National Day

Petition to replace the famous August 20 fireworks in Budapest with a light show – do you agree?

There is an online petition aiming to replace the well-known August 20 fireworks in Budapest with a light show. August 20 is one of the national holidays of Hungary when the country celebrates its birth. The more than 7 thousand people who have already signed the petition say that a light show would not disturb small children and animals.

Interestingly, the government previously announced that this year, they would like to organise fireworks bigger than any of the previous occasions, Szeretlek Magyarorszag reported. Zoltán Guller, the managing director of the Hungarian Tourism Agency, said that they plan to make Europe’s biggest fireworks and light show on August 20, and people will be able to enjoy it along a stretch of over

4 kilometres on the embankments of the River Danube.

Apart from the fireworks, the Hungarian Tourism Agency is planning to commemorate the birth of Hungary in Budapest with a complex series of programs lasting for several days. 

 

Gergely Homonnai, a Hungarian writer and journalist, started a petition the same day the Agency announced their plans, saying that after the coronavirus epidemic, nobody should “burn” the money of taxpayers with fireworks. He thinks that the new beginning following the virus would be better symbolised if

something new and worthy was invented

to celebrate the birthday of the Hungarian state.

He added that during difficult times like these when a lot of people have already lost their jobs and do not know how to pay their rent, fireworks would not amuse them and are not the best choice to demonstrate that their future and well-being is important for the state. Furthermore, fireworks disturb not only small children but also animals, so there should be other ways to celebrate. For example, there are many Hungarian cities where, instead of fireworks, there are light shows.

Seven thousand people have already signed Mr Homonnay’s petition, but as of yet, nobody has reacted from the Hungarian Tourism Agency or the government regarding the idea of a light show.

Socialists want funding for Aug 20 festivities diverted to epidemic response

Daily News Hungary

The opposition Socialists have called on the government to divert the money earmarked for the August 20 national holiday’s fireworks display and other festivities towards measures aimed at mitigating the effects of the novel coronavirus epidemic.

The government is planning to organise programmes to celebrate the country’s statehood on an unprecedented scale, lawmaker Zsolt Molnár told an online press conference.

He called it “irresponsible” to organise such mass events at a time when the outcome of the epidemic was unclear and tens to hundreds of thousands had lost their jobs.

In addition,

the events will most likely cost billions of forints in taxpayer money, Molnár said, demanding that the government disclose the exact amount it has earmarked for the festivities.

The Socialist Party will launch an online petition calling for the money to be spent on social support and on mitigating the effects of the epidemic, he said.

fidesz-kdnp-alliance orbán
Read alsoOrbán’s alliance maintains lead in polls

How to spend Labour Day Celebration at your own home

This week, the 1st of May marks the Labour Day in Hungary, which is celebrated in the country every year with different kinds of programs countrywide. Due to the coronavirus-epidemic, this year, these programs will not take place, but nothing can stop you from being creative and bring the perfect Labour Day Celebration to your home. 

Coronavirus - online yoga training
Read alsoCoronavirus – How to make the ideal time management for home-quarantine

Before I give you some tips about how you should celebrate, let us step back in time first. The history of Labour Day goes back to the times of the industrial revolution. Countries all over the world started demanding the reduction of working hours from 10-16 to 8. The first protests began in Great Britain in 1817, then came to Australia in 1856. In the second part of the 19th century, the USA also joined the initiation, but the American happenings imbruted and took a toll on dozens of human lives. 

May 1, marching, Budapest, Hungary
Photo: Fortepan/Urbán Tamás

The 1st of May became the most significant international labour celebration in the 20th century, especially in the Soviet Union and the socialist countries, where it was celebrated amid glorious externals. It became an official public holiday and a labour-free day. However, after the fall of communist regimes, the 1st of May became the solidarity day of workers. Since then, it is mostly celebrated with summering/maying (majális in Hungarian).

Part of these celebrations was the essential sausage and beer combination, the drink and food of May 1 celebrations.

Many Hungarians who lived during the communist era of Hungary remembers these as the best part of the May 1 celebrations besides marching on the streets. Nothing can stop you from cooking the best sausage at your own home and from drinking your perfect beer. You can also make some of these iconic and delicious Hungarian recipes in the following article below. 

