So here we are, after the end of the world (do you remember? it was 21 december 2012), sound and safe, fat after all those Christmas feasts and cookies, and in the usual winter depression. Actually, I never understood why the New Year has to come in the middle of the December-January transition full with darkness, cold, snow and depression... I'd rather have it in spring when the flowers blossom, it would make more sense, wouldn't it?... Anyway, long story short, this is how we do it today and HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone and see what you need as a Hungarian to glide into 2013 with luck and happiness :)
First thing you need to learn is: BUÉK (pronounced something like BOO-AE-K). It is the abbreviation of Boldog Új Évet Kívánok (I wish you a Happy New Year). Actually, funny people used to decipher it in alternative way like "Budapest Újra Éhezni Kezd"(Budapest starts starving again) - I remember these signs around my school as a teenager. Anyhow, usually we mean it the positive way and it is really the one and only thing to say when it is the midnight gong.
Those on the eternal Christmas-New Year's holidays usually start celebrating already the day before. You can recognize these people on the trams, already wearing a wig and seeming to have drunk too much energy drinks - you just watch them, reading your book you got as a gift for Christmas, and they are the ones making you realize "Oh my God, tomorrow is Szilveszter!"
What the heck is Szilveszter, you ask me? :) Szilveszter are Hungarian guys and they celebrate their namedays on the 31st December. Hungarian call New Year's Eve/Day simply Szilveszter. So questions would be like: "Where will you spend your Szilveszter?". These are questions coming up from early December each year.
Well, a good Budapesters plans it well beforehand - however, you have to maintain the cool laid back attitude that you do not care and you will decide only in the last moment from the many options.
I swear to myself every year to stay at home sleeping so I avoid the terrible 2-day-hangovers and the crazy people rushing around in town with many dangerous explosives which seem to be huge fun for many of us, and huge paranoia for others :) Petards are banned officially but not many take this warning seriously....
I never stayed at home. Once I was on a plane at the midnight hout but that would be another story.
The cozy-crazy option is the house party. You will probably eat 'VIRSI' (frankfurter) with mustard at midnight and say BUÉK with your glass of champagne. Standing straight up half-drunk for the supersad Hungarian National Anthem feels a little awkward sometimes but it is still performed usually, we pay this respect to our history.
Popular are the so called CSILLAGSZÓRÓk (literally translated it means Star Sparkler) - everyone knows the feeling of standing outside in the cold garden with your frozen fingers holding this magic little stick. Watching it burn, a delight in the darkness.
If you opted for the a crazy night out in town, you better prepare to feel comfortable with Rocky Horror Picture Show kind of looking people around you everywhere. It is THE day for the wig and silly dress up sellers.
In bars and clubs the dance fever is on, and virtually everything is possible. Up to you, you will find a party on each corner.
Hangover kill in a spa is highly recommended for those who stopped the time.
The 1st January, do not forget to eat lentils! They are okay in any form, but if you want to be rich and wealthy for 2013, you had better keep this tradition even you desire a ham and eggs instead. The more the lentils, the more the money coins - isn't obvious?
Well, underguide team wishes you a fabulous 2012 Szilveszter Party and an even better kick off for 2013!
Zsuzsa Bakonyi
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