Anniversary NATO Festival in the USA with Hungarian Hussars

Text: Office of the HDF National Liaison Representative | Photo: Photos by the office | 15:24 April 25, 2024

This year, the Norfolk NATO festival, which is the oldest festival in the Hampton Roads region and the only one in the USA that celebrates the cooperation of NATO member states, attracted more than five thousand people.

This year is special because of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The one-week-long series of events was closed by the Parade of Nations on 20 April. Floats from each NATO member nation float through the streets of Norfolk, representing their national characteristics and flags, while giving thanks to the town and the residents of the region for hosting NATO units stationed and foreign soldiers serving there. Close cooperation is shown by the fact that many non-governmental organizations, schools and bands also march together with the member states.

After the parade, the International Village opened its gates in the Town Point Park, where those interested could visit the tents of NATO member states, learn about their traditional costumes, get a glimpse of their traditions, take pictures and receive small gifts typical of the countries.

Hungarian military families (and civilian Hungarians working for NATO) also participated in the parade, then at the Hungarian tent, they talked with foreign visitors and Hungarians living there, while handing out brochures and bookmarks with national motifs on them. This year, hussars and soldiers in full dress uniforms arriving for the occasion had an exceptional success, and everybody wanted to take pictures together with them.