Read alsoTen traditional and delicious Hungarian meals to cheer you up at home-quarantine

Be careful while you are at the shop, keep the distance, wear a mask and a pair of gloves.

Making maypoles were also essential on this day. These creations are the symbols of nature’s revival, and they represent the period when the cold days are finally coming to an end, and the pleasant spring weather turns into summer. Check out this video below to gain some inspiration and to get to know the necessary types of equipment you might have at your home in an abandoned drawer. 

As today May 1 is celebrated as a quiet family holiday and especially now because of the epidemic which forced us into our homes. It is the perfect time to relax, rest and to spend some time with your family members or to have a long online call with your friends. 

British ambassador recites Radnóti’s poem on Hungarian National Poetry Day – VIDEO

Iain Lindsay British Ambassador of Hungary Reading

Keeping to his traditions, the British ambassador of Hungary, Iain Lindsay, recited a Hungarian poem on the Hungarian National Poetry Day, reported Szeretlek Magyarország.

Iain Lindsay, the British ambassador of Hungary, has spoken many times in Hungarian and started a tradition a couple of years ago. Every year on the Day of Hungarian Culture (22 January) and Hungarian National Poetry Day (11 April), Iain Lindsay does something that is connected to Hungary. For example, last year, he recited the famous School from Ágnes Nemes Nagy.

This year, Iain chose Miklós Radnóti’s poem In Your Arms. His performance was recorded and posted on the UK in Hungary Facebook page. The post says: “In keeping with his tradition, Ambassador Lindsay has chosen a poem to recite for Hungarian Poetry Day. Please welcome Miklós Radnóti’s poem In your arms, direct from the Ambassador’s residence.” Below you can see the ambassador reciting the poem:

https://www.facebook.com/ukinhungary/videos/213446679915388/

As we have said, Lindsay surprised Hungarians many times before. This year, on the Day of Hungarian Culture, he expressed his kindness by reading aloud his favourite Hungarian youth novel, The Paul Street Boys.

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

In 2019, Lindsay celebrated with Scrabble on social media. He took a photo of a toy ‘betyár’ figure and a Scrabble layout, spelling several Hungarian words, with concepts that represent Hungarian culture for Lindsay, and asked his followers to share what Hungarian culture means for them.

lindsay united kingdom hungary hungarian culture
Read alsoThe British ambassador honours the Day of Hungarian Culture with scrabble

In 2016, Lindsay surprised the world on 11 April, which is National Poetry Day in Hungary, by reading one of Attila József’s poems. Hungary has celebrated the National Poetry day since 1964. The date is important because it is the birthday of Attila József, one of the best Hungarian poets.

Read alsoThe British Ambassador is reading a poem on Hungary’s National Poetry Day-Video

Unfortunately, Iain Lindsay announced earlier this year, in February, that he would soon leave his office. However, he introduced his successor and assured everyone that they would not be disappointed.

day of culture iain lindsay
Read alsoBeloved British ambassador of Hungary leaves office

5 interesting facts about the Hungarian National Day, March 15

March 15 petőfi

March 15 is one of the three greatest Hungarian national days. On August 20, the nation celebrates the foundation of the state, while on October 23, the successful revolution of 1956 is commemorated. March 15 also marks a successful revolution, but in the Springtime of the Peoples in 1848. Thanks to tortenelmi.blog.hu, below you can find 5 interesting facts about what exactly happened on that rainy day.

Weather

Weather is a factor that has always affected history, and it has to be said that on March 15, 1848, it rained all day. Sándor Petőfi, the greatest Hungarian poet of that time, wrote in his diary that they first went to the medical students, and the rain seemed like it never intended to stop. But he also adds that their enthusiasm was like Greek fire: it could not be extinguished by water, Árpád Harmat, the author of the article on tortenelmi.blog.hu, writes.

Despite the bad weather, the crowd grew hour by hour, and by the time they arrived at the Castle of Buda, there were already more than 20 thousand people in their ranks. 

The story of the 12 points of the Hungarian Revolutionaries

Hungarians read the 12 points almost every time during March 15 celebrations, but nobody knows exactly how it started. We know that one of the revolutionaries, Dániel Irányi, was entrusted by Lajos Kossuth to sum up the demands of the opposition in 12 points 10 days before the events. These were in accordance with Kossuth’s initiative he handed in to the diet (the parliament’s name those days). However, the final draft was written by József Irinyi and became the program of the Young Hungary group (which consisted of Petőfi, Mór Jókiai, János Arany, Pál Vasvári, and others).

