Representatives of Uzbekistan took part for the first time in the 21st Hungarian National Festival of Traditional Cuisine “XXI Local Product Hungarikum Festival”.

The event was held in the central square of Kecskemét, the administrative center of Bács-Kiskun County.

Dedicated to promoting unique national values known as “Hungarikum” – symbols of Hungarian pride that include cultural, culinary, and artisanal achievements – the festival served as a vivid platform for international cultural exchange.

Uzbekistan’s national booth became one of the event’s focal points, attracting widespread interest from festival guests. Visitors were presented with a rich display of the country’s culture, history, and tourism potential. Special attention was drawn to exhibits showcasing traditional crafts, folk art, and exquisite works by Uzbek artisans made using ancient techniques.

Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament Sándor Lezsák welcomed Uzbekistan’s participation in the festival, praised the centuries-old cultural heritage of the Uzbek people, and emphasized the country’s unique tourism potential. He noted that Uzbekistan’s presence added special significance to the event, symbolizing the two countries’ aspiration for closer ties through people-to-people diplomacy.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan Oybek Shakhavdinov highlighted the importance of deepening cultural exchange between the two nations. He noted that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Hungary marked a new chapter in bilateral relations, launching an expanded strategic partnership covering a broad range of humanitarian, economic, and cultural initiatives.

Over two days, more than a thousand people visited Uzbekistan’s national booth, including residents of Kecskemét, guests from various regions of Hungary, and representatives of the cultural and business communities. Festival participants had a unique opportunity to explore the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage, traditional crafts, cuisine, and tourism potential.

UzA