• Home
• Channel: Community & Culture
• 'The Best Thing I’ve Done In Budapest', By Jonathan Knott, British Ambassador To Hungary

'The Best Thing I’ve Done In Budapest', By Jonathan Knott, British Ambassador To Hungary

• 30 Dec 2012 6:58 AM

I helped offer a Christmas lunch to the least well-off in Budapest today. It was the best thing I’ve done since I arrived here. The Hungarian Interchurch Aid organisation ran the event, with support from local companies, and I went down with a small group from the Embassy to do what we could to contribute.

Having chatted with the organisers and done some media interviews to try to promote this excellent HIA work, I spent a couple of hours serving paprikas krumpli to those who had gathered at the event. I reckon we must have served around 700 people in all. Some homeless, some in low grade housing; some alone; some with young families.

All in need. The life stories I heard were deeply moving and the situation of many tragic. But the atmosphere of the lunch was joyful. For many, as someone put it, this was their Christmas Day. There were no arguments or queue jumping (as far as I could see). Just good humoured sharing, despite the cold.

It really brought home to me the plight of many in Europe’s big cities. And how important it is for those of us who can to spare time or offer financial support for them to act. The members of HIA who were directing our work were inspirational. And to see and experience their dedication to the least favoured in society was humbling.

I’ve signed up already to support the programme again next Christmas. This time helping prepare as well as serve the food. But I also want to become more involved personally in this work throughout the year. I’ll write about that as it happens.

In the meantime, if you live in Hungary, please consider how you can support organisations like HIA. And if you live elsewhere you might like to look out for similar opportunities to give a little back to society.

Source: British Embassy Budapest

• How does this content make you feel?
• I love it
• I like it
• I dislike it

• Jonathan Knott British Ambassador Hungary

Explore More Reports

Clocks Go Forward In Hungary On Sunday 29 March

• 27 Mar 2026 5:01 PM

Daylight saving time will begin in Hungary on Sunday, March 29, with clocks going forward an hour at 2 am. The EU-standard change will slightly affect railway and Budapest public transport timetables.



Jewish University in Hungary to be Renovated - Gov't has Allocated 13.5 Billion Forints

• 24 Mar 2026 7:26 AM

The Hungarian government has announced a massive 13.5 billion forint (approximately €35 million) allocation for the complete renovation of the Jewish Theological Seminary – University of Jewish Studies (OR-ZSE). EU Affairs Minister János Bóka confirmed the funding on Monday, stating that the works are scheduled to take place throughout 2027 and 2028.



St. Paddy’s Day Celebrated in Budapest Again in Fine Irish Style

• 24 Mar 2026 5:49 AM

A vibrant wave of green swept through Budapest as Szabadság tér came alive with the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. The city centre square buzzed with energy, hosting a full day of music, dance, family-friendly activities, and a lively parade that drew crowds to celebrate Irish culture in the heart of the capital.



Yuri Bashmet & the Russian Youth Symphony Orchestra, Opera House Budapest, 7 April

• 18 Mar 2026 4:25 PM

The legendary Yuri Bashmet returns to Budapest after a long absence to appear on the stage of the Hungarian State Opera with the Russian Youth Symphony Orchestra, which he founded 14 years ago.