They modified it a bit, and

the plan was that they would read it out for the people coming to the fair of March 19.

However, the revolution in Vienna broke out on March 14, so they did not want to waste time. 

How bloody the revolution was

Revolutions are bloody in general, just think about the beheaded Charles I of England and Louis XVI of France. Furthermore, during the Jacobin dictatorship, blood literally flowed on the streets of Paris.

In contrast, the Hungarian revolution was bloodless, people were only shouting, cheering and being happy because of their victory. Even the revolutionaries went home to have lunch during the day, and they continued after 3 pm.

The importance of Mihály Táncsics (the man the revolutionaries freed from prison at the end of the day)

He became iconic in many people’s mind, but he was not an important figure of March 15. Mr Táncsics assaulted the feudal system and serfdom in his writings, so authorities arrested him in 1847 and sent him to prison. Apart from a Romanian journalist, he was the only one who sat in prison on March 15, 1848, so he became the symbol of the Habsburg oppression.

When he was released, the impassioned people carried him home on their shoulders. But later, Kossuth found that his utopian socialist views were dangerous, so he banned his magazine.

The role of count Széchenyi, “the greatest Hungarian”

István Széchenyi was one of the most important figures of the reform era who built a lot of things, for example, the Chain Bridge or the Hungarian Academy of Science. He was a member of the delegation that went to the Hungarian king (and Habsburg emperor), Ferdinand V, and he was one of those

whose advice and opinion the Imperial Council counted on.

Therefore, the fact that the Council approved most of the Hungarian demands and appointed Lajos Batthyány the first prime minister of Hungary, is unquestionable.

Why do Hungarians celebrate March 15 so vehemently?

March 15 Hungary

In 1848, there were revolutions and even fights for freedom in many parts of Europe, for example, in France, in Italy, in Germany or Austria. However, in Hungary, March 15, 1848, is so deeply ingrained in the people’s minds like nowhere else in the continent. Apart from August 20 (founding of the state) and October 23 (anti-Communist revolution of 1956) March 15 is the third important Hungarian National Day. And during this day, nobody is sad. Why?

At the beginning of the 19th century, Hungary looked like 50 or 100 years before. It seemed that nothing will ever change although many knew that the economic, political, cultural and social development was accelerating in Western-Europe because of the industrial revolution. However, only a handful of people realised that if the process continues unchanged

Hungary will lose its chance ever to reach the level of the advanced European states

and it will inevitably become the servant of their economies.

The rulers of the Habsburg Monarchy already divided their empire into two parts in the 18th century. They said then that the Austrian and the Czech territories should develop their industry while Hungary remains and agriculture-focused land serving the needs of the Western parts of the empire.

Many Hungarian nobles and intellectuals (the two categories were in most cases the same) became aware of the fact that their country is very underdeveloped only after they returned home from their peregrination. Fortunately, some decided to give a different future to Hungary than the one the famous German thinker and philosopher

Johann Gottfried Herder foretold about the disappearance of the Hungarian people. 

Count István Széchenyi, Lajos Kossuth, Ferenc Deák or József Eötvös wanted to create a modern Hungary by reforming the feudal one existing in those days. Therefore, they wanted to hold elections; they wanted to create an independent parliament, they wanted to develop the industry of the country, and they wanted to create the rule of law instead of the rule of the feudal privileges. The members of the reform movement did not agree with each other in many questions, but their debates remained very sophisticated during the whole era showing huge contrast to today’s Hungarian political quarrels.

Furthermore, even though the representatives of the feudal diets were

almost all nobles (enjoying the comforts of the feudal system) they accepted initiatives destroying the feudal framework.

In many parts of the world (mostly in England, France or Germany), nobles were the most conservative part of the society doing everything to prevent reforms. In Hungary, they were the leaders of the reform era. This could not have happened without the work of Count Széchenyi (“the greatest Hungarian) or Lajos Kossuth (“the Moses of the Hungarians”) who concentrated on highlighting the common benefits of the reforms.

The peak of this reform era came on March 15, 1848, when the whole Hungarian nation (regardless of political programs and sympathies) stood up united and was successful. As a result, the first Hungarian government responsible for the parliament instead of the monarch could be formed representing not only conservatives and liberals but also aristocrats and smallholder nobles.

