President Katalin Novák on Saturday opened the memorial year marking the 800th anniversary of the inauguration of the basilica at the Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma, in western Hungary.
In her address, the presidentreferred to Pannonhalma Abbey as “Europe’s Christian fortress … whose monks have followed the instructions of (King) Saint Stephen to pray for the survival of the country at all times.”
Members of the Benedictine order “develop and heal the environment rather than poison it; they strive for harmony rather than chaos, seek order rather than disorder, they educate rather than corrupt,” she said.
Education at the abbey’s secondary school is “an inspiration for all schools in Hungary”, she said. “Pannonhalma has been the cradle of Hungarian education, in which knowledge and faith are inseparable … At Pannonhalma competitiveness and moral education go together; they reinforce rather than weaken each other.”
Nováknoted that the abbey was founded over a millennium ago, while its school 200 years. “Hungary needs Pannonhalma, a hill that lifts us towards the sky,” she added.
Ahead of the opening ceremony of the memorial year, mass was celebrated by Michael Wallace Banach, apostolic nuncio to Hungary.
Read also:
Pannonhalma Archabbey – The most remarkable historical place in Hungary – Read our article HERE
The most beautiful film about Pannonhalma so far – read our article and check out the video HERE
Novák wrote the following post about her visit:
“The Basilica of the Archabbey in Pannonhalma is 800 years old. It is always a joy to come to thousand-year-old Pannonhalma. This is a place where more than ten consecutive centuries of Hungarian history amalgamate. This year, the celebration of Saint Martin’s Day was special as it marked the beginning of the season commemorating the 800th anniversary of the consecration of the basilica. King Saint Stephen of Hungary asked the Benedictines to pray for Hungary at all times. They have faithfully kept this promise. I am grateful to have celebrated today with the Benedictine community and the students of Pannonhalma!”
On Sunday evening, the aurora graced the skies of Hungary again. This marked the 10th occurrence of this dazzling celestial phenomenon in the country this year, with the latest occurrence being the most spectacular and powerful, according to Időkép.
Last night saw clear skies with only a scattering of clouds, so the extraordinary spectacle was visible to the naked eye across much of the country. The Időkép cameras recorded the beginning of the light show around 5.30 pm, but its true splendour unfolded after dark. The latest appearance of the aurora in Hungary was unique in the sense that this time it could be observed in the southern regions, including Pécs.
Perhaps the most breathtaking views were witnessed at Lake Balaton, where the magnificent pink display was reflected on the lake’s surface.
The aurora was visible in our country due to heightened geomagnetic activity on Earth, registering a significant 7 on the KP index, which ranges from 0 to 9.
Aurora borealis in Hungary. Photo: MTI
Aurora borealis in Hungary. Photo: MTI
As we wrote earlier, an unprecedented tornado hit Hungary – PHOTOS
Our last coverage of a stunning aurora over Hungary was in April, with further details available HERE.
“We cannot be grateful enough to István Pásztor, who reconciled the Hungarians and the Serbs, and showed the path on which the two peoples can move forward together,” Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in his eulogy given at the funeral of the head of the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians (VMSZ), in Subotica on Saturday.
“We feel the weight of the political legacy left to us, we are central Europeans, so we know exactly how easily a friend can become an enemy, and how rare it is in this region for former enemies to become friends,” he said. About a decade ago it would have been unthinkable that the two nations could count on each other in everything, Orbánsaid, adding that “today it would however be unthinkable that we would not share in each other’s joys and pain”.
Orbán bid farewell to the Vojvodina Hungarian leader jointly with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
Vucic said István Pásztor had been a historical figure, whose name would live on not only in Hungarian, but also in Serbian textbooks. He managed to connect the largest Serbian party and the biggest Hungarian party in Vojvodina, and Serbia’s leaders with the Hungarian government, the Serbian president added. Pásztor always worked for reconciliation, always protected both Hungarian and Serbian interests, and was willing to compromise because he knew that there is no progress without reaching an agreement, Vucic said.
Pásztor died on Monday at the age of 67 after a short, serious illness.
Read also:
Why is today a National Mourning Day in Hungary, symbolised by Russian tanks? – Read more HERE
The new headquarters of MBH Bank will be located in the 13th district of Budapest, Hungary’s capital. The three-tower complex could be completed by the end of 2026. Check out the visual plans below!
The sale and purchase process of the project has been completed, and the plans for the new headquarters of MBH Bank have been drawn up, RTL reported, according to a press release from the bank holding.
