In Hungary, St. Nicholas known as Mikulas here, visit children
accompanied by the Devil. Mikulas wears robes of a bishop, a red miter
on his head and has a staff in one hand and a sack full of small gifts
and toys for good children in the other hand. 'Devil' is dressed up in a
black costume with horns on his head and a long tail. He has a switch
made of dry twigs in his hands to hit 'naughty' or bad children. The
highlight of Christmas celebrations in Hungary takes place on Christmas
Eve, known as 'Szent-este' or 'Holy Evening'.
Hungarian families gather around Christmas tree, sing carols, open gifts
and presents left for them by Baby Jesus and angels and then head off to
attend Midnight Mass. Nativity plays constitute an important Hungarian
Christmas tradition & custom. Groups of children or adults perform
these plays, which are often enhanced by puppetry, songs, use of musical
instruments and even dancing sometimes.
