National Day

March 15th 1848, the beginning of the War of Independence

Today is the 173rd anniversary of one of the most important days in Hungarian history, March 15, 1848. On this day, the Revolution and War of Independence of 1848-49 began, with the aim of separation from the Habsburg Empire.

This war of independence was also significant because it later became part of Hungarian identity. There was a simultaneous effort to achieve individual freedom and national self-determination.

Before March 15, 1848

On March 11th, the Viennese student youth filed a petition against the Habsburg emperor. On March 12th, the 12-point petition, formulated by József Irinyi, was accepted at the Opposition Circle’s meeting in Budapest. An important focal point was the outbreak of the French Revolution in February 1848 and the outbreak of the Viennese Revolution on the 13th of March. As a result of the latter, the plan was developed according to which

they will meet in the Pilvax café on the morning of the 15th and announce the previously formulated 12 points throughout Budapest.

March 15, 1848

Sándor Petőfi met Mór Jókai and Gyula Bulyovszky, among others at 8 am. Jókai read the 12 points, while Petőfi read the poem of the National Song, which he wrote the previous evening. They then went to the University of Law, where a group of students were already waiting for them. At this location, Petőfi recited his poem, and Jókai repeats the 12 points. They also read them out at the Medical University and the Faculty of Engineering and Philosophy. At each station, many students and people from the street joined.

The first wish of the 12 points was to achieve freedom for the press. Therefore, around 10 am, the crowd marched to the Landerer and Heckenast book printing press. There,

the 12 points and the National Song could be printed without censorship.

In the afternoon, the crowd held a large rally in front of the National Museum. The 12 points and the National Song were also reclaimed here. They then went to the Council of Pest, where the members of the council accepted the demands. The same happened in Buda, where the Board of Governors also accepted the 12 points. Censorship was abolished and Mihály Táncsics, who was convicted of press offence, was released from prison.

In the evening, the revolution’s victory was celebrated at the National Theater by performing Bánk bán.

After the 15th of March

After the revolution, the Batthyány government was formed, where Lajos Batthyány became the first prime minister of Hungary. In December 1848, Ferdinand V, who accepted the Hungarian Revolution, resigned and was replaced by Ferenc József. Under his leadership, the Habsburg Empire counterattacked. The battles ended on August 13, 1849. The Prussians also supported the Habsburg Empire, so the Hungarians were oppressed by enormous military superiority.

2021. 03. 15.

This year, the traditional celebration on March 15 will be missed. Attending any meeting due to a coronavirus epidemic violates the law and endangers the lives of yourself and your relatives. The public media celebrated by screening Hungarian classics. Numerous Hungarian films, musical performances, conversations and programs await those interested.

Photos from today: March 15 – National flag hoisted by Hungarian Parliament – PHOTOS

Government spokeswoman Alexandra Szentkirályi announced that the presentation of the usual Kossuth and Széchenyi awards is postponed, and the list of the winners will be made public.

March 15 is a public holiday in Hungary, so most of the stores are closed all day.

March 15, 2021

March 15 – National flag hoisted by Hungarian Parliament – PHOTOS

March 15 - National flag hoisted by Parliament

The national flag was hoisted with military honours in front of Parliament on Monday morning, marking the anniversary of Hungary’s anti-Habsburg revolution that started on March 15, 1848.

The single central event of this year’s March 15 national holiday was followed by only a few people in Kossuth Square, where President János Áder is scheduled to deliver a speech.

Like last year, all other state commemorations have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Though the Kossuth and Széchenyi Awards will also be handed out at a later date, the names of the recipients will be released today.

The revolution and freedom fight was part of a series of uprisings in Europe in 1848.

On March 15, citizens of Pest gathered in front of the National Museum and demanded independence from Habsburg rule.

Hungary’s first independent government with Count Lajos Batthyány as prime minister approved a reform package called the April laws. Later, the uprising grew into a war of independence, stifled by Austria and Russia in late 1849.

The mesmerising uniform of the Hungarian hussars – PHOTOS

March 15 Hussar Március Huszár Felvonulás

The Hungarian hussars are quite a unique sight to behold. Not because they are particularly rare, as there is a prominent culture in Hungary that is keeping the hussar tradition alive, but because they are mesmerising in their beautifully adorned uniforms and armaments. Today, on the occasion of the Hungarian National Day, you will be able to learn a little bit about this spectacular light cavalry unit and its equipment.

The hussars were the light cavalry dedicated to fending off the Ottoman invaders. They were established under Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus who created this form of cavalry. Hussars were first incorporated into the Black Army of Hungary, and by 1490, they became the standard form of cavalry. After the death of Corvinus, the Hungarian hussars were hired as mercenaries by Habsburg emperors as well. Most Hungarian units were active during Rákóczi’s War of Independence in the early 1700s (this might have made them iconic) and during the 1848-1849 Hungarian Revolution. Hussars were considered to be the ‘cool’ guys in the army. They were thought to be reckless, they could drink anyone under the table, and any woman would have gone mad for them. There is some debate about the origin of their name, however, but you can read more about that and more on hussars in general in THIS article. Hungary also has the largest hussar statue in the world.

