Szalagavató - the school leavers prom

Saturday was a busy day. My mom and I went window shopping in Tata and got some groceries because I was going to make paprika chicken for them. As we were wandering, I wanted to show my mom where Kati and István (the artists) live so we walked by there and I pointed at their flat. Of course, Kati was watching out the window at that very moment and she busted the window open and invited us in. István opened a bottle of champagne (of course – it’s noon on a Saturday, why not?) We ate chocolates and drank champagne while learning more about Kati and István – it was an interesting way to spend an afternoon.

Saturday night was the Szalagávato- the school leavers ball (prom). It starts with a ribbon pinning ceremony, where all the seniors get a ribbon with the schools’ name and the years they attended there. After the ribbon pinning, they change into other clothes and prepare for their class dance and a waltz. Each “homeroom” or graduating class has a class dance that they prepare, and the students have the option to participate in a waltz also. There were six class dances and three waltzes. It’s always interesting because of the nine performances, there were medleys of songs and single songs- but all except one were English (American) songs. The 13A class (the dual language English class) did their dancing to an Elvis medley – my favorite dance of all!!!

the uniforms - I love them!

all the school leavers

13A - the dual language English class

pinning the headmistress

13A leaving

This is a very important night for the students because it’s the equivalent of their official graduation ceremony. After the holidays, they have the big campaign week full of fun, and then it’s down to business for the graduation exams. This is kind of the big last hurrah for them before it is the serious studying time. I am glad that my parents were here to see the whole evening live also – it’s very difficult to explain in pictures the atmosphere of all these young women actually waltzing in wedding dresses and the class dances that they prepare. It’s a very fun evening.