New Year's Day, known as 'Újév' in Hungarian, holds significant cultural importance in Hungary. This public holiday marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. Celebrations commence on New Year's Eve and continue into the first day of the New Year. Locals take the opportunity to gather and celebrate with family and friends, complete with fireworks and feasts, to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with optimism and joy.
Part of Hungarian tradition on New Year’s Day is ‘Körtánc’, which literally translates to ‘circle dance’. It’s a folklore ritual symbolising luck and prosperity. People perform it with the hope of having a fruitful year ahead. Food also plays a crucial role in the New Year festivities as most Hungarians enjoy special New Year dishes like lentil soup and chimney cake to bring good fortune.
New Year's Day in Hungary is also a time for rest and relaxation, as it is a public holiday providing the perfect opportunity to recover from the previous night's festivities. Some people may choose to spend the day watching traditional New Year concerts or playing board games with the family. Despite the array of activities and ancient traditions, the underlying theme of New Year’s Day in Hungary remains constant: wishing for an auspicious and prosperous year ahead.