Honvéd Hussar 2 — Hungarian (Honvéd) Hussar, c. 1900 Source: Wikimedia Commons / Scan by NYPL

Honvéd Hussar, 1885 Source: Wikimedia Commons / Scan by NYPL

Erdrődi Hussar — Officer, Hussar Regiment Erdődy, 1785 Source: Wikimedia Commons / Scan by NYPL

Erdődy Hussar — Hussar Regiment Erdődy, fall dress 1785 Source: Wikimedia Commons / Scan by NYPL

Esterházy Hussar — Hussar regiment, Esterházy, 1748 Source: Wikimedia Commons / Scan by NYPL

Székely Hussar — Szekler Hussar, 1778 Source: Wikimedia Commons / Scan by NYPL

The Uniform

In Hungary, we aim to actively preserve and show this rich military tradition with the help of the Hungarian Hussar and Military Heritage Federation. This federation helps provide hussars for events and anniversaries, such as March 15th.

From the 18th century, the Hungarian hussars’ military uniform was inspired by contemporary Hungarian fashion, but these are also the typical uniforms most people imagine when they hear the word ‘hussar’, one of the few English words with Hungarian origins.

Shako – Csákó

There are a couple of iconic things in a hussar. One of those things is the shako, a cylindrical soldier’s hat with a plume, a decoration of feathers or fur fastened by a rose, or just a standalone rose. The shako itself is adorned with golden or silver laces and other intricate designs.

Dolman – Dolmány

This item of clothing is probably the most iconic of them all. This is a short jacket, a medium-long jacket was called an attila. The jacket is decorated with a heavy horizontal braid across the breast with a golden or silver lace ending in beautiful knots on each side. The sleeves, the neck area, and the bottom of the jacket were also decorated with golden or silver laces. Hussars wore these over a shirt.

Huszár Egyenruha Hussar Uniform 4 — Dolman – Dolmány Source: Wikimedia Commons / Armémuseum

Huszár Egyenruha Hussar Uniform 8 — Attila, 1875 Source: Wikimedia Commons / Armémuseum

Huszár Egyenruha Hussar Uniform — Three types of dolmány Source: Wikimedia Commons / Hungarian officers’ uniforms

Pelisse – Mente

Hungarian hussars wore a pelisse as well, which was a short-waisted over-jacket similar to the dolmány. This piece of clothing was worn on only one side most of the time, so it was held on by an ornate cord.

Huszár Egyenruha Hussar Uniform 5 — Pelisse – Mente Source: Wikimedia Commons / Armémuseum

Breeches – Nadrág

These were tight-fit breeches at the shin, so as not to intervene much with the high boots. The decoration of silver or golden laces makes it onto the breeches as well. They can be observed on the thigh area and going down the sides to help hide seamlines.

Boots – Csizma

These are high riding boots with similar knot-like ornamentation on the leather. The hussars typically also wore spurs on their boots.

The accessories

They wore an ornate cord-belt on the outside of the dolmány, a leather sword-belt. Hussars decorated their sabres with sword tassels that were coloured differently according to rank. They also wore a patrontáska (tölténytáska), or ammunition pouch, and the officers’ pouches were highly ornamented.

Bag – Tarsoly

Hussars also wore a tarsoly as part of their uniform. This was not a particularly functional bag, as it was very flat, they could only store small items in them despite their size at first appearance. These were decorated by the initials of the monarch. Naturally, the higher-ranking a hussar was, the more ornamented this accessory got.

Volunteer Cavalry — Hungarian volunteer cavalry, 1859 Source: Wikimedia Commons / Scan by NYPL

Moustache – Bajusz

The long moustache was also an essential “accessory” of hussars, which is not mandatory today, but many people who keep this tradition alive also have moustaches.

Naturally, the colours, lacing, and decoration of the uniform were different not only through the ages but also unique to each regiment.

Read alsoThe mesmerising uniform of the Hungarian hussars – PHOTOS

March 15, 2021

We are celebrating the Day of Hungarian Culture!

Although this day has been celebrated for just over 30 years, the original date we commemorate dates back to the first half of the 19th century and is a very important milestone in the country’s history, which still influences Hungarians in a way.

What is the most important symbol that you think of when you hear a country’s name? You probably either thought of the flag or the national anthem. There is no point in measuring the two against one another as they both play an important part in identifying a country’s people and citizens. However, if the first thing that came to mind was the flag, I do not need to introduce to you the colours of Hungary as you only need to take a look at the upper left corner. On the other hand, if it is the national anthem that you consider a bit more important, there is a chance that you need Google – or better yet, YouTube – to get the tunes of Hungary’s national hymn into your ears. Do not open the application, though, as, in the following, you will read all the information you need to know about the most important piece of music in Hungary’s history and culture.