March 15 became the day of victory

over the feudal system and the starting point of the modern Hungarian state based on the rule of law, developing economy and social reforms. This is why March 15 is so important in Hungary, and that is why most people are celebrating in the country today.

Operative board calls for cancellation of all March 15 national holiday events – UPDATE

March 15 Hungary National flag hoisted hussar

Hungary’s operative board in charge of handling the new coronavirus outbreak has called for the cancellation of all events to mark the March 15 national holiday.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Tibor Lakatos, head of the board’s emergency centre, advised people over 60 to avoid public gatherings and large crowds.

Those returning from Italy, he added, are asked to stay at home, along with their children, for a period of 14 days regardless of whether or not they exhibit symptoms of the virus.

Lakatos said the board had begun working on measures to be implemented at Schengen land border crossing points, which will include screening all entrants.

Chief medical officer Cecília Müller told the same news conference that

the virus was certain to continue spreading across Europe.

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Read alsoThree more people infected by new virus in Hungary!

UPDATE

Chief medical officer Cecilia Müller told the same news conference that the procedure for defending against the new virus had so far changed on four occasions, adding that international organisations had already flagged additional changes. The Hungarian health authorities will comply with any further changes issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), she said.

Concerning the nationwide visiting ban imposed at hospitals, Muller said the restrictions did not apply in the cases of severely ill patients who are incapable of looking after themselves. According to the resolution, one parent is also allowed to stay at the hospital with their child and women due to give birth may also choose someone to accompany them, she added.

Müller confirmed that there were 16 health-care workers in quarantine, adding that their first tests had all come back negative.

She also said the virus was certain to continue spreading across Europe.

Meanwhile, Lakatos noted that the government has allocated eight billion forints (EUR 23.7m) for the response to the virus outbreak, which will primarily be spent on treating those infected and preventive measures.

He said the board had also discussed potential restrictions to be put in place at schools, adding that if necessary, the government is prepared to implement them.

On Tuesday, the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country rose to 12.

According to the latest data from the government, fully 67 people are in quarantine, while samples have been taken from 531 people suspected of carrying the virus.

In another development, Gábor Gordon, board member of the Hungarian March of the Living Foundation, announced on Tuesday that the foundation was cancelling this year’s march because of the coronavirus outbreak.

“Because nothing is as important as the protection of human lives and health, it is with a heavy heart that we must cancel this year’s march,” Gordon said in a statement.

The event was scheduled to be held on April 19.

Gordon said the foundation asked for the understanding of Holocaust survivors and “all decent people”, adding that, hopefully the march could be held at another time.

Meanwhile, the Hungarian Tourism Agency (MTÜ) has prepared an information brochure on the new virus for tourists in nine languages and will send it to domestic tourism service providers, portal site turizmus.com said. In addition to Hungarian, the official communication on coronavirus has also been prepared in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Chinese and Hebrew. The document informs foreign visitors about what to pay attention to and where to turn to if they observe symptoms of the infection.

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

day of culture iain lindsay

On the Day of Hungarian Culture, Iain Lindsay – British Ambassador to Hungary – expressed his kindness with an exclusive video, in which the British diplomat read aloud his favourite Hungarian youth novel The Paul Street Boys.

The video was posted by the British Embassy in Budapest – reported by the Hungarian news portal szeretlekmagyarorszag.hu.

http://www.facebook.com/ukinhungary/videos/2587790431270691/

This is not the first time that Lindsay expresses his friendliness towards Hungarians with a nice gesture. Last year, he presented some favourite motives of the Hungarian culture by a word puzzle game. In April 2018 – on the Day of Hungarian Poetry – he expressed his respect with a poem written by Attila József at the poet’s memorial place in Budapest.

Hungarian poetry stands so close to his heart that besides Attila József, such great Hungarian poets were recited by the British diplomat as Sándor Petőfi and Ágnes Nemes Nagy.

The Day of Hungarian Culture

The Day of Hungarian Culture is celebrated since 22nd January 1989, in commemoration of the day when Ferenc Kölcsey finished the Hungarian National Anthem in 1823.

