Csángó

The Csángó are a Hungarian-speaking ethnographic group in eastern Romania, part of the broader Hungarian minority in the country. They are concentrated in the Moldavia region, with communities in several counties, most notably Bacău, Neamț, and Vaslui. Population estimates vary, but the Csángó are commonly described as forming a community of tens of thousands.

Language and dialects play a central role in Csángó identity. The Csángó language or group of dialects is considered by many linguists to be part of the Hungarian language family, though some classify it as a separate language. Most Csángó people are bilingual, using Romanian in daily life and education, which has led to language shift among younger generations. There are ongoing efforts to document and promote Csángó linguistic and cultural heritage.

Culture, religion, and tradition are defining features. The Csángó maintain distinctive folk traditions, including music, dances, costumes, and crafts, many of which are linked to rural life. They are predominantly Roman Catholic, a trait that has historically influenced community life, education, and religious practice, including liturgical broadcasts and ceremonies conducted in Hungarian.

History and contemporary status. The Csángó have inhabited parts of Moldavia for centuries, developing a unique regional identity within the larger Hungarian minority. In modern Romania, they are recognized as a Hungarian-speaking minority with cultural and educational initiatives supported by national and cross-border programs, and, in some contexts, by Hungarian cultural institutions. See also: Hungarian minority in Romania.