Today, on the 22 January, we celebrate the Day of Hungarian Culture, and together with it, we commemorate 22 January 1823, the official birth or rather completion day of the manuscript of the Hungarian national anthem, called “Himnusz – From the rough centuries of the Hungarian people”,

written by poet, politician, and literary critic Ferenc Kölcsey. The piece was part of a bigger manuscript collection where he wrote down several of his works, though not the complete versions, just a preliminary draft. In the case of Himnusz, today marks the anniversary of Kölcsey finally completing his work.

Himnusz kézirat — *Manuscript of the Hungarian National Anthem – wikipedia*

This pack of drafts disappeared somewhere towards the end of the 1830s, after the death of Kölcsey. The Hungarian Academy of Sciences started negotiations with the sister-in-law of the late poet to buy the manuscripts from her, but she was not willing to sell, so everything stayed in the possession of the family. 100 years later, however, the National Széchényi Library managed to acquire it from a descendant.

The work itself is a beautiful poem about how Hungarians have suffered a lot in the past and how many unfortunate events they had to endure, but it also kind of goes through the past of the country and its glorious events.

It asks God to bless the whole of the nation with joy and abundance and to help the people when they need to face an enemy. (Here you can find an English translation.) The poem itself was translated to almost 30 languages.

But a hymn could not have become a national anthem by itself; it always needs a nice tune and melody to accompany it, making it fit to be sung at every major national celebration and event. Ferenc Erkel, pianist, composer and the father of Hungarian grand opera, composed the music for Hungary’s national hymn which was adopted in 1844. (You can listen to it here.) However, it only became protected by copyright in 1989, when it was adopted as part of the Constitution after the fall of the Soviet Union, the end of the Cold War, and the regime change in Hungary – when it became the symbol of a new beginning, looking in the future while respecting the past, and following in the footsteps of Great Hungarians that suffered and fought for our future.

Unfortunately, this year, due to the pandemic, the National Széchényi Library will be closed tomorrow as well, but if you are planning to visit the country next year, you can take a look at the original manuscript and the musical score of the anthem in the Library one year from now. If you would like to celebrate this year as well, together with us, you can do so by tuning in on YouTube or the website of MÜPA (Palace of Arts) at 7:30 pm this evening to listen to the special concert of the Pannon Philharmonics.

Today, we celebrate not only the day of Hungarian Culture but also all those who did so much for our country and our future, all those who fought and sacrificed something to make this country bigger, better, and greater.

Read alsoBritish Ambassador’s special gift on the Day of Hungarian Culture! – VIDEO

January 22, 2021

Hungary holiday spending could reach 2019 levels

With the government having suspended the night curfew for Christmas Eve, Hungarians have “stormed shops” and could end up spending as much during the holidays as last year, the daily Magyar Nemzet said on Wednesday.

Holiday shopping in Hungary typically picks up in the days leading up to Dec. 24, György Vámos, the chief secretary of national retailers association OKSZ, told the paper.

However, the government’s decision to soften restrictions for Christmas Eve, when Hungarians traditionally open their gifts, has now also encouraged spending, he said.

Vámos said it was possible that holiday spending in Hungary could even reach 2019 levels.

Though Hungarians appeared to be cutting back on their holiday spending in the period leading up to Christmas, retail trade was gaining momentum, Vámos said.

Shops in Hungary close at 7pm on Dec. 23 and at 2pm on Dec. 24 before reopening on Dec. 27, he noted.

How to have a Hungarian Christmas feast?

Read alsoSeveral churches cancel midnight mass, Christmas worship service in Hungary

December 23, 2020

Several churches cancel midnight mass, Christmas worship service in Hungary

Several churches in Hungary have cancelled their Christmas Eve midnight mass and Christmas Day worship service, while others are making attendance conditional on pre-registration or limiting the number of people allowed inside the church, due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Though the government’s decision to suspend the night curfew on December 24 gives churches the opportunity to hold a midnight mass, many have decided to move it online or cancel it altogether, Tamás Tóth, the secretary of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference (MKPK), told MTI on Tuesday.

Dioceses that have opted to cancel their midnight mass include Székesfehérvár, Debrecen and Pécs, Tóth said, noting that the number of church-goers who regularly gather in those cities for service would make it impossible to comply with coronavirus-related restrictions.

The diocese of Vác is making attendance of the midnight mass conditional on registration, he said.

Several dioceses will be holding their mass earlier in the evening and will be organising worship services on December 25 and 26, Toth added.

Church-goers are required to wear face masks and observe physical distancing rules, he noted.

The Hungarian Reformed Church said the decision to hold worship services will be left up to local priests.

The Reformed Church’s synod asked church members to limit in-person worship services to the churches in which they can guarantee compliance with the restrictions. Churches that cannot adhere to the rules should hold their services outdoors or online, it added.

The Lutheran Information Service said the decision to organise worship services is up to the congregation boards.