As the Hungarian news portal Origo reports, this special day of the Hungarian culture is celebrated nationwide – several theatre performances, gala awards, concerts, exhibitions, book presentations, literary and musical evenings expect visitors throughout the whole country.

Video: www.facebook.com/ukinhungary/

October 23 – Hungary commemorates 1956 uprising – PHOTOS

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

Hungary’s national flag was hoisted in front of the Parliament building on Wednesday, 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, government members, leaders of the military and state organisations, and diplomats.

During the day, a series of commemorations will be held across the country and in Hungarian communities abroad to pay tribute to heroes of the failed revolution and freedom fight.

In the evening, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will speak at the Academy of Music, while the traditional “Freedom concert” will conclude the events at the Millenaris Park.

As we wrote yesterday, commemorations started with the traditional torch-lit march to Bem square, photos HERE.

Budapest then and now – photos, video of the 1956 revolution vs nowadays

Melodies of the 1956 Revolution in Hungary – VIDEOS

63 years ago, Hungary rose up against one of the most oppressing and brutal empires of the world. On 23rd October 1956, students and workers, men and women, old and young people of Budapest and other cities in Hungary grew tired of tyranny, intimidation, and repression under the Bolshevik regime of terror. Let us introduce you two of the most emblematic pieces of music of the glorious and tragic Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight against the Soviet Union. 

On 23rd October, the first armed conflict that broke out the revolution was at the radio station of Bródy Sándor Street – revolutionists managed to capture the building after a bloody fight with heavy losses. They wanted to transmit their demands on the radio, but the station was ruined and unusable. The fighters had to improvise, so they set up a mobile radio truck at the Parliament and used to broadcast news, messages, and information to support the revolution.

Between the news programmes of the channel, they needed some kind of an intermezzo of music to fill in the breaks. They found old vinyl records in the building of the parliament, including

a masterpiece of Ludwig van Beethoven – the Egmont Overture. 

This piece of music became the most emblematic melody of the 1956 Revolution as it was played several times on the radio during the fights. 

Another well-known tune of the revolution was composed by an Italian artist, Pier Francesco Pingitore. This song with the title “Avanti Ragazzi di Budapest” is very popular in Italy as it has also become the march of a football team, S.S. Lazio.

It expresses the atmosphere of the revolution very effectively. Even if the Italians did not experience the brutality and terror of the fights, this song reveals how they saw those crucial days and shows how much they respect the heroic bravery of the Hungarian revolutionists. You can find the English translation of the text here. 

You can read more about the international reactions to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight here. You can also read about how the Soviet army put an end to the revolution in November 1956 here.

Start of the 1956 revolution’s commemorations – PHOTOS

2019 October 22 Traditional torch-lit march in Budapest 1956

The 1956 Hungarian uprising against communist rule shows Hungarians’ resilience against the influence of foreign interests and power, former prime minister Péter Boross said at the start of the revolution’s commemorations on Tuesday, in front of a memorial near Budapest’s Technical University.

Older generations have a duty to pass on that awareness to the younger generations, Boross said.

Former-PM-Péter-Boross
Budapest, Hungary. Photo: MTI

Speaking at the university, Innovation and Technology Minister László Palkovics said Hungarian youth “drove the first nails into communism’s coffin” in 1956. Those serving the communist party were wrong in thinking they had forever ruined Hungarians, he said, and this mistake “shook the whole regime”, he said.

Commemorations continued with the traditional torch-lit march to Bem square, where concerts conclude the day’s celebration.

On October 23, the national flag will be hoisted in a ceremony in front of Parliament at 9am, ahead of day-long programmes on Kossuth Square and other venues. The traditional “Freedom concert” at the Millenaris events venue will conclude the commemorations in the evening, more details HERE.

Budapest then and now – photos, video of the 1956 revolution vs nowadays

Family programmes await everyone on Hungary’s upcoming national holiday – 23 October 2019

Debrecen_hungary_1956-tram

“The operative body responsible for the secure organisation of the 23 October national holiday has authorised the related security plan”, the body’s head announced at a press conference in Budapest.

State Secretary for International Communication and Relations Zoltán Kovács highlighted: “23 October is the most important manifestation of the Hungarians’ desire for freedom and the Hungarian people’s battle for independence”.

