Where the Heart Beats in Hungarian

Toronto, June 15, 2025 – More than 100,000 attendees gathered at Sankofa Square in the heart of Toronto for HungaroFest 2025, a full-day celebration of Hungarian culture, innovation, and community. The event, organized by the HEPA Regional Office Canada, has become the largest Hungarian festival in North America — and this year’s edition was its most successful yet.

Official Opening with Distinguished Guests

HungaroFest 2025 was officially opened by Levente Magyar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary. Guests were warmly welcomed by Sándor Balla, Executive Director of HEPA Regional Office Canada and the festival’s Founder-Organizer.

Further remarks were delivered by:

• Ambassador Mária Vass-Salazar, Embassy of Hungary in Ottawa

• Rudy Cuzetto, Member of Provincial Parliament

• Brad Bradford, Toronto City Councillor

Notable dignitaries in attendance included Dr. János Jákó, Consul General, and Dr. Gábor Péter Artner, Deputy CEO of the HEPA Hungarian Export Promotion Agency. In the afternoon, Mayor Olivia Chow also greeted festivalgoers and visited several Hungarian booths.

Unity Through Culture, Music, and Community

The event’s success was driven by the strong unity of the Hungarian-Canadian community and the unwavering support of the HEPA Hungarian Export Promotion Agency.

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a rich lineup of cultural performances:

• Kodály Ensemble of Toronto, Rozmaring Folk Dance Group (Hamilton), and the Gyanta Band captivated audiences with traditional folk dance.

• Eszter Perl performed classic Hungarian melodies on the zither, while Frigyes Tompa reimagined 1980s rock ballads.

• Csángó Unchained brought lively Moldavian rhythms to life.

• Evening concerts featured Lilla Polyák, Selected Crew, Ildikó Keresztes, and Platon Karataev.

• The night closed with an energetic show by Bohemian Betyars, followed by Don’t Stop The Queen, returning for their third performance at the festival.

A Showcase of Hungarian Excellence

At the Soul of Hungary tent, visitors could explore a curated selection of premium Hungarian products and brands, many of which are actively seeking Canadian partnerships and retail opportunities.

Featured Brands Included:

• Primus Mineral Water – Natural, refreshing hydration

• RoyalPaté – Gourmet goose liver pâtés

• Herbow – Eco-friendly laundry care

• Tormaricum – Traditional horseradish condiments

• Nobilis. – Innovative fruit-based snacks

• Hungaroharvest – Premium honeys

• Stühmer Édesség – Iconic chocolates and confectionery

• ZADOR – Artisan soaps

• Matyó Design – Embroidered fashion and décor

Both Mayor Olivia Chow and Deputy Minister Levente Magyar visited the tent, expressing their appreciation for Hungary’s blend of heritage and innovation.

Culinary Highlights

Hungarian cuisine was another major draw, with long lines forming for traditional favorites:

• Lángos, gulyás, breaded pork cutlets, and kürtőskalács (chimney cake)

• Community booths by the Orbán Balázs Society, Bácska–Bánát Hungarian Circle, and the Hungarian House of Toronto offered authentic homemade dishes.

Spotlight on Innovation – Uphome Smart Living

The Uphome booth drew strong interest with its interactive presentation of the Chameleon Smart Home System, a Hungarian-developed technology for modern and energy-efficient living. Visitors explored smart home solutions tailored for both residential and multi-unit buildings.

Wines of Hungary – A Toast to Tradition and Craft

Thanks to Con-nois-seur Wine Imports, festivalgoers had the opportunity to sample a diverse range of Hungarian wines. Highlights included:

• Sebestyén Winery (Szekszárd)

• Pannonhalma Abbey Winery, both available in Ontario

• Bock Winery, whose representatives offered tastings and insights on-site

A Shared Celebration of Culture and Opportunity

HungaroFest 2025 was not only a celebration of Hungarian heritage but also a strategic platform to promote Hungarian businesses and exports to the Canadian market. From gastronomy to technology, the festival demonstrated the strength of Hungary’s creative and industrial sectors.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all visitors, performers, exhibitors, volunteers, and partners — especially to the HEPA Hungarian Export Promotion Agency — for making this unforgettable event possible.