Valentine’s Day

Saint Valentine's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world on the 14th February each year.

Folk traditions

While the custom of sending cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts originated, Valentine's Day still remains connected with various regional customs.

In Norfolk, a character called 'Jack' Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although he was leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person.

In Slovenia, Saint Valentine or ’Zdravko’ was one of the saints of spring, the saint of good health and the patron of beekeepers and pilgrims. It is also said that birds propose to each other or marry on Valentine’s day.

In South Korea women give chocolate to men on the 14th February, and men give non-chocolate candy to women on the 14th March (White Day). On the 14th April (Black Day), those who did not receive anything on the 14th February or March go to a Korean restaurant to eat black and "mourn" their single life.

Legend or history?

A popular hagiographical account of Saint Valentine of Rome states that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. According to legend, during his imprisonment, he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius. An embellishment to this story states that before his execution he wrote her a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell.

Something that you need to know about Santa Claus…

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas and simply "Santa", is a fantasy figure with legendary, mythical, historical and folkloric origins who, in many western cultures, is said to bring gifts to the homes of the good children on the night before Christmas, December 24.

In the United States and Canada, children traditionally leave Santa a glass of milk and a plate of cookies; in Britain and Australia, he is sometimes given sherry or beer, and mince pies instead. In Sweden and Norway, children leave rice porridge. In Ireland it is popular to give him Guinness or milk, along with Christmas pudding or mince pies.

During the Christianization of Germanic Europe, the figure of Santa Claus may have absorbed elements of the god Odin, who was associated with the Germanic pagan midwinter event of Yule and led the Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession through the sky.

The tradition of Santa Claus entering dwellings through the chimney is shared by many European seasonal gift-givers. In pre-Christian Norse tradition, Odin would often enter through chimneys and fireholes on the solstice.

In Hungary, St. Nicolaus comes on the night of December 5 and children get their gifts the next morning. They get sweets in a bag if they were good, and a golden colored birch switch if not.

On Christmas Eve "Little Jesus" himself comes and gives gifts for everyone…

Windmill Farm - 5-star holiday cottages in the English countryside

Situated on the fringes of the Peak District, Weathericks self-catering holiday cottages offer premium accommodation surrounded by stunning scenery and historic market towns. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break or a luxury base to explore the Peaks, the crofts provide a unique and comfortable setting.

The larger of the two cottages, Bradstones was once a barn used to house cattle. Renovation has transformed the steading into a luxurious and spacious cottage whilst retaining its character.

The stable door opens into a large, open-plan kitchen complete with a dining table and chairs. The kitchen is fitted with hand-made pine units and all the appliances needed to make you feel right at home. The large wooden dining table allows easy access around the kitchen.

Into the sitting room, you are greeted by two large sofas, a coffee table and a large stone fireplace, cast iron fire with a gas coal effect stove. The beamed roof and flag stoned wall and stairway maintain the history of the building and a set of large doors lead into a small furnished patio.

The traditionally decorated stairway (take care when going up and down) leads to a bright landing off which are the bedrooms and bathroom.

In the smaller cottage, Weathericks, you'll find a full range of appliances and plenty of storage space. The kitchen holds a large dining table that sits six. The beamed ceiling retains the character and history of this old barn at no cost to the luxury.

The sitting room's main feature is the gritstone fireplace with a gas coal effect log burning stove. The large sofa offers beautiful views out the patio doors towards Carsington Water reservoir. The patio is furnished with a table and chairs and leads into the shared lawn area…

„Jean! We loved it... Roses, wine, wildflower meadow, our own peacock and its love affair with the pleasant, and dinner outside under the moon; you didn't forget a thing! We could live here forever. You've done an amazing job with these two cottages - thank you so much!”

Joe Hall and Sue Branch, Massachusetts, USA - May '12

Our language school regularly organizes intensive language courses with native teachers to Weathericks and Bradstones cottages. 

But if you just want to spend some time in the English countryside with your family, Jean Hurdle, our host would also welcome you to her farm. 

You can find more information about it on the following website: www.weathericks.co.uk

From November, 2013, a low-cost airline, Jet2 flies from Budapest to East Midlands airport which is just a stone's throw from the cottages.

Popular festivals of Hungary II.

Cervinus Art Fesztivál

You can find several different cultural programs from classical music concerts to historical plays here – Cervinus Art Fesztivál is a perfect destination for the whole family. While their children are taking part in archery and other sport events, parents can enjoy various theatrical performances.

Művészetek Völgye

This festival became popular for its classical-, and folk music concerts, plays, literary evenings and exhibitions. If you like arts, music and literature, Művészetek Völgye in Kapolcs is a great place to visit!

Bor, Mámor, Bénye

Oanophiles are waiting for enquirers in Tokaj, where Bor, Mámor, Bénye gastrocultural festival is organized. The original aim of this event was to show people the famous wines, growers and manufacturers of Tokaj.

Ördögkatlan Fesztivál

Simplicity and quality at the same place! There are so many and so various programs – it’s impossible to make a list of the handcrafting, music and family events. The only thing you can be sure about is wherever you go, you meet kindness and love in Ördögkatlan Fesztivál!

Hungarikum Fesztivál – Szeged

It’s a lot more than a simple festival – all products you see are Hungarian made by Hungarian people and reflects Hungarian culture! Purchase the best wines, taste the hot fish soup and feel the atmosphere of Hungarikum Fesztivál!

Debreceni Virágkarnevál

It started about a century ago with some bouquets but nowadays it’s getting more and more popular due to the huge statues made from flowers. The procession and fireworks attract thousands of people and children to Debrecen every year.

Nemzetközi Tiszai Halfesztivál

Imagine plenty of cauldrons and the smell of spicy fishsoup in the air on the bank of the River Tisza. Moreover, there are many different programs, and the market to purchase the goods of local traders.

Csabai Kolbászfesztivál

Don’t miss Csabai Kolbászfesztivál if you like sausages and Hungarian spices! Békés County is famous for its products and traditional methods of sausage-making. Hundreds of respecters arrive every year from around the world to purchase this popular and delicious speciality.