HUNGARY | Socializing | Cultural information
Mentality & Communication
Hungarians are conscious that they have given a lot to Europe and humanity, despite being a small nation. Probably historical reasons are why Hungarians are mistrustful in many things, even among each other. Usually they are very critical and not very tolerant, especially older people.
Young people usually speak the foreign languages they studied in schools (besides English, German is very common). Many of them have worked abroad.
Young people are starting families later these days because of work and career opportunities. However, living in a comon-law marriage is very typical.
When people meet at work or on the street, they greet each other. Men often shake hands, and women kiss each other on the cheek. People also shake hands when they are introduced to each other. Older people may kiss the hand of the ladies at informal meetings. Good friends and relatives often greet each other with kisses, too.
Generally, Hungarians are hard working. They do their jobs well, and they expect the same from others. They are punctual, it is very unlike them to be late anywhere.
Usually Hungarians are talkative only if they are in high spirits. The topic is often fashion and cooking among women, and sport or politics among men. In the latter everybody is an “expert”, but nobody is satisfied!
Invitations
Hungarians are friendly and hospitable, although it is not easy and simple to get into the Hungarian social life. With some basic language and local knowledge and also some patience, in a short time you will find many doors open.
Going out to Eat or Drink
Restaurants, cafeterias and patisseries are common meeting places. Tipping is not characteristic, but usually awaited at restaurants or by the taxi drivers and hair dressers. Bars, pubs and taverns represent the places for social entertaining for less-educated people. Here they consume too much alcohol, especially “palinka”, a strong Hungarian brand of “firewater” made of different fruits (plums, pears, apricots, cherries, etc). Unfortunately, alcoholism is still a serious social problem in Hungary.
Local Customs
Local authorities and/or associations regularly organise spectacular cultural and sport events for families and groups of friends. Usually, these events last for a day or for a week-end, and end with street dancing and fireworks. The biggest street parties in Hungary are on New Year's Eve and on the 20th of August (National Day), but each settlement holds at least one more prominent event during the year. "Sziget-fesztivál" in Budapest is a strongly recommended international event for young people.