Several churches will organise their Christmas Eve service outdoors, it said. Many churches are requiring congregation members to register to attend the service, while others will hold online services.

Hungary suspends curfew for one night on Dec 24

Read alsoHungarian lawmakers adopt 9th constitutional amendment: mother is female and the father is male

December 22, 2020

October 23 – Hungarian parties, leaders commemorate the 1956 revolution – PHOTOS

Hungary’s national flag was hoisted with military honours at Kossuth Square in front of Parliament on Friday morning, in a state commemoration marking the anniversary of the anti-Soviet revolt which started on October 23, 1956.

The ceremony was attended by House Speaker László Kövér, Defence Minister Tibor Benkő and Army Commander Ferenc Korom.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, most state commemorations have been cancelled.

During the day, several feature-length films, documentaries and content commemorating 1956 will be streamed on the Nemzeti Ünnepek es Emléknapok YouTube channel.

Until Nov. 4, photos marking the most important sites of the freedom fight are shown around Budapest.

Orbán commemorates 1956

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán commemorated the 64th anniversary of Hungary’s 1956 anti-Soviet uprising together with freedom fighter Mária Wittner, on Friday morning.

The prime minister and Wittner, who was sentenced to death for her involvement in the 1956 uprising before the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, laid a wreath at a memorial in Budapest’s Corvin Lane, a site of gruesome fights during the revolution.

Opposition parties mark 1956 anniversary in joint video message

Hungary’s opposition parties paid tribute to the heroes of the anti-Soviet uprising of 1956 in a joint Facebook video message on Friday.

Péter Jakab, leader of conservative Jobbik, called October 23 a symbol of Hungarians’ desire for freedom.

“Regardless of whether someone was politically right or left-leaning, their background or beliefs, there was an agreement that oppression and exploitation needed to end,” Jakab said.

Tímea Szabó, the co-leader of liberal Párbeszéd, said this day represented justice, arguing that “progress cannot be about replacing our old overlords with new ones while millions are left on the side of the road with the overlords of the day swanning around in luxury while millions are still forced to struggle just to make ends meet”.

LMP co-leader Máté Kanász-Nagy said Oct. 23 had been the day when Hungary “woke up” and declared that it wanted to go in a new direction with new leaders. Erzsebet Schmuck, the party’s other co-leader, added that the national holiday was a symbol of Hungarians’ perseverance.

“Hungarians’ desire for freedom is stronger than any oppressive regime and in the end, liberty and justice shall prevail,” she said.

Democratic Coalition leader Ferenc Gyurcsány said it was “the shame of [Prime Minister Viktor] Orbán’s regime” that the demands of the revolutionaries of 1956 were “still valid today”. He noted that the people had demanded a new national assembly, a fair right to strike along with a freedom of the press and expression. They also wanted to be free of Soviet Russian influence and belong to Europe, he added.

Socialist Party co-leader Bertalan Tóth called Oct. 23 the symbol of workers’ councils and self-determination. Hungary is in the process of becoming a feudal society, he said, arguing that working people were vulnerable and deprived of their rights. Toth said the revolutionaries of 1956 had also demanded that workers be treated with dignity and autonomous actors. “This is what they were fighting for then and this is what we have to fight for today.”

Ágnes Kunhalmi, the party’s other co-leader, said history had taught Hungarians that together they were strong enough to reclaim their dignity and freedom.

András Fekete-Győr of the Momentum Movement said that like in 1956, Hungarians today did not want “Eastern-style oppression”.

“Those in power today are flirting with countries like Putin’s Russia when in 1956 few things were as clear as the fact that Hungary belongs in a Western civic democracy,” he said.

Budapest mayor commemorates 1956

Coming together as a community is what gives importance to October 23, this day in 1956, and in 1989, the mayor of Budapest said at a commemoration of the anniversary of Hungary’s 1956 anti-Soviet uprising on Friday.

Twice already, October 23 “reflected our better selves and our best ability”, Gergely Karácsony said in the park of City Hall.

“This shows that despite the thousand and one differences separating us, such as our background, upbringing, faith and ideology, there was something much stronger binding us together: our love for freedom and for our homeland,” he said, opening an portrait exhibition of women who played a role in 1956.

October 23, 2020

Programs for the autumn break

The autumn break is coming up, along with the anniversary of the Revolution of 1956, Halloween, and All Saints’ Day. Here are some programs to choose from.

October 22

As part of commemorating the Revolution of 1956, there will be a spectacular light show on the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on October 22.

Between October 22 and November 4, photos will be placed at iconic locations in Budapest to remind everyone of the events of 1956, under the name “Memorial Pictures 1956 – City Exhibition”.

Between October 22 and 25, Art Market Budapest 2020 will take place, where guests can purchase art from international talent and contemporary artists, and this year, the emphasis will be put on supporting local artists.

October 23

Between October 23 and November 1, Campona Playhouse is inviting all children in a playful mood to have some fun in their multiple kinds of play areas, and in the meantime, parents can enjoy a cup of cappuccino or some sweets and snacks.

