"Gyöngyösbokréta" (1931–1948): An Interwar Folk-Cultural Movement That Influenced Identity Construction and Heritage Preservation

Andor, Anna Klára (2020) "Gyöngyösbokréta" (1931–1948): An Interwar Folk-Cultural Movement That Influenced Identity Construction and Heritage Preservation. Pro&Contra, 4 (2). pp. 5-28. ISSN 2630-8916

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Abstract

The post-World War I period was characterized by a search for identity and a turning towards the past, which, in Hungary’s case led to the (re)discovery of folk culture. The idea to represent the popular traditions of the Hungarian peasantry was realized as part of the Saint Stephen’s Day celebration in 1931 in Budapest, and in just a few years, these annual performances of the popular dances and customs became a movement: the support of the ministries allowed the movement’s leader to form an association which was joined by a hundred groups from Greater Hungary. Whereas the government saw the potential in this movement, these peasant groups were soon given a representative role in the identity construction. At the same time, these performances also served to preserve the endangered folk heritage. In a decade and a half, the movement had an impact on fashion and tourism, as well as strengthening the idea of revision. In this article I aim to present the history of the Gyöngyösbokréta-movement and highlight the mentality of the era regarding popular culture, the relationship between rural Hungary and Budapest, the notion of heritage preservation and identity construction.

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