The building will be built on a 13,000-square-metre plot of land at the intersection of Róbert Károly körút and Váci Road in the 13th district of Budapest. The headquarters will be about 76,000 square metres. In terms of height, it will be the second tallest building in Budapest. Currently, the new headquarters of the Mol Group, the 143-metre MOL Campus, is the tallest building in the capital.
The selected general designer of the building complex is Finta és Társai Építész Stúdió Kft. (Finta and Partners Architects Studio Ltd.). The visual plans of the new headquarters of MBH Bank, a company of government-close oligarch Lőrinc Mészáros, look like this:
Source: MBH Bank / Finta és Társai Építész Stúdió Kft.
Source: MBH Bank / Finta és Társai Építész Stúdió Kft.
Source: MBH Bank / Finta és Társai Építész Stúdió Kft.
Madame Tussauds in Budapest offers a truly extraordinary experience, featuring an imposing collection of international celebrities, Hungarian historical figures and famous sports personalities. Let’s delve into why this waxwork exhibition has garnered worldwide acclaim.
Madame Tussauds Budapest informed us in advance that the exhibition boasts an impressive collection of 51 wax figures, marking the 24th production under the Madame Tussauds brand. Hungarians take great pride in their rich history, and it appears that the creators have made a concerted effort to reflect this sentiment. This latest exhibit from the renowned 250-year-old global brand features not only stars but also some of the most iconic individuals in history, culture and science. What makes this experience particularly special for us is that it includes 17 meticulously crafted Hungarian personalities among them.
Why makes Madame Tussauds so special?
The Madame Tussauds legacy traces its roots back to the wax sculptor Marie Tussaud, born in Strasbourg, France, in 1761. At the tender age of six, young Marie became the apprentice of Philippe Curtius, a doctor and wax sculptor. Curtius recognised her exceptional talent and mentored her. By the time she turned 16, Marie had created her first independent wax sculpture of François Voltaire. Following Curtius’s passing in 1794, Marie inherited a collection of wax models, embarking on a 33-year journey around the world. She ultimately established her first permanent panopticon in London in 1835.
Visitors to Madame Tussauds are treated to two distinct and unparalleled experiences. Firstly, the wax figures are incredibly detailed, allowing you to get up close and personal with the celebrities on display. Creating a Madame Tussauds waxwork today is an intricate process that spans up to six months and involves capturing 250-300 photographs of the subject, along with 500 precise measurements. Living celebrities are required to make multiple in-person appearances for the sculptors, even including Queen Elizabeth II. The average cost of crafting a single sculpture amounts to HUF 109-110 million (approximately EUR 286,000). The figures’ attire must always be in immaculate condition and, as they can be rearranged, the personnel makes a thorough check every day to ensure that the clothes have not been worn.
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
At Madame Tussauds, around 25 world-renowned artists work on each statue in a workshop near London, and each piece takes an average of three months to complete. From the workshop in England, the figures are shipped all over the world.
Every hair strand is individually applied, a painstaking task lasting up to six weeks. The figures are painted by hand, with additional layers applied to the base coat, and the head and body are painted in an average of 5-5 days. The eyes are made by a specialist in acrylic, taking advantage of the natural lustre of the material. The eyes are also treated with vaseline, sanded and polished before application. Every detail is unique, ensuring that no two figures look the same.
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
What’s often surprising to visitors is the actual stature of famous figures, as it’s difficult to gauge their height from the movie screen.
Hungarian Touch at Madame Tussauds
The production that opened in Palazzo Dorottya in the heart of Budapest was thoughtfully designed to cater to both international and Hungarian interests. The very first room alone is a visually captivating experience. While the short film projected on the wall is well worth watching, the room’s decor is distinctly Hungarian.
And then there are the lifelike Hungarian wax figures. A comprehensive survey was conducted during the planning stage to determine which historical figures, celebrities, athletes, cultural icons and a world-renowned Hungarian scientist the audience most desired to see. These results guided the creation of the figures at Madame Tussauds’ workshop near London.
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
During your visit, you can proudly pose with Hungarian celebrities such as
Harry Houdini, Katinka Long, Katalin Karády, Lajos Kossuth, Franz Liszt, Béla Lugosi, King Matthias, Mihály Munkácsy, János Neumann, Barbara Palvin, László Papp, Sándor Petőfi, Ferenc Puskás, Princess Sissi, King St. Stephen, István Széchenyi and Jimmy Zámbó.
