the basics of Ecsedi's dances and get acquainted with their culture. In addition, there are many folk and folk tradition groups who spread the tradition of Nagyecsed with their inland and foreign performances.

Romanian folk dance

The name of the village of Méhkerék is nowadays known countrywide due to the Romanian dance tradition of the village. Thanks to the relatively late modernization of the area and the closed community, the elements of folk culture and customs have been preserved in their entirety. The Romanian language, the Orthodox religion and most importantly, the local Romanian folk dance tradition form the local identity. The people of Méhkerék learn the local dances together with their families or folk dance groups, thus young and old alike dance them nowadays on holidays, family and friends' occasions. In addition, the members of the folk dance ensembles present with great success, the local folk dance treasure at various national and international venues, festivals and cultural events.

Local organisations, such as the György Nyisztor Traditional Folk Dance Ensemble and the Association for the Traditions and Culture of Méhkerék are important custodians of safeguarding of the dance tradition. The dances of Méhkérék, which belongs to the westernmost branch of Romanian dance culture, the Bihor dance dialect, are still known and practised by all generations thanks to the transmission of the tradition, local dance events and folk dance education in schools.

Hungarian folk string band

One of the definitive formations of the Hungarian instrumental folk music tradition is the string band. Its origin dates back to the development of the chamber orchestra. The composition of the essentially string formation varied by region and age, however, the instruments of the basic violin-viola-bass formation are occasionally doubled; other strings or cymbal, taragot, clarinet may also be added.

As a result of the dance house movement in Hungary, the string band tradition has been given a new impetus since the 1970s. More and more, centres of musical activity and their have been visited to record and acquire their knowledge. Collected audio-visual material and face-to-face meeting with traditional musicians are a crucial element in the transfer of knowledge. In addition, public education, music festivals, dance houses and talent competitions provide opportunities for the tradition to continue.

Bagpipe

The bagpipe is an instrument known, kept alive and used by many communities nowadays. The main users are primarily the bagpipers and the communities of musicians. The use of the instrument extends mainly to the traditional and revival events. In addition to these events the dance events have a great importance; bagpipe is an essential accompaniment of the dances of the Palóc (inhabitants of Northeast Hungary) and the Great Hungarian Plain. The instrument recently appeared in the Moldavian dance house as well. Folk dances of the Serbians and Croatians were mostly accompanied with bagpipe, so the South Slavic dance houses in Budapest and Pécs they also play bagpipe music. The feasts of the year, especially Christmas, carnival season and midsummerday are also significant beside the dance events.

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