This year's annual St. Nick’s Day Celebration was proudly hosted by the Tulipán Foundation in collaboration with the Arany János Hungarian School and the Hungarian Scout Troops of New York. This heartwarming gathering was filled with holiday spirit, festive activities, and cherished Hungarian traditions, with a full day of festivities taking place at two locations throughout the city: Tulipán’s headquarters in the morning and the Hungarian House in the afternoon, welcoming a total of 150 participants at each venue.
The day began at Tulipán with the students of the Arany János Hungarian School, where families eagerly awaited the arrival of St. Nick. Excitement filled the air as children took photos with St. Nick and received special treats. Adding to the joyful atmosphere, live music from the Fészer Folk Music Band accompanied the morning’s activities, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in the celebration.
As the event unfolded, families participated in traditional Hungarian arts and crafts workshops led by talented artisans from the Nádudvar Folk Handicrafts Vocational High School, including Fanni Nagy, Boglárka Négyesi, and Benedek Porkoláb. Participants explored the art of felt making, corn husk crafts, leatherwork, and Christmas decoration crafting, forging a meaningful connection to traditional Hungarian folk art.
Festivities continued at the Hungarian House, the home of the Hungarian Scout Troops of New York. This venue welcomed a larger community gathering, where students and faculty from the Nádudvar Folk Handicrafts Vocational High School enriched the event with a captivating nativity play. Guests also engaged in hands-on activities like gingerbread decorating and ornament making, further immersing themselves in the holiday spirit.
Throughout the day, folk music and dance performances brought everyone together, highlighting Hungary's rich cultural heritage. The Holdvilág Band joined the festivities, inspiring families to sing, dance, and connect with one another in the spirit of joy and generosity.
This special event reflected the strong ties within the Hungarian-American community, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural traditions and fostering creativity. It provided a wonderful moment for families to come together, share in the joy of the season, and connect with Hungarian customs through crafts and music.
The Tulipán Foundation is honored to support such meaningful celebrations alongside the Arany János Hungarian School and the Hungarian Scout Troops. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making this day special and look forward to continuing this cherished tradition, bringing families together to celebrate the joy and warmth of St. Nick’s Day for many years to come.