The traditional, annual Hungarian Christmas Bazaar was held in the Women's Club of Bethesda, Maryland, on October 27-28. Ambassador Ferenc Somogy, Mrs. Andrea Bors Somogyi and their two sons, Balázs and Bence visited the Bazaar on October 28.

 

Ambassador Ferenc Somogyi with his sons, Balázs (left) and Bence, talking to Frank Kapitan of HRFA

The annual Christmas Bazaar is organized by the Hungarian Scouts of the metropolitan area. The Bazaar offers local Hungarians and their American friends to enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine, to listen to Hungarian folk music, to buy Christmas presents, and to socialize.
 

The Somogyis at the Hungarian Christmas Bazaar with Zsuzsa Takács (left) behind the stand

The Scout organizers, led by Zsuzsa Takács and Jutka Kölüs, work very hard to maintain the bazaar every year and to maintain their Hungarian language, traditions in compliance with the rules of the Scouts.
  

The DC girl scouts' Hungarian folk dance group

The scout girls performed the Dunantúli Bottle dance many times during the weekend with great success. It was very uplifting to see the younger generation give such a high quality performance. Congratulations to the girls, to their teachers Sylvia Kovács and Árpád Kovács, and to their parents for the sacrifice they make for the girls and scouts.
 

Ferenc, Bence and Balázs Somogyi at the Bazaar

The Tisza Ensemble performed as well on Sunday, offering Mezőségi, Mezőkölpenyi and Széki dances from Transylvania. The ensemble celebrates its remarkable 25th anniversary this year. They have been regular performers at the Christmas Bazaars for many years.
 

Zsuzsa Bordás, Noémi Toka and Gyula Balogh from the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America

The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America participated as a vendor and sponsor of the event. They provided several prizes for the raffle that took place on both days.

by Noémi Toka and Zoltán Fehér