When talking about Hungary it is impossible to ignore the numerous traditions that come with the illustrious history and culture of the country - from the advent wreaths of Christmas to Luca Day - there are many wonderful traditions to behold. However, a special place is reserved for the new year’s traditions that take place in the country each year. Surrounded by the warmth of friends and family, traditions passed down from generation to generation light up homes around the country.

In Hungary, Christmas Eve is very important and is called 'Szent-este' which means Holy Evening. People spend the evening with their family and decorate the Christmas Tree. Sometimes only the adults decorate the tree (without the children there), so when children come in and see the tree, it's a great surprise and they are told that angels brought the tree for them!

It is that time of the year again when the call for applications for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship has been published. To the prospective students it is an exciting time as your mind overflows with imaginations as to how your life abroad will be. You might be googling images of your dream universities and spending hours on end online just reading about Hungarian culture and anything just to keep your oomph to the max!