Bethlen Communities Cultural Center strives to keep alive Bethlen’s Hungarian background. Cultural programs are regularly scheduled, which entertain and educate the residents of Bethlen Home and Ligonier Garden, in the rich ethnic cultures that contribute to the American way of life. The programs also include activities and events to which the larger Ligonier Valley community and its neighbors are invited.

Name Days:

If you would like to find out when your Name Day is please contact Timea Szep, Cultural Program Director at 724-238-2032 ext. 27.

Farsang 

The first Hungarian Carnival was celebrated in Ligonier on February 20^th at the Darlington Inn where more than 100 people came together and had fun on the traditional event.  We had the honor to welcome Mr. Joseph Fabri the Director of the Hungarian Federation of America .
He made a long trip to be there, but he made sure he will celebrate with us on this special day. The Carnival was based on Transylvanian tradition. This video presents the Comic Funeral of Winter in Transylvania:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K82PCrNDRW8&feature=related

You can read about the First and Second Farsang Celebration in Ligonier, PA on Carolyn Holland’s website: carolyncholland.wordpress.com  Thank you Carolyn for the nice writing about our event!

The Commemoration of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848

was celebrated on March 12, 2011 at the Valley Players in Ligonier. Csardas Dance Company was the special guest of the event. They performed Hungarian dances and song Hungarian songs which was an honor to see and to hear.  Please visit the professional dancer’s website at http://www.csardasdance.com/. To see pictures about the Commemoration that took place in Ligonier please visit: www.shutterfly.com/pro/pribiscophoto2007/lvcsardas11

King St. Stephen’s Day

The Hungarian Revolution of 1956

 is commemorated on October 23. “there was freedom in the air on October 23, 1956 when Hungarian students began demonstrating against the Communist government…Led by students and workers, the spontaneous Hungarian Revolution began.The Soviets, however, felt that they were losing control in Hungary, so they sent in their tanks and troops. The Freedom Fighters fought hard, but by November 4^th, the Hungarians had lost…” 

St. Nicholas Day:

 Residents of Bethlen Communities get St. Nicholas packages in their shoes on December 6 early in the Morning. The packages are provided and delivered by the Cultural Center.  

Hungarian Christmas:

The Hungarian Christmas Tree has its own place at Bethlen Communities. You can see it at the Nursing Home, at the Heritage Center, and at the Ligonier Gardens. To read more about the Hungarian Christmas visit: http://www.hungarotips.com/ch/