The Hungarian Natural History Museum offers free entry to their permanent exhibitions on October 23 for people under 26 and over 70, as well as if two adults accompany a child under 18.

October 24

There will be a BUDA SIDE market, where artists of all kinds will sell their products, but you can also get your hands on retro, antique, vintage, and other unique pieces as well. A new section of the market, Dress Code, will also be added, where you can sell your clothes you no longer need or wear.

October 26

The Natural History Museum is also offering a camp for children who want to discover more about dinosaurs, learn more about research, exhibitions, collections, fossils, and many more things. You can sign up your child here.

October 27

Between October 27 and November 1, from 9 am to 4 pm, Szentendre is inviting everyone for their Fall Festival of Museums. They offer all kinds of programs, from crafts through puppet shows to exhibitions and more.

Read alsoHere are the five best aqua parks of Hungary for the autumn season

Read alsoThese are the best Hungarian museums and exhibitions in 2020

Read also1956 anniversary to be marked with only two state events

October 18, 2020

1956 anniversary to be marked with only two state events

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, only two state events will be held this year to commemorate Hungary’s 1956 uprising against Soviet rule, Zoltán Kovács, the state secretary for international communications, said on Wednesday.

The national flag will be hoisted with military honours in a ceremony beginning at 9am in front of Parliament, he said in a statement. The other event will be the presentation of Hungarian state awards.

Otherwise, on Oct. 22 a laser show will be projected on to the Foreign Ministry building.

Between Oct. 22 and Nov. 4, photos marking the most important sites of the freedom fight will be shown around Budapest.

Hungary's national flag was hoisted in front of the Parliament building!

Read alsoOctober 23 – Hungary commemorates 1956 uprising – PHOTOS

October 14, 2020

House speaker: Global constructive stability in Hungary’s interest

Hungary’s interest lies in the emergence of a peaceful, calm and constructive balance in the world, Speaker of Parliament László Kövér told commercial news channel HirTV on Thursday.

Marking Hungary’s August 20 national holiday, Kövér said the Christian Hungarian state was established in a buffer zone similar to the one Hungary finds itself in today. Back then, Hungary even had to make a decision on whether it wanted to join the eastern or western Christian denomination, he added.

“So already at the point of origin we were faced with a dilemma that we’re still carrying with us to this day,” the speaker said.

Another reason why, he said, Hungary was interested in global stability was that if the global balance was upset, the first clashes “would no doubt happen in this region”.

Hungary has a responsibility to gather enough strength around itself “to be a player in this game”, Kövér said. “Because there was a time when Hungary was not dealt any cards at all.”

But, he added, there were also times when Hungary had a significant influence over the political processes that impacted it.

Kövér said he believed that the cooperation among the Visegrád Group countries was one of the factors that gave Hungary a greater chance than it has ever had before to enforce its interests through the central and eastern European value system.

As regards the centenary of the signing of the post-WWI Trianon Peace Treaty, Kövér said that in recent years Hungary’s neighbouring countries had realised that it was not Hungary that posed a threat to their own national identities, but rather stronger world powers which “try to use their machine of manipulation and money to dissolve . all forms of identity whether it be national or Christian or more recently, gender identity”.

Commenting on the situation in Belarus, Kövér said it was as yet unclear what was happening in Minsk and whether there was any “external power” behind the movements taking shape there.

There is still a chance for a compromise in Belarus, he said, arguing that this meant that none of the major powers were insistent on bringing the country under their influence “since they stand to lose more than what they wanted to gain”.

“It may happen that for once the Belarusian people will have their way, which was not the case under every transition,” Kövér said.

As regards the US presidential election, the speaker said “certain forces” were waging “an all-out war” against President Donald Trump, adding that this indicated that the Hungarian government, too, would have to be prepared to handle attempts at outside interference in the 2022 general election.

August 21, 2020

Orbán: Hungarians ‘champions of survival’

One hundred years after Hungary’s defeat in the first world war and the post-war Trianon Peace Treaty “we Hungarians stand on the stage of European history as the champions of survival”, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said at the inauguration of the National Cohesion Memorial on Thursday.

“There is no other nation in the world that would have survived a century like this,” Orbán said at the memorial at Budapest’s Kossuth Square before a class of graduate military officers on the national holiday celebrating St. Stephen, Hungary’s first Christian king.

Hungary’s reckoning over the Trianon Treaty on the centenary of its signing this past June has allowed the nation to declare an end to “the era of Hungary’s hundred years of solitude”, the prime minister said.

After the collapse of Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, Hungary became the largest economy and most populous state in the Carpathian Basin, he said, adding that “this comes with responsibilities that we can’t shy away from”.

“We cannot ignore the lessons of the past one hundred years,” the prime minister said.

Orbán said this was the reason why his government had enacted the laws of the “nation-minded policies of the new era”, declared Hungary’s interests and intention to participate in a central European alliance based on national sovereignty, freedom and common interests.

