Click here to see a photo gallery of the event

This was a particular “Adopt a Granny” event, where children from a local orphanage and seniors from the Vázsonyi Vilmos Retirement Home, got together to have some fun and conversation. What nicer way to begin the New Year than with some pampering, with the help of make-up artist Lyn deGara (Aramis Golden Jelmezkölcsönző Kft.), who supplied us with top hats, canes, feather boas, cravats and tiaras. The seniors just sat back and enjoyed this lovely experience, which was finished off with a photo shoot.

The next event was the “Gift exchange”, which was a starting point to an enlightening morning on the special days of the Hungarian calendar, with guest speaker Edit Meszaros. The ladies were divided up at tables by the Chinese horoscope as they learned about what to expect during the coming year in Hungary and the various traditions that happen throughout.

Did you know that Hungarians believe that you should not throw out your garbage on New Year’s Day because you will be throwing away your luck? Good job we had had a late one the night before, and were in no mood to do something so strenuous…

I really enjoy the NAWA events I attend, and feel that every little bit that they do counts. You can always see the enjoyment this brings and long may they continue to do so.

Words and photos by Russell Skidmore for XpatLoop.com
After an extensive career in advertising - as an Art Director & Creative Director in London, Paris and Budapest for leading agencies - Russel transferred the skills and knowledge gained to the development of his own successful company covering wedding, event, PR and portrait photography: www.russell-skidmore-photography.co.uk