A story by Nina Begesh, a communications and administration professional and a holder of the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship. Nina is of Hungarian origin on her father’s side and she has been living in Hungary since 2023. She strongly identifies with Hungarian culture, traditions, and values, and supports the mission of Hungarian communities across borders to preserve cultural identity and build meaningful connections within the global Hungarian network.

One of the first things I noticed after moving to Hungary was how naturally people adapt to the summer heat. Hot summers are normal here, but I rarely hear people complaining about the weather. Instead, they simply change their daily routine and enjoy the season in their own way.

Living in Etyek, I quickly noticed that village life has its own summer rhythm. Early in the morning, the streets are full of people. Neighbors walk to the bakery, buy fresh fruit and vegetables, or stop by the local shop before the day becomes too hot. But by early afternoon, everything becomes quiet. The streets are almost empty, and many people stay indoors during the hottest hours. It reminded me a little of the Spanish siesta, although in Hungary it happens naturally rather than officially.

Summer also has its own flavors. Watermelon seems to be everywhere. It is hard to imagine a Hungarian summer without a big, sweet watermelon shared with family or friends. Fresh cherries, peaches, apricots, and tomatoes from local markets become part of everyday meals, and they taste wonderful.

Of course, no story about a Hungarian summer would be complete without mentioning Lake Balaton. As soon as the weather becomes warm, many families spend weekends there. Some go swimming, others enjoy sailing, cycling, or simply sitting by the water with an ice cream in their hands. Balaton has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to forget about everyday worries.

Budapest has its own summer rhythm. During the hottest part of the day, the city becomes quieter, but in the evening everything changes. As the air becomes cooler, people come outside again. Restaurants and cafés fill with conversations, friends meet on terraces, and families go for evening walks.

One of my favorite summer traditions is walking along the Danube after sunset. There is usually a gentle breeze from the river, the city lights reflect on the water, and Budapest becomes even more beautiful than during the day. People sit on the embankment, listen to street musicians, or simply enjoy being together outdoors.

I think this is one of the things I admire most about Hungarians. They do not try to fight the summer heat—they know how to live with it. They wake up early, slow down when necessary, and make the most of the beautiful evenings.

It is a simple way of living, but it has taught me something important: sometimes the best way to enjoy summer is not to rush, but to follow its natural rhythm.

by Begesh Nina