“On August 20 we must remind ourselves that independent statehood that guarantees a nation its own homeland is more of an exceptional state of being than a natural one,” Orbán said.

“A people that desires its own homeland and wants to live its life according to its own laws and customs – like the Hungarian people – must fight for its sovereignty and freedom every minute of its existence,” he added. “We must remember the strength, determination, talent, blood, sacrifices and valor required for us to be able to stand here today.”

Addressing the graduate officers, Orbán said few of them knew the role they would play in shaping the future of “a Hungary that is in the process of regaining its self-esteem, breaking free of the hundred years of captivity of Trianon . and ridding itself of the miserable gown of defeatism and subservience.”

Orbán said the “simple truth” that “life is a duty” was what would give life to the country’s economic prosperity and offer guidance to new generations.

“Selfishness has ensnared European life but those who aim to fulfil their duties will never lose their way,” he added.

Orbán said he believed that the new graduate officers embodied the “ideal of the Hungarian soldier ready to use his weapon, or if need be, lay down his life to perform his duty”.

The fewer people there are who perform their duties the harder others will have to work to perform theirs, he said, adding that this was the mission awaiting Hungarian military officers.

Concerning the newly-inaugurated National Cohesion Memorial, Orbán said it was worthy of completing “the panorama of the nation’s main square”.

The prime minister said his government had fulfilled the duty it had undertaken on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Trianon Treaty.

The centenary of the treaty’s signing was declared the year of national cohesion and the anniversary was commemorated, although the threat posed by the pandemic made it impossible to organise a complete event. The lessons to be learned from the past century and the loss of Hungary’s territories were analysed and confronted by academics, representatives of Hungary’s cultural life, ethnic Hungarian communities beyond the border, churches and politicians, he said.

Orbán said Hungary now not only had to declare that it has survived but also that “flying its flags high and having regained its self-esteem, it stands on the verge of great times and ready to win”.

Hungary is a safe home that is prepared to welcome everyone back who wants to be a part of building the nation, the prime minister said. “After a hundred years we’ve finally understood that Hungarians can never again afford themselves the luxury of weakness.”

Orbán said the seven tenets of Hungary’s nation-minded policies in the 21st century were that the homeland exists only as long as there is someone there to love it, every Hungarian child is a new “lookout”, truth is worth little without power, Hungarians will only get to keep what they can defend, “every match lasts until we win”, it is the country, not the nation that has borders and that no Hungarian is alone.

He said that while Hungarians celebrate their national cohesion, “Europe’s ship has become stranded and its position on the global political stage and in global trade has taken a hit.”

The “uncontestable advantage” of European nations, the European spirit and technology is no more, the prime minister said.

Orbán questioned whether European leaders were up to the task of reinventing the continent’s politics and economy and whether the nations of Europe would understand this and accept the effect it had on their lives and find their way back to “the world of hard work, sensible management and a responsible lifestyle”.

Read alsoAugust 20 – Hungarians mark national holiday – PHOTOS

August 21, 2020

August 20 – Cardinal Erdő: St. Stephen built his country, life on rock of Christ

Saint Stephen, Hungary’s first Christian king, built his country and his life “on the rock that is Christ”, Cardinal Peter Erdo, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, said in a mass delivered at St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest on Thursday, marking the August 20 national holiday.

“When we celebrate King Saint Stephen it is not just the past that we commemorate,” the cardinal said. “We also give thanks to God for the survival of Stephen’s people and ask that we may continue our journey with renewed strength and hope.”

The mass, normally held on the square in front of the Basilica with tens of thousands of pilgrims present, was limited to the inside of the church this year due to restrictions on mass gatherings imposed because of the novel coronavirus epidemic. The service was attended by President János Áder and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

In an interview with public broadcaster Kossuth Radio aired on Thursday, Erdő said the lesson Christians had learnt in the recent period was that although God had entrusted mankind to be “good stewards of the world”, that doesn’t entail “full power over creation”.

“The more we come to know the forces of nature and the mysterious ways in which the world works the more we come to realise that even with all our abilities, organisation and scientific knowledge we’re still too small to have control over every process,” Erdő said.

There is no telling when something will happen that “threatens our lives, challenges us or even threatens the existence of all of mankind”, he said.

“But at the same time, there’s divine guidance,” the cardinal said. “God didn’t create man to wipe him out through some accident. We each have a calling as individuals and as a community and it’s important that we go through life and history with this responsibility and faith.”

Read alsoAugust 20 – Hungarians mark national holiday – PHOTOS

August 21, 2020

August 20 – Hungarians mark national holiday – PHOTOS

Hungarians celebrated on Thursday the August 20 national holiday, commemorating the founding of the state of Hungary in the year 1000 A.D. by Saint Stephen, Hungary’s first Christian king.

The celebrations officially started in the morning with the hoisting of the national flag by a ceremonial guard in front of the parliament building.

