Transplanted to Transylvania: Inside the Unstoppable Spirit and Regal Elegance of the Hungary-Pannonia Pavilion

By: Donovan Martin Sr, Editor in Chief

Don Woodstock – Contributor

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Stepping into the Hungary-Pannonia Pavilion at Folklorama is not merely a visit to another cultural showcase; it is a vivid, breathtaking transportation into centuries of the old country. From the resounding strike of a heel on the floorboards to the spellbinding precision of historic choreography, the pavilion pulses with an energy so infectious and authentic that once you are inside, you simply don’t want to leave.

At the visual forefront of this majestic display is the cultural attire. The garments are crisp, exceptionally clean, and undeniably regal, rendering the performers in a living tapestry of Hungarian heritage. Intricate floral embroidery, vibrant folk motifs, heavily pleated skirts, and perfectly tailored vests reflect decades of carefully preserved tradition. Every twirl of a skirt and stomp of a polished boot highlights the exquisite craftsmanship, effortlessly transporting audiences directly into the heart of Eastern European splendor.

Behind this massive, beating heart of culture are two absolute legends of the festival: Laura Benesocky and Liz Kovach. Both veterans boast over four decades of unparalleled Folklorama experience, serving as the ultimate pillars of the pavilion with a graceful dedication that commands quiet respect.

Walk around the grounds, and you are bound to spot Laura with a radiant smile that sets the tone for the entire room. Over her remarkable forty-plus years, she has done it all: coordinating schedules, dancing on stage, lending a tireless hand in the kitchen, and pitching in wherever needed. Yet, amid the chaotic demands of running a massive operation, she embodies the ultimate spirit of family. One minute she is ensuring every operational detail runs with absolute precision; the next, she is tenderly cradling the adorable baby of one of the junior volunteers and performers. To her, everyone who walks through the doors is family.

That deep-rooted warmth flows seamlessly into the mainstage production, commanded with unmatched charisma by Liz. People naturally come for the world-class food, but it is Liz’s magnetic stage presence, storytelling, and witty banter with her co-host that truly elevates the experience. Her voice commands the room effortlessly, keeping the crowd glued to their seats. As Liz aptly noted, gesturing to the grand scale of the sizzling traditional dishes, the roaring music, and the elaborate dances: “This is our Stanley Cup playoffs.”

Speaking of the culinary spread, no journey to the pavilion is complete without savoring the legendary Hungarian fried bread (lángos). Freshly prepared to golden perfection, it is an absolute revelation—equally incredible when dusted with sweet powdered sugar or rubbed simply with garlic and salt. It is comfort food at its finest, matching the warmth of the hospitality surrounding it.

That unwavering resilience and passion extended directly to the musical accompaniment. The live music was delivered by a wildly dedicated band that traveled all the way from the Transylvania region. Their journey to Winnipeg was a cinematic odyssey: battling missed international flights, lost luggage, and grueling nights sleeping on hard airport benches, these musicians defied every logistical nightmare to arrive just in time for showtime. That sheer determination translated into a showstopping performance, providing a powerhouse live backbone that proved they are nothing short of elite musical representations of their homeland.

The stage transitions were kept razor-smooth by Liz and her co-host—making them intricate staples of the show. Their banter included a crowd-pleasing anecdote about watching a co-host’s mother-in-law eat jam on spaghetti, adding a charming moment of levity to the grand room.

The dance repertoire was a breathtaking masterclass in emotional and physical storytelling. The youth performers stole the show early on with the “You Are the Future” dance, an adorable routine that instantly lit up the room. The energy then shifted to intense, rhythmic displays, featuring a lively heel-toe, knee-slapping dance that demanded incredible stamina. But the pinnacle was the breathtaking traditional bottle dance. Originating from historic village celebrations, this remarkably difficult dance requires women to balance glass wine bottles flawlessly on top of their heads while executing complex, sweeping geometric movements with amazing precision.

Ultimately, the Hungary-Pannonia Pavilion is a massive triumph of spirit, style, and sound. Between the regal attire, the triumphant Transylvanian musicians who conquered every hurdle to get here, and leadership built on decades of devotion by Benesocky and Kovach, the showcase offers an unforgettable cultural immersion. Above all else, it is a masterclass in the recurring, golden thread of the festival: hospitality, hospitality, hospitality.