“On 23 October 1956, events occurred with which everyday people, the ‘Lads of Pest’, set an example not only to Hungarians, but to the whole of the world. Protecting national sovereignty and freedom, and standing up for these, are everyday tasks, and the responsibility of not only politicians, but also everyday people”, he noted, adding: “23 October stands as an example of the fact that everyone can take action to achieve freedom even in the most hopeless situations”.

This year’s events are being held under the slogan “The Day of Freedom”

Today, 22 October, a wreath laying ceremony will be held at the University of Technology’s 1956 memorial. A speech will be given by former Prime Minister Péter Boross. At the event, which will begin at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics at 3 p.m., a speech will also be given by Minister for Innovation and Technology László Palkovics.

Following this, the traditional, period torchlight commemorative procession will take place to the Bem statue, where the Ministry of Human Capacities’ Parliamentary State Secretary Bence Rétvári will give a speech.

In the evening, János Csík and Esszencia will give a concert, during and after which a light show will be projected onto the adjacent buildings.

On 23 October, events will begin at 9 a.m. with the ceremonious hoisting of the flag in front of Parliament on Kossuth Square.

The Holy Crown will be open to the public all day in the Parliament Building, in addition to which family programs will await all visitors on Kossuth Square.

The now traditional Freedom Concert will be held at the Millenáris Park at 7 in the evening, following which the series of celebratory events will be drawn to a close by a gala concert at the Academy of Music.

Parliament declared 23 October an official national holiday in 1991, which was later also reinforced by the 2012 Constitution.

1956 uprising commemorated in Washington

Hungary’s revolution of October 23, 1956 was commemorated in a ceremony in the US capital on Monday.

“We Hungarians, a people of freedom being of a small country but a great nation, dared to say from time to time: enough of tyranny; and we dared to confront much stronger powers than us,” László Szabó, Hungary’s ambassador to the US, said at the ceremony held in the Kennedy Center.

In 1956, he noted, Hungarian people made a stand for freedom “in the face of hundreds of thousands of occupying Soviet soldiers and dreaded communist militants”.

Szabó said 1956 laid the foundation for a change of regime thirty years ago. At the time, a young lawyer who is now Hungary’s premier was one of the first to demand the withdrawal of Soviet troops and the country’s democratic transformation, he added.

Referring to accusations that Hungary is friendly with Russia, he noted that Russian soldiers had helped the Habsburgs to crush Hungary’s fight for freedom in 1849, and in 1956 Hungarian freedom fighters were crushed by Soviet troops.

Whereas Hungary needs Russian energy imports, this does not equate to eternal friendship, he added.

Meanwhile, Szabó presented the Golden Cross of Merit, awarded by President János Áder, to the founder and curator of the Árpádhon Museum of Hungarian Settlement in Louisiana, Alex Kropog and his wife, and to Kinga Révész, president of the Hungarian Science Club in Washington.

October 23 will be commemorated in the next few days in other parts of the US, too.

On Sunday, Hungarians living in Southern California and Los Angeles held commemorations.

Tibor P Nagy, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs at the US Department of State, and Thomas B. Modly, Under Secretary of the Navy, attended the Washington commemoration.

Do you know what St. Stephen adviced to his heir and son?

Saint Stephen and Imre

Hungary’s good ties to the West and the roots of the feudal system alongside with the Catholic church were very young at the beginning of the 11th century and St. Stephen wanted his son to continue the work of his life: creating a modern, Western-like country. He saw the many perils; he tried to guide Emeric.

The national holiday of August 20 marks the birth of Christian Hungary, but the process was, in fact, much longer than even Hungarians think. The alliance of the Hungarian (and non-Hungarian) tribes that conquered the Carpathian Basin in 896 lead many looting campaigns to the West and the South-East which were ended by two big defeats in 955 and 970. By then, the once existing alliance of the different tribes vanished, and several semi-independent “states” were born under the leadership of a local “strong man”.

One of these was the territory of the Árpáds, the official ruling dynasty of the Hungarian tribes (today’s Esztergom, Győr, Budapest), where the new generation represented by Grand Prince Géza (972-997) wanted changes. Géza called Christian missionaries from the West to the country, founded a diocese in Veszprém and managed to win the hand of the Holy Roman Emperor’s sister, Gisela for his son, Stephen.

His son, Stephen, continued his work by defeating the leaders of the different Hungarian tribes,

founding many dioceses and an archdiocese and finishing the implantation of the feudal system in Hungary.