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
László Papp. Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
International icons up close and personal
Visitors to Madame Tussauds can get up close and personal with Hollywood’s biggest stars, renowned singers, artists, historical figures and sports legends. You can capture memorable moments by taking photos with these lifelike figures. Notably, some of the clothing worn by the waxworks is either chosen by the celebrities themselves or even sourced directly from their personal wardrobes. In the case of athletes, their outfits are updated to match their latest team transfers, with Messi and Ronaldo set to sport new kits.
Exclusively in Budapest, both local and international visitors can marvel at life-size models of Bud Spencer, Chuck Norris and Peter Falk, a unique feature not found anywhere else in the world. This is particularly exciting for Italian tourists, as Italy does not have its own Madame Tussauds yet.
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
In addition to them, there are wax figures of celebrities, athletes and politicians such as
Beyoncé, Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Xi Ji-ping, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Downey Jr, Lady Gaga, Mikhail Gorbachev, Ryan Gosling, Ariane Grande, Tom Hanks, Whitney Houston, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Freddie Mercury, Lionel Messi, Marilyn Monroe, Brad Pitt, Rihanna, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronald Reagan, Will Smith, Steven Spielberg, Donald Trump and Bruce Willis.
Budapest takes centre stage
Madame Tussauds, which first opened in London, subsequently expanded to Amsterdam in 1972, Las Vegas in 1999, Hong Kong in 2000 and Dubai in 2021. Prior to the arrival of the Budapest panopticon, those in search of a Madame Tussauds experience had to travel to Vienna.
Madame Tussauds Budapest is the first of its kind to be franchised. Dorottya Experience Ltd., a Budapest-based company established in 2019 and owned by a Hungarian professional investor, oversees this initiative. The company’s goal is to create a new adventure centre in the city, celebrating both international and Hungarian celebrities.
Madame Tussauds is housed in Palazzo Dorottya, one of Budapest’s most impressive historical buildings. Inaugurated in the 1820s, this palace bears the architectural influence of Mihály Pollack and Alajos Hauszmann. It has served various purposes over the years, including hosting the legendary Wurm Café, a favourite haunt of bankers, merchants and notable chess players like Ferenc Erkel. In the late 19th century, the building even became the headquarters of the Hungarian Counting and Exchange Bank. The grand Hauszmann Hall, once the cash hall, will now be repurposed as the primary exhibition space. Additionally, the lower level of the building boasts over 2,000 square meters of accessible exhibition space.
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
As mentioned earlier, the Hungarian capital not only provides the venue but also serves as the wellspring of inspiration for the exhibition. The interior of the exhibition features numerous iconic Hungarian landmarks and monuments. Visitors can, for example, stroll through the Buda Castle Tunnel, rendezvous with stars along the Danube embankment, witness a helicopter filming session at the Fisherman’s Bastion and immerse themselves in the unique world of Hungarian spas.
Madame Tussauds Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Daily News Hungary
The stunning installations well reflect the rich heritage and cherished traditions of both Budapest and Hungary. The attractions are the results of the collaborative and top-notch efforts of countless professionals.
In addition to the wax figures and the magnificent sets, the exhibition offers visitors a wide range of experiences: interactive screens, engaging sound and light games, awe-inspiring audiovisual content, exciting VR adventures, designated selfie spots and an assortment of other delightful surprises, ensuring an unforgettable time. Visitors will also find a special “Cinema Café” with a unique visual experience and a souvenir shop. Nestled in the very heart of the city centre, this attraction warmly welcomes guests from near and far, year-round.
Tickets can be purchased online or on the spot. And while it may not be the thriftiest attraction in town, it is well worth a visit, given its truly world-class production. A piece of advice for all visitors: don’t embark on this adventure solo; sharing an unforgettable experience with a companion is far more rewarding, and capturing a selfie together beats having someone else take your picture any day.
The national flag was raised with military honours in the presence of László Kövér, Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, on the 67th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and War of Independence on Monday morning in front of the Parliament in Budapest.
The flag was raised to the sound of the National Anthem by the National Defence Forces regiment. The event was attended by the Central Military Band, the 32nd Regiment of the Guard, the Count Ferenc Nádasdy Hussars and the National Cavalry Regiment.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives of military and state organisations.
October 23, 2023. Budapest, Hungary. Hungarian National Day: national flag is raised in front of the Parliament. Photo: MTI
October 23, 2023. Budapest, Hungary. Hungarian National Day: national flag is raised in front of the Parliament. Photo: MTI
October 23, 2023. Budapest, Hungary. Hungarian National Day: national flag is raised in front of the Parliament. Photo: MTI
October 23, 2023. Budapest, Hungary. Hungarian National Day: national flag is raised in front of the Parliament. Photo: MTI
October 23, 2023. Budapest, Hungary. Hungarian National Day: national flag is raised in front of the Parliament. Photo: MTI
October 23, 2023. Budapest, Hungary. Hungarian National Day: national flag is raised in front of the Parliament. Photo: MTI
October 23, 2023. Budapest, Hungary. Hungarian National Day: national flag is raised in front of the Parliament. Photo: MTI
1956 flags with holes in them were flown in the windows on either side of the main staircase of the Parliament.
