How to Learn About Hungarian Folklore

Hungarian folklore is often experienced through folk dance and folk music. Dance and music groups all over the world preserve this colorful and lively tradition by performing at festivals. But Hungary also has a rich tradition of tales, myths and legends. Taken together, they will help you experience the beauty of Hungarian culture.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start with some general resources. The Hungarian Online Resources features announcements and news about events around the world. You can also click on a link to the American Hungarian Folklore Centrum with information on folk musicians, photographs and Hungarian needlework. Call the American Hungarian Museum in Passaic, New Jersey, at [phone] or [phone] to find out what hours they're open and what special programs they have.

2. Listen to Hungarian folk music on the Internet at Folkradio.hu. You'll find links in the sidebar on the right for streaming commercial-free Hungarian folk songs. Search your local music store's shelves or Amazon.com for music by Bela Bartok, Hungary's celebrated composer, who was influenced by Hungarian folk music.

3. Keep your eyes open for listings of Hungarian folk dance troupes. Aron Szekely, a folk dancer, maintains a blog where he reports on his activities, as well as those of other Hungarian dance groups. Search Google.com for folk dance camps to see performances in full costume and maybe learn some dance steps of your own.

4. Look for "One-Time Dog Market at Buda and Other Hungarian Folktales" by Irma Molnar on Amazon.com or at your local library.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the keywords "Hungarian folktale" in Amazon and library catalogs to get a list of children's books based on Hungarian tales.
• Don't skip camps, festivals and events for international folk dances where you might find Hungarian dance troupes.