The DFW HUNGARIANS CELEBRATED SAINT STEPHEN DAY (2019/08/25)

This was a very action-packed celebration for the DFW Hungarians. It all started Saturday, on the 24th, when we met and greeted at the airport, the Hungarian National Senior Soccer team. They made us feel proud as they came out in a group (about 40 guys) all dressed in their uniforms. After we all shook hands with each and every one of them, they went to their hotel, and we drove to Duncanville – to the Museum of International Cultures.

There, for the first time, we participated in the celebration of Eastern European Cultures held by the Museum of International Cultures. We were the special guests of the evening. The Hungarian flag was flying at the entrance. Inside, the tables were decorated with flowers and with Hungarian flags which made us feel very special. The Hungarian Consul from Houston talked about the importance of understanding and sharing each other’s culture. At my turn, I shared a brief history of the local Hungarians and our club, the MMCC. After the delicious potluck dinner, our group of folk-dancers dazzled the audience with some Hungarian dances, then we enjoyed a medley of international folkdances and visited the beautiful rooms of various nations.

The executive director of the museum asked us to gather Hungarian items to open a Hungary exhibit room. What an honor! We left with beautiful memories and we made lots of new friends.
Next day, Sunday afternoon we celebrated Saint Stephen’s day starting with the Hungarian Mass in the Cistercian Abbey, followed by the commemoration in the school cafeteria. We hosted a larger crowd than usual, about 170 persons. The Hungarian soccer players were invited, and they stirred a lot of interest. Some members of the Fort Worth Sister Cities Organization, Ft. Worth city councilwoman, the American children with their parents came to share the fun. After the opening remarks and singing the National Anthems, the commemorative program was presented by local, Hungarian and American teenagers, reassuring the DFW Hungarians, that the younger generation will continue our Hungarian traditions. Congrats to the organizers and to the young presenters.
We also had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful dance program choreographed by our intern from Hungary, Vera Pinter, and presented by our very own community member dancers. The highlight of the dance program were the dances from Kalotaszeg presented by Vera and a professional folk dancer Veres Peter from Austin.

During this event, Father Julius presented a special gift – a Kolcsey commemorative gold coin - to a very dedicated member, Eniko Howard, who for more than 20 years plays the organ during the Hungarian Mass at the Cistercian Abbey. The MMCC presented her a certificate recognizing her devoted work in every aspect of the community activities.

For most of the guests, the introduction of the soccer players was the focal point of the evening. After the blessing of the new bread by Fr. Julius everyone could eat, drink and meet/talk with the soccer players. Afterwards, they all walked out to the soccer field of the school, where these professionals played with the young and with the people young at heart, teaching them some fancy soccer tricks.
This was a beautiful event, with lots of exciting moments, performances, fantastic food and drinks.

Thanks to all the participants, the co-organizers and great big THANK to you, all the helpers.