President János Áder, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, House Speaker László Kövér, Defence Minister Tibor Benkő; representatives of the government, the state and the military; and diplomats, as well as several hundred onlookers participated at the ceremony.

Other programmes traditionally held to mark the holiday, such as an air show and a fireworks display, were cancelled this year because of the novel coronavirus epidemic.

Defence Minister Benkő asked the soldiers to serve in a way that wins acknowledgement of their commitment to creed and to sacrifice, to be examples of patriotism, loyalty and allegiance to country, bravery, heroism, devotion, modesty and humility.

He urged them to “raise the flag high”, to a height under which everybody who holds the defence and security of the country as well as the matters of the army important can be marshalled.

Speaking at an awards ceremony at the Carmelite monastery in Budapest Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén said the transcendent goal of the state is the preservation of the Hungarian nation and the improvement of their quality of life. He added that the transcendent goal of the state can only be achieved if there are people from all walks of life who serve the preservation of the nation.

Read alsoProgram guide for the 20 August long-weekend

“Saint Stephen was the builder of the country; it is every Hungarian’s mission to be a country-builder whatever their place,” he added.

March 15 Hungary National flag hoisted Hungary flag

Read alsoAugust 20 – Orbán cabinet: Hungary ‘in better shape’ than Europe

August 20, 2020

August 20 – Orbán cabinet: Hungary ‘in better shape’ than Europe

When marking the national holiday celebrating Hungary’s statehood it is important to acknowledge that “all things considered our country is in better shape than our continent”, Gergely Gulyás, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office, said at an awards ceremony on Tuesday.

Over the course of its 1,020 years of statehood, Hungary enjoyed “few quiet centuries of peace and prosperity in which families lived safely and homes, villages and cities could be built without having to fight or defend themselves against something”, Gulyás said handing out state and ministry awards.

Gulyás said that

“in the spirit of making a clean slate of the past”, statues were being toppled and “citizens insistent on holding onto their past” were being “beaten and assaulted” in several European countries today.

The right to assembly is being eroded in Belarus, Christians are being persecuted “more and more openly across the globe” and Christian communities are being weakened in Europe, he said.

But central Europe, he added, was making an effort to take a stand against these tendencies.

“We value freedom, a state that serves its citizens and the community preserving its culture that is under attack,” Gulyás said.

Program guide for the 20 August long-weekend

Read alsoAugust 20 national holiday public events cancelled in Hungary

August 18, 2020

Program guide for the 20 August long-weekend

If you still do not know what to do this long weekend, here are a couple of events you could check out. As we are still in the midst of an epidemic, please take extra care of personal hygiene, wash your hands regularly and try to keep the distance from others.

As there is still a national ban on mass events, all major summer festivals had to be cancelled, including Strand Festival. Both fans and organisers are disappointed. STRAND came up with an interesting idea and organised a much smaller, free event at Zamárdi beach with concerts and stand-up comedians.

SzabadSTRAND starts on 19 August and lasts for four days. They aim to serve those who already booked their apartments for the festival or who were to spend the long weekend in the area already. Daytime activities include yoga on the beach, board games, dodgeball in the water, beer pong, painting, recycled & upcycled fashion workshop, SUP tours.

The month of August is pretty much all about wine in several settlements around the Hungarian sea. Wine weeks started 7 August at Tagore boardwalk, Balatonfüred, where musicians entertain the guests every evening. Also, every weekend in August in Badacsony is Wine Weekends with great music and even greater wines.

The party never stops at Plázs, Siófok where there are four different locations, each admitting 500 guests. Plázs is the centre of summer relaxation. It is the largest party beach in the country, which “during the day is a scene of sunbathing sweet do-it-yourself or active recreation, and on program days it becomes a bustling VIP centre with party streams and a series of concerts on summer weekends.” The Color Festival awaits you on the long weekend at Plázs.

Spa- and Wellness Centre Sárvár has a late-night opening with music on Friday (the 21s^t of August). Ticket from 7 p.m. cost 6.77 Euros/person, the spa is open until 1 a.m., and the sauna is open until 12.30. Sauna tickets are available from 7 p.m. (3.23 Eur/person).

Those who remain in Budapest won’t be bored either. Kenyérlelke Festival is held 19-20 August. The primary purpose for this is a chance for real sourdough bread lovers to meet each other. The Festival is a family day event with exciting programs, workshops and stage programs. Visitors can see how real bread is made with flour, water and salt only. There is also a competition for amateur and professional bakers; the best will receive a diploma from the jury.

Kenyerlelke festival — Photo: Facebook.com/kenyerlelke

Normafa hosts a Lángos and pancake festival this weekend.

What do we celebrate?

The 20th of August is the State Foundation Day of Hungary. This day is also a religious holiday, Catholics celebrate the day of the first patron saint of Hungary. This day also marks the Hungarian Festival of the New Bread. In many locations in Hungary and even in larger Hungarian communities beyond the border, the blessing or slicing off a loaf of bread are parts of the celebration. To find out more about this holiday and why we celebrate it, please check out our previous article.

