On April 15, a coffee evening was organized by Artin Dirameryan at the Armenian Self-Government Office located on Bicskei Street. During the event, medieval Armenian writers’ works were presented. A  speech was delivered by Alex Avanesyan. Members of the Urartu theater group (Olga Kovács, András Tóth, Artin Dirameryan, Viktória Hayk) performed hayrens by Nahapet Kuchak, translated into Hungarian. Works by Nahapet Kuchak and Sayat-Nova were also presented in Armenian  by Flora Hambardzumyan, and 2 songs of Sayat Nova by Anzhela Matevosyan (vocal), Shogher Manukyan (cello), and Movses Ayarian (guitar). Nelson Sahakyan also performed songs in the beginning and during the program. At the end of the event,  LadaNiva’s version of the famous song “Here’s to you Ararat”  was performed in Hungarian for the first time, by Olga Kovács and Viktória Hayk.

Article written by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

Photos by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

Between May 11 and 15, eight of Hungary’s thirteen national minority advocates — representing the Greek, Serbian, Slovak, Polish, Croatian, Bulgarian, and Armenian communities — traveled to Yerevan. This was the first delegation of its kind, specifically composed of national minority representatives, to visit Armenia following the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During the official meetings, the delegation met with Hakob Arshakyan, Deputy Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly. He expressed his pleasure at the meeting and shared his hope that the progressing relationship would expand across various fields, including culture, society, and the economy. Nikogosz Akopjan, the Armenian National Minority Spokersperson in the Hungarian Parliament, along with his host, urged that, following the appointment of the Hungarian head of the Armenian-Hungarian Joint Economic Committee, the appointment of the Armenian head of the committee should also take place as soon as possible, so that relations could develop further.

The delegation also met with members of the Armenia-Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group, as well as representatives of Armenia’s two largest national minorities — the Russian and Yazidi communities. These meetings provided an opportunity to learn about the legal situation of minority communities in both countries, discuss the enhancement of minority rights, and explore possibilities for interethnic cooperation. Representatives of Armenia’s national minorities expressed hope that a genuine, active relationship could be established between the minority communities of the two nations.

As part of the visit, the delegation laid a wreath at the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, paying tribute to the innocent victims of this tragic historical event.

A key planned stop on the short visit was Echmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. As Christianity has been a vital force in the historical development of all national communities, the visit to this site held great significance. In Echmiadzin, the delegation was received by Archbishop Nathan, Director of the External Relations and Protocol Department of the Mother See. While exploring Armenia’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, the delegation also had the opportunity to visit some of the country’s oldest and most significant monasteries.

This visit marks an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation, building inter-parliamentary relations, and promoting intercultural dialogue.

Article written by: Shogher Manukyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

Photos by: Shogher Manukyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

On May 10, in the city of Veszprém, the HAWK Dance Group performed as part of the “Gisella Days” celebrations. Every year in May, Veszprém celebrates “Gisella Days” in honor of Queen Gisella, the wife of King Stephen I. Veszprém is also known as the “City of Queens.” Various events take place throughout the city during the Gisella Days, and this year, the HAWK Dance Group was also part of the festivities.

The dance group presented the following traditional Armenian dances: “Shavali,” “Khosh Bilazig,” “Matsun em merel,” “Dance with Handkerchiefs,” “Ishkhanats Par” (Dance of the Nobles), and “Karno Kochari.” The performance was held on the stage near the Armenian “Ararat” memorial.

The HAWK Dance Group was formed in March 2024 through the initiative of a group of Armenian youth living in Budapest, under the leadership of Sima Ohanyan. Initially, the group was intended for dance lessons, but over time, a professional dance group emerged from the participants. Today, the group is dedicated to presenting and promoting Armenian national culture both in Hungary and beyond. The main members of HAWK are Armenian students residing in Budapest. In the fall of 2024, the HAWK Choir was also established, which focuses on performing and promoting Armenian national and spiritual songs.

Since its formation, the HAWK group has participated in several events. Its first performance took place in Budapest’s 18th district during an event dedicated to Armenian Family and Children’s Day. In September 2024, the group had its first performance outside of Hungary, invited by the Armenian community of Gheorgheni, Transylvania. On November 22, 2024, HAWK held a concert at the K11 Cultural Center, dedicated to the 155th anniversary of Komitas. On March 25, 2025, the HAWK Dance Group performed during the play “Musa Dagh,” staged at Hungary’s National Theatre, commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. In addition to its main performances, the group also takes part in the celebration of Armenian church holidays, organizes dance lessons, and performs at Armenian community events.

Article written by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

Photos by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879