Portik Ingrid Csenge írása
This season, the streets have been transformed into a charming winter wonderland.
Since the first Sunday of Advent, the town has been wrapped in festive spirit: strings of lights stretch across the main square, the air is filled with the warm scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and fresh ’kürtőskalács’, and the traditional Christmas market is officially open.
Hundreds of visitors gathered for the grand opening last weekend, eager to witness the lighting of the town’s towering Christmas tree. Standing 14 meters tall and decorated with handcrafted ornaments made by local artisans, it has already become the centerpiece of this year’s celebrations.
Veres Júlia highlighted the importance of tradition in her speech:
“A town is defined by its strong sense of community. Christmas reminds us of what brings us together—family, neighbours, and shared joy.”
The Christmas market features a lively mix of regional crafts, warm drinks, and local specialties including Csíki beer, Gyergyó cheese, honey products, and festive pastries. A small stage provides daily entertainment: school choirs perform traditional Hungarian and Romanian carols during the day, while local musicians bring a cozy holiday atmosphere to the evenings.
Children have plenty to enjoy. A dedicated corner offers craft tables, a small carousel, and—most exciting for the little ones—daily visits from ’Mikulás’. On December 6th, he will hand out special gift packages filled with sweets and books donated by the town library.
This year’s festival also carries a message of solidarity. Volunteers are collecting donations for families in need and organizing warm meals to be distributed on Christmas Eve.
Hope the festive spirit will continue to draw visitors from across the region. For many, the Christmas festival is more than just an annual event—it is a celebration of belonging, tradition, and the enduring warmth of the community.
Merry Christmas! 🎄
Portik Csenge, X.
