A solemn commemoration was held in Adelaide to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence. Event at the South Australian Parliament:
A special and moving event took place on 21 October 2026 at the South Australian Parliament House in Adelaide, where representatives of the local Hungarian community and invited guests from South Australian public life gathered to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence.
The commemoration was held at the invitation of Joe Szakács, South Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, and Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia. Numerous representatives of the Hungarian community attended, including community leaders, local businesspeople, heads of educational institutions and representatives of Hungarian organisations. Attendees also included Attila Szabó, Honorary Hungarian Consul, and Péter Martonosi, Hungary’s Chargé d’Affaires, who travelled from Canberra and also delivered a commemorative address.
Personal Memories and Our Shared History
At the beginning of the ceremony, Joe Szakács welcomed those present. In his speech, he also recalled his personal family history: his father, Joseph Szakacs, took part in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, then fled Hungary after the uprising was crushed and later found a new home in Australia.
His father’s story is a powerful example of the fate that shaped the lives of so many Hungarian families. Following the 1956 Revolution, thousands of Hungarians were forced to leave their homeland, leaving behind their families, homes and former lives in order to build a secure future for themselves in a new country.
Joe Szakács’s personal connection brought the events of 1956 particularly close to those present. The legacy of the revolution is not merely a defining chapter in Hungarian history, but also the story of families, generations and communities whose impact can still be felt in distant parts of the world, including Australia.
Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia, then delivered a commemorative address. His personal reflections and moving recollections made the commemoration especially memorable. His speech provided a fitting opportunity for those present to pay tribute together to the heroes of the 1956 Revolution, those who fought for freedom, and all those whose lives were forever changed by the events of that time.
Attila Szabó, Honorary Hungarian Consul, also welcomed the guests, followed by Péter Martonosi, Hungary’s Chargé d’Affaires from Canberra, who shared his commemorative thoughts.
The cultural programme was enriched by a performance from Adelaide’s Kaláris Folk Dance Group, which brought the traditions and cultural heritage of Hungarian folk dance to the audience.
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Hungarian Flavours and Informal Gatherings at
Following the official programme, participants had the opportunity to engage in informal conversations, greet old acquaintances and establish new connections. The gathering was complemented by Hungarian hospitality: the tables featured, among other dishes, mini lángos, stuffed cabbage, Hungarian sausage and a goulash version of the distinctive Australian meat pie.
The traditional Hungarian flavours created a special atmosphere and also reminded those present that shared meals, the preservation of traditions and time spent together all play an important role in maintaining national identity.
At the end of the event, Joe Szakács also gave interested guests an informal tour of the chamber of the South Australian House of Assembly. Visitors were therefore able not only to take part in a historically significant commemoration, but also to gain an insight into one of the important settings of parliamentary work in South Australia.
A Living Legacy After Seventy Years
The Adelaide commemoration was more than a simple anniversary event. Within the walls of Parliament, those who are personally connected to the legacy of 1956, or who relate to it through their family histories, were able to remember together with South Australian public figures who consider it important to recognise the history and traditions of the Hungarian community.
It was particularly meaningful for local Hungarians that the leadership of South Australia showed such consideration towards the community and provided a dignified venue in Parliament House for the celebration marking the 70th anniversary.
The event once again demonstrated that the memory of the 1956 Revolution and War of Independence knows no national borders. The message of freedom, courage and devotion to one’s homeland continues, seven decades later, to connect Hungarians living in different parts of the world.
For the participants, one of the most important experiences of the day was being together, remembering collectively and experiencing a sense of belonging. It was heartening to come together as Hungarian.
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