Hungary’s Christmas Tree lights switched on near Parliament, bringing it brilliantly to life – photos
The festive candle-lighting was marked by the illumination of the string lights adorning the Country’s Christmas Tree at Kossuth Square on Sunday.
Hungary’s Christmas Tree shines in a festive glow at the heart of the city centre
Standing before the Parliament, the nearly 23-metre-tall silver fir from the town of Ibrány in Nyírség reached its full splendour on the afternoon of the first Sunday of Advent, following several days of meticulous decoration. Guests were welcomed by János Latorcai, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, who reminded all present that Advent is a season of waiting, longing and hope.
“We hope that by Christmas Eve we can cleanse our hearts so that the divine light and the peace of love may take residence within them. During this time, it is most important to seek quietude, to step away from the vanities of the world, so that each of us may find the path illuminated by this magnificent tree,” the Deputy Speaker reflected.
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He also noted that the tradition of the Advent wreath is little more than 200 years old, yet it perfectly embodies the true purpose and message of Advent. “The wreath is circular, adorned with three purple and one pink candle forming a cross. The circle represents the wholeness for which every person strives. The four candles that form the cross remind us of the goal towards which we should guide our lives,” explained the Deputy Speaker.
A nativity scene next to Parliament
János Latorcai informed those gathered that, from 31 donated trees, a special committee selected this particular fir, crowned with a 130-centimetre, 25-kilogram Bethlehem star and illuminated by 2,500 metres of string lights containing 16,000 energy-saving coloured LED bulbs.
Beside the tree stands a nativity scene from Kisgyőr, featuring life-size wooden figures of the Holy Family.
At the ceremony, where the lights of the Country’s Christmas Tree were switched on, Ákos Szlama, chaplain of Csákvár and youth representative of the Diocese of Székesfehérvár, offered a blessing.
The event was also graced by the children’s choir from the Páduai Szent Antal Primary School, Grammar School and Basic Art School in Piliscsaba, who performed Christmas carols.
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