Ice skating in Hungary has taken the world by storm with a video of an elderly duo dancing on the ice rink in Budapest going viral on TikTok. The heartwarming story, covered by Magyar Nemzet, features 77-year-old Mara Patai and László Gombos, who have been delighting audiences with their graceful moves for the past decade. The couple’s videos have amassed tens of millions of views on the popular social media platform.
According to Metropol, ice skating has always been a passion for Mara Patai, but she had to give it up for 40 years due to an ankle problem. However, after retiring, she decided to reignite her love for the sport and joined the City Park Ice Dance Group. László Gombos, on the other hand, fell in love with skating at the age of ten but had to put it on hold as he focused on building his future.
Tragedy brought them together, as László Gombos found solace in skating after losing his wife. That is when Mara and I started dancing, and waltzing brought us together, he revealed. Over the past decade, their relationship has blossomed into a deep friendship, as reported by the portal.
In honor of this remarkable duo and the popularity of ice skating in Hungary, Csodálatos Magyarország announced an unforgettable event filled with extended opening hours, exciting programs, and lively entertainment. The initiative, inspired by the Night of Museums and the Night of Beaches, will take place across more than 35 venues in the country. Each venue will offer unique programs, games, and surprises at their ice rinks and ice halls.
The main highlight of the event will be the City Park Artificial Ice Rink in Budapest, where visitors can enjoy hockey games and skating programs with extended opening hours from 4 pm to 8 pm and 9:30 pm to midnight. Additionally, a wide array of delectable snacks, hot chocolate, and other delicacies will be available to enhance the experience.
Other cities, including Győr, Veszprém, and Miskolc, will also host special ice skating events as part of the initiative. These events aim to bring joy and excitement to individuals of all ages, further fueling the passion for ice skating in Hungary.
The elderly duo’s captivating performance and the widespread appreciation for ice skating demonstrate the universal appeal of this timeless winter activity. Their story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of sports and the joy that can be found in pursuing one’s passions at any age. As the video continues to touch the hearts of millions worldwide, Mara Patai and László Gombos prove that age is just a number when it comes to spreading happiness and spreading love on the ice.