Read alsoWhat do Hungarians celebrate on 20 August?

August 18, 2020

August 20 national holiday public events cancelled in Hungary

All public events scheduled for the August 20 national holiday have been cancelled including the air show and the evening fireworks display as part of coronavirus protection measures, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office said on Thursday.

Festivities that attract a large number of people pose a threat of spreading Covid-19 infections, Gergely Gulyás told a regular weekly press briefing.

The oath-taking ceremony of graduate officers will however be held, he said.

Gulyás noted that the number of active coronavirus infections in Hungary is gradually dropping. Hungary is one of the safest and most protected countries against the virus in the region, he said.

Read alsoVisit Hungary and enjoy these festivals in August!

As regards neighbouring countries that have seen a rise in the number of infections, no further restrictions are needed as the coronavirus situation in these countries, with the exception of Serbia and Ukraine, has improved in the past few days.

Gulyás said domestic coronavirus-related precautionary measures must be observed, including wearing a face mask on public transport and in shops. Restaurant staff must also wear a face mask, he added.

The ban on holding public events with more than 500 participants will stay in effect until August 15, Gulyás said, adding that the cabinet will review the situation and take a decision on any changes at the end of this month.

Answering a question, Gulyás said the chief medical officer and the operative board in charge of containing the coronavirus epidemic had decided to maintain measures and now the number of Covid-19 cases is gradually dropping.

Gulyás said that ideally Hungary’s borders should be sealed but this would be unfair given that many Hungarians live abroad. Anyone presenting a certificate that they are free of the virus are exempt from having to go into quarantine, he added.

Read alsoInternational athletics to return in August: Hungary in the calendar

July 16, 2020

Hungarian government to spend more money on celebrating a national holiday than renovating the Chain Bridge

The government wants to spend less money on renovating Budapest’s very own Chain Bridge, which has been in questionable state for years, than what they aim to spend on a 3-day-festival in August. People are outraged, demanding that they use the money for something more useful.

24.hu reports that

the Hungarian government plans to spend 6.5 billion Forints (18.7 million Euros) on celebrating the 20th of August (firework costs not included) while offering 6 billion Forints (17.2 million Euros) for the renovation of Budapest’s most iconic symbol; the Chain Bridge.

20 August is the National Holiday of The Foundation of The Hungarian State. In honour of the holiday, the government wants to organise not only a 3-day festival in the heart of Budapest but Europe’s biggest lights- and fireworks show ever. The government sees this festival as a sort of “restart” for Hungary after the coronavirus.

Many people are outraged by the government’s stance of frivolously spending millions of Euros on a huge party when that money could be used for more important causes. One of these causes could be the renovation of the Chain Bridge, which has been postponed for years due to the lack of funding.

We reported in January 2020 that inspections warranted the introduction of severe weight restrictions on the Chain Bridge, which has not been renovated since 1986. The Budapest General Assembly decided in 2002 that the bridge’s bearing load must be brought up to appropriate safety standards. Practically nothing happened since then due to the lack of resources. Budapest city council has about 17.3 billion Forints (49.7 million Euros) allocated to this project, and they repeatedly told the government that the 18 million Euros they initially offered would not be enough. The government and the city council have been meeting and discussing the issue for months.

Many from the opposition believe that these 18.7 million Euros should be spent on protection measures against the coronavirus and helping those families that lost their jobs due to the epidemic. Others simply want the government to rethink their decision, use the money for something more useful, and find another way to celebrate the national holiday.

Read alsoBudapest against holding August 20 fireworks near Chain Bridge, says Mayor Karácsony

June 16, 2020

Budapest against holding August 20 fireworks near Chain Bridge, says Mayor Karácsony

The Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, has said his administration opposes holding fireworks on or around the capital’s iconic Chain Bridge on the August 20 national holiday.

Karácsony wrote on his Facebook page on Monday that the engineering report in connection with plans to renovate the bridge indicated that

fireworks over recent years had contributed to the structure’s deterioration.

He accused the Fidesz government of planning to “occupy half the city” for its own propaganda purposes between August 15 and 20.

Karácsony said the central government would spend more on spectacles during the national holiday than its proposed contribution to the bridge’s renovation.

“Six billion forints for Chain Bridge; 6.5 billion for the parade, and that doesn’t even include the cost of the fireworks,” he wrote.

The Government Information Centre said in a statement in response to Karácsony’s Facebook post that a series of events were being planned over several days to celebrate St. Stephen’s Day, with a view to boosting domestic tourism.

Events will include a gastronomy festival, open-air concerts, a St. Stephen’s Day parade, waterfront concerts, and family programmes.

“The aim is to celebrate Hungary’s birthday,”

the statement said, adding that people working in tourism, hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic, were receiving government assistance.

Central government funding for the renovation of Chain Bridge is still available, the statement added.

Hungarian government calls for urgent renovation of Budapest Chain Bridge

June 15, 2020