Uzbekistan Debuts at Hungary’s 21st National Festival of Traditional Cuisine
Kecskemét, The Gulf Observer: Uzbekistan participated for the first time in the 21st Hungarian National Festival of Traditional Cuisine, known as the “XXI Local Product Hungarikum Festival,” held in the central square of Kecskemét, the administrative center of Bács-Kiskun County.
Dedicated to promoting “Hungarikum” — unique national values symbolizing Hungary’s cultural, culinary, and artisanal pride — the festival provided a vibrant platform for international cultural exchange. This year, Uzbekistan’s participation added a distinct dimension to the event’s spirit of cross-cultural dialogue.
Uzbekistan’s national booth became a focal point of the festival, attracting significant interest from local residents, international visitors, and members of the cultural and business communities. Guests were presented with a comprehensive showcase of the country’s historical heritage, tourism potential, and vibrant traditions. Particularly well-received were the displays of traditional crafts, folk art, and intricately crafted items produced using ancient artisanal techniques.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament Sándor Lezsák warmly welcomed Uzbekistan’s debut at the festival, commending the rich cultural heritage of the Uzbek people and underlining the country’s growing appeal as a tourism destination. He emphasized that Uzbekistan’s participation brought added significance to the festival, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through cultural diplomacy.
Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Hungary Oybek Shakhavdinov highlighted the importance of intensifying cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two nations. He noted that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s recent official visit to Hungary marked a pivotal milestone in Uzbek-Hungarian relations, launching a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing economic, cultural, and social spheres.
Over the course of two days, more than a thousand visitors explored Uzbekistan’s national booth, including residents of Kecskemét, guests from across Hungary, and representatives of various sectors. Attendees were offered a unique opportunity to engage with Uzbekistan’s rich historical and cultural identity through its traditional cuisine, handicrafts, and tourism offerings.
Uzbekistan’s participation in the “Hungarikum Festival” represents an important step in fostering closer people-to-people connections and expanding cultural exchange with Hungary and the broader European community.
