The story of how the Roma people brought folk music to the ears of native Hungarians is a fascinating one. The Roma arrived in Hungary in the 15th century, and quickly established permanent residency throughout the country, particularly in the region of Mohács and Baranya. Unlike in other European countries, which legislated to expel Roma, Hungary was one of three countries which permitted them entry; therefore, it has one of the largest Romani populations on the continent, with the group now accounting for 3% of its total population.
Shortly after their arrival in Hungary, Romani musicians were invited to play to the court of Beatrice of Aragon, who served as Queen Consort of Hungary from 1476-1490, and again from 1491-1502. This helped raise the profile of Gypsy folk music across Hungary and indeed Europe, and Romani musicians became a common sight in royal courts and during parties and concerts held by Hungary’s upper classes.
During Rákóczi’s War of Independence in the early 18th century, Hungary’s Romani population stood with the Kuruc army – anti-Habsburg rebels who sought to overthrow the dominant House of Habsburg. Before and after battle, Romani musicians would play to the Kuruc troops, spurring them on with rousing folk ballads which celebrated the peasant life and socialist values of Hungary’s working classes.
While the rebels lost the war, their efforts did lead to reforms across Hungary, and the Romani are today celebrated for their role in securing a fairer social class in Hungary. Hungarian Gypsy folk music celebrates and pays homage to not only the Romani way of life, but also the values of the Hungarian spirit – which is perhaps why its popularity has endured to this day.