Many accepted Stephen’s authority, but there were many both in the country and even in the royal family who would break up with the West. Therefore, it was crucial to have an heir who can continue the Géza’s and Stephens’s life work. This is why the king (or probably one of his clerics) wrote

a King’s Mirror for his son, Emeric, about good governance.

Though we do not have the original script, thanks to copied we know rather well what the king wrote to his son. He collected his thoughts in 10 points stressing that “my boy, at present, you have the fun and I do the work; but your labours are on the way.”

First and foremost, Stephen urged his son “to

maintain the Catholic and Apostolic faith

with such diligence and care that you may be an example for all those placed under you by God.” Later he says that “even now in our kingdom the Church is proclaimed as young and newly planted, and for that reason, she needs more prudent and trustworthy guardians.”

The importance of keeping the faith is emphasised even later: “for it is a hard thing for you to maintain a kingdom of this geographical position, except you show yourself an imitator of the usage of kings who have reigned before.” This means that Hungary will perish in a constant Christian vs pagan fight with the West, so Catholicism and feudalism are keys to the country’s survival.

Stephen encouraged Emeric to accept as many foreigners as possible because “they bring with them diverse languages and usages, and diverse learning and arms, all of which not only adorn the royal palace and render magnificent the court, but also abash the arrogance of aliens.

For a kingdom of one tongue, or of one custom, is weak and fragile.”

On the nobility, Stephen said that “they are the champions of the kingdom, the defenders of the weak, the conquerors of enemies, the enlargers of monarchies […] you should reduce none to servitude, nor call any slave; they should serve you as soldiers.”

 

“Be patient with everyone, not only with the powerful, but also with the weak.

[…] Be humble in this life that God may raise you up in the next. Be truly moderate and do not punish or condemn anyone immoderately. Be gentle so that you may never oppose justice. Be honourable so that you never voluntarily bring disgrace upon anyone. Be chaste so that you may avoid all the foulness that so resembles the pangs of death” – concluded Stephen.

Unfortunately, Emeric was wounded in a hunting accident and died in 1031, so Stephen nominated his sister’s son, the Venetian Peter Orseolo, as his heir. The king’s cousin, Vazul, who was suspected of an inclination towards paganism, attempted a coup, but he failed, was blinded and his three sons, Levente, Andrew and Béla expelled from the country. Interestingly, after Stephen’s death, a long period of instability followed which ended only after Ladislaus, grandson of Vazul ascended the throne.

Ready for this year’s spectacular fireworks show?! – Handy Guide for 20th August ceremony

Fireworks Budapest

20th August – within the framework of this year’s spectacular celebration more than 26,000 visual effects and 3,600 firework bombs will entertain the audience.

The festive program starts at Kossuth Square, where the national flag will be hoisted, along with military honours. The inauguration of army cadets will follow this; celebratory speech will be given by Tibor Benkő, Minister of Defense, and Áder János, President of the Republic. The Hungarian Defense’s airshow can be seen over the Danube between the Chain Bridge and Parliament; during the 50-minutes long program fourteen aircrafts (including Gripen), helicopters and boats will appear. 

As the Hungarian news portal blikk.hu describes this year’s fireworks show has been implemented by less financial resources than last year – numerically about EUR 680,000.

Pyro-technicians have designed more than 26,000 visual effects, for which 6,500 pyrotechnic elements are installed. At least 3,600 firework bombs can be expected; the most advanced specialised software has realised the design, synchronised for the pace of musical accompaniment – reported by Zoltán Kovács, State Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office.

The spectacular show starts at 9 o’clock in the evening. The fireworks will be shot up at 9 locations – at two sections of the Danube from seven barges and pontoons; from the Chain Bridge and the Elizabeth Bridge – and a surprise can be expected this year as well. 

55 firemen and 16 vehicles will provide local security. Firefighting ships will be on the alert at the affected Danube sections – said by Dániel Mukics, spokesman for the National Directorate General for Disaster Management. 

“If someone sees fire, or any firework, pyrotechnic product which does not work properly, should call 112 emergency number immediately, or contact the fire department on site.”

In case of bad weather, the operational department might decide to cancel the event. In case of emergency, instructions will be given through loudspeakers, or personally at the scene provided by the authorities. The spokesman also highlighted that taking care of each other is important as the crowd will not be smaller by jostling!

