May 20 – National Day of Hungarian Snacks (Farsang)

Hungary is a country known for its delicious cuisine and rich cultural traditions. And on May 20th, the Hungarians come together to celebrate one of their most beloved culinary creations – snacks! From savory to sweet, these tasty treats are an integral part of Hungarian culture and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Known officially as Farsang, this national day pays tribute to the diversity and flavor of Hungarian snacks and reminds us of the importance of indulging in these simple but satisfying delicacies. So let’s dive into the history, significance, and of course, the deliciousness of Hungarian snacks on this special day.

May 20th marks the National Day of Hungarian Snacks, also known as Farsang in Hungary.

Farsang is a traditional Hungarian festival that takes place in the period between the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Lent.

During this time, Hungarians celebrate the end of winter and the coming of spring with colorful parades, lively music, and of course, delicious snacks.

The word ‘Farsang’ is derived from the Latin word ‘carnis levare’, which means ‘to remove meat’.

This is because Farsang is celebrated before the Lenten season, which is a time of fasting in many Christian traditions.

The origins of Farsang can be traced back to pagan times, when Hungarians celebrated the end of winter with feasts and merriment.

Today, Farsang is a beloved holiday that brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the rich flavors and diversity of Hungarian snacks.

One of the highlights of Farsang is the Farsang Masquerade Carnival, where people dress up in colorful costumes and masks and take part in street parades and masquerade balls.

The celebration is a feast for the senses, with traditional music, dancing, and of course, an abundance of delicious snacks.

Hungarian snacks are a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, with flavors and ingredients from both cuisines.

Some of the most popular Hungarian snacks include lángos, a deep-fried dough topped with garlic, cheese, and sour cream, and kürtőskalács, a sweet chimney cake coated in cinnamon sugar.

Other mouth-watering options include túró rudi, a chocolate-covered cottage cheese bar, and pogácsa, a savory scone-like pastry that can be filled with cheese, potatoes, or bacon.

Hungarians take great pride in their snacks, often making them from scratch with family recipes that have been passed down for generations.

Farsang is the perfect time to try these homemade delicacies and experience the love and effort that goes into making them.

Apart from being delicious, Hungarian snacks are also steeped in tradition and symbolism.

For example, pogácsa is believed to bring luck and prosperity to those who eat it, while lángos is said to ward off evil spirits.

Farsang is also a time for giving and receiving small gifts, and Hungarian snacks are a popular choice for gifting to friends and loved ones.

Whether it’s a small bag of kürtőskalács or a box of assorted snacks, these treats are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

On May 20th or Farsang, join the Hungarians in celebrating the joy and deliciousness of Hungarian snacks.

Try your hand at making some yourself, or head to a local bakery or market to sample the many varieties available.

And don’t forget to share your love for Hungarian snacks on social media using the hashtags #NationalDayOfHungarianSnacks and #Farsang.

Join the fun and festivities of Farsang and indulge in some of the most delectable and meaningful snacks in the world.

Happy National Day of Hungarian Snacks (Farsang)!

#NationalDayOfHungarianSnacks #Farsang