One of Hungary’s most beautiful Christmas charity stages vandalised: police searching for these young perpetrators
A group of young people vandalised a Christmas stage in central Szeged, prompting police to launch an investigation and appeal to the public for help in identifying the perpetrators. According to the Csongrád-Csanád County Police Headquarters, the incident occurred at around 1:13 AM on 7 December at Klauzál Square, where the offenders kicked, hit, and threw the decorative elements of the Rotary Advent stage.
The stage, arranged each year by the Ingyen Energia Ház–Rotary Advent organisers, has been a cherished part of Szeged’s festive programme for 15 years. The vandalism left the area strewn with torn garlands and shattered glass ornaments.
Christmas decorations torn down and smashed
Reports from delmagyar.hu state that the group – believed to be aged between 15 and 18 – ripped the glass baubles from the garlands up to head height before scattering and breaking them across the square. By Sunday, only the remnants of smashed decorations remained to greet organisers arriving for the day’s charity programme.
Zoltán Elekes, head organiser of Rotary Advent and steward of the Szent-Györgyi Albert Rotary Club, said the emotional impact far outweighed the cost of the damage.
“This has never happened in fifteen years. It is deeply sad that a charitable venue has been targeted,” he told the local newspaper.
A tradition supporting families in need
The Rotary Advent stage stands opposite Szeged’s Christmas tree and serves as the venue for festive performances by local school and kindergarten groups. More importantly, it is where dozens of disadvantaged families receive Christmas gifts each year.
This season, 33 families are being supported, each receiving donations worth at least HUF 120,000 (EUR 313), adding up to nearly HUF 4 million (EUR 10,420) in total. The vandalised decorations formed part of the warm, festive atmosphere that helps make this long-standing charity event special.
Police appeal to the public
Several CCTV cameras are installed in Klauzál Square, and footage is expected to help identify the young offenders. Nonetheless, police are asking anyone who witnessed the event, recorded it, or has any relevant information to come forward.
Reports can be made in person at the Szeged Police Station (12–18 Moszkvai Boulevard), by phone at 06-62/562-400, or via the national emergency number 112.