Presumably, Tuesday’s ceremony will not be disturbed by the weather. 

Budapest Police Headquarters asks onlookers to pay attention to their values, as pickpockets might hide in the crowd, so valuable objects should be ​​stored in internal pockets. If the whole family participates in the event, they should take care of each other, especially children, giving them identifying documents or fixed arm strap with the parents’ phone number on it.

The Hungarian National Ambulance Service provides 36 rescue teams at the scene, including mass accident service as well where commonly bruises, fractures, sunburns are recuperated.

The Ambulance Service asks people to pay attention to warnings, take care of children and do not climb up to dangerous places for a better view. In case of trouble, help can be requested from rescuers at the scene, or by calling emergency if necessary – reported by Pár Győrfi, spokesman of the National Ambulance Service.

Delicacies and music at Buda Castle

Hungary's cakes
Image: www.facebook.com/CorsoCukraszda/

Hungarian Festival of Crafts in Buda Castle started on 17th August, while Street of Hungarian Flavours opened its doors on 18th August at the Castle Bazaar – where Hungary’s cake, “Lady’s Lace” (Boldogasszony csipkéje) can be tasted for the first time, along with the country’s sugar-free cake, the “Small chestnut” (Kicsi gesztenye). There will be concerts and children entertaining shows, including Hooligans, Gyula Deák Bill, Beatrice and Csík band. 

Light parade at Lake Balaton

Spectacular shows can be seen at the Hungarian sea as well – most of the towns organise fireworks parade for locals’ and tourists’ entertainment. Tuesday’s light show can be enjoyed at Alsóörs, Almádi, Balatonberény, Földvár, Füred, Fűzfő, Kenese, Lelle, Máriafürdő, Szárszó, Szemes, Világos, Csopak, Fonyód, Gyenesdiás, Hévíz, Keszthely, Révfülöp, Siófok, Szigliget, Tihany, Zamárdi and Zánka.

August 20 state events to be held over 3 days

The Holy Crown of Hungary

State events marking the August 20 national holiday celebrating Hungary’s first Christian king, St Stephen, will be held over a period of three days, the state secretary for international communications and relations said on Wednesday.

The celebrations will honour a more than 1,000-year-old state that protects not only its own identity and culture but also the culture, borders and identity of Europe, Zoltán Kovács told a press conference.

Programmes include a gastronomy festival of Hungarian specialties starting on August 18. It will also feature programmes for families and concerts in the evening.

The celebrations on August 20 will begin with the hoisting of the national flag in front of Parliament and an oath-taking ceremony for 130 new soldiers. The event will be addressed by President János Áder and Defence Minister Tibor Benkő. Their speeches will be followed by an air and water parade put on by the Armed Forces of Hungary, he added.

The highlight of the celebrations will again be the traditional fireworks spectacle to be held along the banks of the River Danube.

As we wrote before, Hungary’s traditional fireworks spectacle will feature a show with more than 26,000 visual effects on the August 20 national holiday, more details HERE.

August 20, 2018 – Hungary celebrated the national holiday with amazing fireworks – PHOTOS

August 20 fireworks display to feature 26,000 visual effects

budapest-fireworks

Hungary’s traditional fireworks spectacle will feature a show with more than 26,000 visual effects on the August 20 national holiday celebrating Hungary’s first Christian king, St Stephen, a government official said on Wednesday.

State celebrations will start in front of Parliament with the hoisting of the national flag and the traditional oath taking of young military officers. The ceremony will be addressed by Hungary’s president and the defence minister. Programmes during the day include a military air show over the Danube featuring Gripen fighter jets and a holy mass in St Stephen’s Basilica.

The fireworks spectacle over the Danube this year has been designed using special software and will feature a surprise element.

Leading up to St Stephen’s Day are programmes starting on August 17 with the Festival of Folk Arts in the Buda Castle and a three-day gastronomy event offering specialties from the Carpathian Basin opening in the Varkert Bazaar on August 18.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvqLQjXz-s0

For details visit https://augusztus20.kormany.hu.

The 20th of August might as well be the most significant national holiday of Hungary with festivals, celebrations and fireworks everywhere. But what is it really about? Read a quick recap of the must-know facts about the background of and traditions connected to St. Stephen’s day.