48th Annual Western Canadian
Hungarian Folk Festival

On behalf of the City of Calgary, I am honoured to recognize the enduring
contributions of Calgary’s Hungarian community and to extend my warmest
congratulations on the occasion of the Western Canadian Hungarian Folk Festival. For decades, this festival has stood as a vibrant celebration of Hungarian heritage,
bringing together generations through folk dance, music, and tradition, while
enriching Calgary’s cultural life and strengthening the spirit of community.

The Western Canadian Hungarian Folk Festival is a treasured tradition that
preserves the richness of Hungarian culture and shares it proudly within Canada’s
multicultural landscape. Through authentic performances, workshops, and
community gatherings, the festival provides an important opportunity for
participants and audiences alike to experience the beauty, discipline, and
storytelling of Hungarian folk traditions. Its continued success reflects the
dedication of organizers, performers, families, and volunteers who work tirelessly
to keep these traditions alive.

I extend my sincere appreciation to Vadrózsa Hungarian Folk Dancers of Calgary,
and my very best wishes for a memorable and successful celebration. May the
Western Canadian Hungarian Folk Festival continue to inspire pride, strengthen
cultural connections, and foster greater understanding and appreciation for
Hungarian heritage in Calgary and across Western Canada for many years to come.

It is my honour as Ambassador Plenipotentiary of Hungary to Canada to express my unwavering support for the 48th Western Canadian Hungarian Folk Festival in Calgary.

We are delighted to hear that traditional Hungarian dances are continually being presented to familiar and new audiences, and we congratulate all members of the Vadrózsa troupe on their excellence and perseverance in practice. We wholeheartedly believe that it is an honourable commitment by all involved, whether of Hungarian or foreign ancestry, to uphold our stories and ancestral ties through rhythm, melodies, and movements.

The vadrózsa, or wild rose, is a potent symbol of resilience, vitality and the strength of life. This flower blooms delicately yet thrives in the harsh and unpredictable climate of the Canadian prairies. The name reflects the Hungarian community in the prairies and Western Canada, going back to the
original settlers of the late 19th century who endured treacherous conditions. Through sweat, sacrifice and determination, they eventually blossomed into the beautiful Hungarian diaspora community we see today.

As we approach October 23", I would also like to highlight the upcoming 70th anniversary of the 1956 revolution, which is a remarkable milestone in many regards. From both sides of the Atlantic, we take this moment to acknowledge those that sacrificed themselves for the freedom and prosperity of the Hungarian people. Furthermore, Hungarian emigrants to Canada strengthened the bond between our nations, now linked by a thousand diaspora ties. The 1956 refugees and their descendants have excelled in many areas of life and made significant contributions to Canadian society, bringing great pride to their homeland.

On behalf of the Embassy of Hungary to Canada, I would like to express our gratitude and solidarity to all the distinguished guests and donors in attendance, and to extend special thanks to the wonderful organisers of this memorable evening.

Wishing all attendees, a delightful evening!

Greetings to the 48th Annual Western Canadian Hungarian Folk Festival
Dear Organizers, Participants, Guests, and Friends,
As the Canadian Regional President of the Hungarian Diaspora Council, it is my great pleasure
and honour to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 2026 Western Canadian
Hungarian Folk Festival in Calgary.
This wonderful celebration is a testament to the strength, vitality, and enduring spirit of the
Hungarian community across Canada. Through music, dance, song, language, and cherished
traditions, we keep our cultural heritage alive—heritage entrusted to us by our ancestors. One of
our greatest responsibilities is to preserve our love of folk dancing and ensure that this rich
heritage is passed on to our children and to future generations of Hungarians in Canada.
Festivals such as this remind us that our Hungarian heritage is not only a connection to our past,
but also a living and vibrant part of our present and our future. They bring families and
communities together, strengthen friendships, and create opportunities for young people to
experience, appreciate, and embrace the traditions that define us.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the Vadrózsa organizers. The hard work and dedication of
volunteers, performers, musicians, dancers, cultural groups, families, and supporters have helped
make this festival a cherished tradition for nearly half a century. The commitment and
contribution of each and every one of you are invaluable to the Hungarian diaspora across
Canada.
May the 2026 Western Canadian Hungarian Folk Festival be filled with joyful music,
outstanding performances, spirited dancing, meaningful encounters, and the warmth of
community.
May this celebration strengthen our connections and inspire us to continue preserving, nurturing,
and celebrating our Hungarian heritage for generations to come.
With my warmest wishes for a successful and memorable festival,

Anna Szenthe
Canadian Regional President
Hungarian Diaspora Council
President
Canadian Hungarian Heritage Council