Why `Hungary Day` In Georgia Is Important

Written by The Honorary Consulate of Hungary - Atlanta

For many people in the world, United States of America means the country of freedom and opportunities; a country where many ethnic, racial and religious groups can live together in peace, one another as good neighbors. This multicultural society does not weaken – it strengthens the country. The Hungarians are also part of this multicultural society.

Throughout history, many Hungarians had to leave their home country because of economic or political turmoil. The USA opened its gates to Hungarian immigrants during several difficult periods. Skilled Hungarian laborers and renowned professionals came to the USA because of its freedom to pursue new careers and to raise their families. Thus, today over two million Hungarians live in the USA; and several thousands of them, a relatively small but growing community, live in Georgia.

To preserve their rich culture, the Hungarian community of Georgia started a new tradition in 2010 with the Hungarian Carnival Ball, or Farsang. This year, they have organized the Third Hungarian Ball for February 18, 2012.

The Hungarian Ball, which will be held at The Carlyle House in Norcross, is organized by the Hungarian Community Church of Georgia, the Honorary Consulate of Hungary in Southeast U.S., and The Hungarian Meetup Group in Atlanta.

The Georgia House of Representatives will declare this day an official Hungary Day in Georgia.

Is the Hungary Day important? Yes, it is. With the Proclamation of the Hungary Day, the State of Georgia sends a clear message to Hungarians and non-Hungarians alike that everybody can play an integral role in the life and community of Georgia.

“It is a special privilege to accept the invitation to serve as a Main Patron of the Third Annual Hungarian Ball, or Farsang. Georgia is home to a remarkable Hungarian community that, with this third Farsang, continues a now well-established Georgia tradition. I am proud to be included in the Hungarian-American community and to have this opportunity to participate in the Third Annual Hungarian Ball,” said Mr. John E. Parkerson, Jr., Honorary Consul of Hungary, President of the World Trade Center Atlanta, and Director of International Programs for Clayton State University.

Business, educational and cultural ties between the state of Georgia and the country of Hungary are growing. Hungary, an EU member and NATO ally country of 10 million people in Central Europe, is today a truly important partner of Georgia.

As further evidence of the growing connections between Georgia and Hungary, His Excellency György Szapáry, Ambassador of Hungary to the United States, will visit Atlanta on Friday, February 17 and Saturday February 18. Mr. Parkerson has been working closely with the embassy in Washington to arrange meetings for the Ambassador, including “Hungary Day in Georgia” proclamations from the State of Georgia. The Ambassador will open the Hungarian Ball as guest of honor; and guests will enjoy folk dance performance, live music, traditional farsang acting, socializing, raffles, and doing whatever else Hungarians do when they celebrate Carnival.

The Hungarian Ball serves as a fundraising function for the colorful Hungarian cultural activities and educational programs.