Pestians

Pestians refers to the inhabitants of Pest, the eastern and more populous half of Budapest, Hungary. This distinction has historical roots, as Pest and Buda were separate cities for centuries before their official unification in 1873. While unified under the banner of Budapest, a sense of distinct identity has persisted among some residents, particularly those who identify with the urban, commercial, and modern character of the Pest side.

The geographical and functional differences between Pest and Buda have contributed to this distinction. Pest is largely flat, situated on the Great Hungarian Plain, and is the country's administrative, economic, and cultural hub. It is home to major institutions, businesses, and a bustling urban environment. Buda, on the other hand, is hillier and retains a more historic and residential feel.

The term "Pestian" is not an official designation but is used colloquially to highlight these differing characteristics and historical origins. It can imply a certain cosmopolitan outlook or a connection to the modern, dynamic aspects of Hungarian life associated with the capital's commercial heartland. While many Budapesti residents live and work on both sides of the Danube River, the informal appellation serves as a reminder of the city's complex and layered past.