October 23 – Budapest commemorations and traffic restrictions
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On the occasion of the Hungarian National Day on October 23, there will be 400−450 events at several venues in the capital and across the country this Friday and Saturday. The traditional torch-lit march from Budapest’s Technical University to Bem József Square will take place on Friday afternoon. According to tradition, the national flag will be hoisted in a ceremony in front of the Parliament at 9 am. In addition, several marches and demonstrations will be held in several locations in the city centre.
October 23 marks the anniversary of Hungary’s 1956 uprising against the Soviet rule. At the press conference held on Tuesday, Zoltán Kovács, State Secretary for International Communication and Relations, said that this year, the commemorations of the 1956 Revolution and War for Independence will already begin on 22 October. He also added that
this year, Hungary commemorates not only the 65th anniversary of the revolution but also the riots and atrocities that took place on the 50th anniversary.
Commemorative events
Central events will start at 2 pm on Friday at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, writes Index. After the wreath-laying ceremonies, representatives of the Rákóczi Association will also join the commemoration, and they will march together to the ceremony at the Technical University.
The traditional torch-lit march to Bem József Square will start at 4 pm.
The commemoration at Bem Square will begin at 5 pm. There will also be light shows both on the evenings of 22 and 23 October.
On Saturday, according to tradition, events will start in the morning at Kossuth Lajos Square.
The national flag will be hoisted with military honours in a ceremony beginning at 9 am in front of the Parliament.
People can visit the Grand Staircase, the Dome Hall, and the Hungarian Crown in the Parliament building free of charge between 10 am and 5 pm. The House of Terror Museum can also be visited free of charge, and candles will be lit along the walls of the museum during the day. Commemorations will also be held at Plot 301 in the New Public Cemetery, writes MTI.
According to Index, the Peace March of the pro-government Civic Union Forum and the related CÖKA Foundation will begin at the quay in front of the Technical University at 2 pm. At 3:30 pm, the commemoration will continue at an unusual venue.