Hungary’s Cultural Heritage Expands: New Icons Join the "Hungarikum" List
- 27 Feb 2026 8:22 AM
In a recent announcement, Minister of Agriculture István Nagy confirmed that these additions celebrate the deep-rooted traditions of local gastronomy.
The Hungarian Heritage Collection — a broader registry of national values — has also grown from 162 to 164 entries with the inclusion of the card game Ulti and the legendary "wonder mare," Kincsem.
Culinary Staples Earn National Status
The new additions reflect the diversity of the local palate:
Vecsés Pickles: Specifically the famous sauerkraut associated with the Vecsés region, this staple is a cornerstone of Swabian-Hungarian recipes and regional identity.
Tepertős Pogácsa: Perhaps the most ubiquitous savory snack in the country, these scones preserve the traditional methods of peasant cuisine and remain a fixture at almost every social gathering.
Sporting and Social Legends
Beyond the kitchen, the collections now honor two icons of Hungarian leisure and history:
Ulti: This complex, trick-taking card game is a mainstay of café culture and community life across the country.
Kincsem: Known as the "invincible miracle mare," Kincsem remains the pride of national horse breeding. Born in 1874, she went undefeated in 54 races — a record that still captures the public imagination today. Her story even inspired the 2017 blockbuster film Kincsem, which remains one of the most successful domestic film productions.
These designations aren't just symbolic; they serve to protect and promote the specific cultural DNA that makes life in Hungary unique for locals and expats alike.
MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only
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