23 October was declared an official national holiday by Parliament in 1991 and confirmed by the 2012 Constitution.
As we wrote before, the Russian new history textbook says it was a mistake to withdraw from Hungary in 1991, details HERE.
Participants in the traditional torchlight march organised by the Rákóczi Association (Rákóczi Szövetség) from the Technical University of Budapest to Bem Square on the Szent Gellért embankment on 22 October 2023, in Budapest, Hungary, to mark the 67th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight.
The Rákóczi Association is commemorating the 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight with the participation of 10,000 high school and university students. Between 21 and 23 October, nearly 3,000 secondary school and university students came to Budapest for the Gloria Victis 1956 commemoration.
Alongside 140 secondary schools from the Carpathian Basin, more than 7,000 students will travel to another Hungarian secondary school to celebrate by crossing at least one border.
Torchlight march was held in Budapest to commemorate the 1956 revolution. Photo: MTI
Torchlight march was held in Budapest to commemorate the 1956 revolution. Photo: MTI
Torchlight march was held in Budapest to commemorate the 1956 revolution. Photo: MTI
Torchlight march was held in Budapest to commemorate the 1956 revolution. Photo: MTI
Torchlight march was held in Budapest to commemorate the 1956 revolution. Photo: MTI
As we wrote before, Putin’s new history textbook says it was a mistake to withdraw from Hungary in 1991, details HERE.
Romanian nationalist organisations protested against Hungary and Hungarians in the Úzvölgye cemetery, where they claim Romanian soldiers rest. Even though the Romanian defence ministry said there were no Romanian soldiers buried in the cemetery in 2019, they scolded the Hungarians, the Jews, and the migrants.
According to index.hu, two Romanian extremist organisations commemorated the Day of the Romanian Army (25 October) three days earlier in the cemetery of the unpopulated Úzvölgye. Members of the Nation’s Way (Calea Neamului) and the Orthodoxian Brotherhood (Fratia Ortodoxa) swarmed the cemetery, painted some wood crosses, hoisted a Romanian flag, and put out some Romanian inscriptions on small plates saying that there were Romanian heroes.
According to local newspapers, people came from Bucharest and Moldovan counties by bus. Thus, it was an organised “trip”, not something spontaneous. There were a lot of police officers, but there were no disorders because nobody was there apart from the “protestors”.
Romanian extremists verbally attacked the Hungarian community
The partakers verbally attacked the Hungarian community, saying they should go home to Mongolia and that Hungary is no longer on the map of Europe. Furthermore, they expressed that the barbaric Hungarians arrived in the Carpathian Basin only in 1290 instead of 895-896, the time of the Conquest of the Carpathian Basin by Árpád and the seven Hungarian tribes. Furthermore, the extremists highlighted that Transylvania was entirely Romanian soil (despite the more than one million Hungarians living there).
The 200 “protestors” said Romania belonged to Romanians and should remain their homeland instead of a place where foreign migrants come. Furthermore, Romanian schools should not teach about the History of the Jews or the Holocaust. They believe the students should hear about Romania’s history there.
Here are some photos and videos:
The plate, the cross and the flag:
Here is how they painted the newly placed crosses there, commemorating the Romanian soldiers not buried there:
Read also:
Romania ahead of Hungary in terms of GDP, recession inevitable this year – Read more HERE
House Speaker László Kövér opened an exhibition of photographs by John Sadovy about the anti-Soviet uprising of 1956 at the National Museum in Budapest on Friday
Kövér said 1956 was the tragedy of a country wanting to break out of communism but let down by the key players of world politics. “The creation of the Soviet Union and the Bolshevik transformation of historical Christian Russia was the greatest geopolitical disaster of the 20th century,” he said.
“This disaster resulted in a multi-fold tragedy for Hungary, tragic consequences for the whole of Europe in the second half of the 20th century, and in its intellectual after-effect, the Bolshevik idea’s viral mutation threatens the whole of western civilisation with disintegration,” he added.
Read also:
Renoir in Budapest: the exhibition has opened! – Check out the details HERE
Director of the National Museum László L. Simon said Sadovy’s 1956 photos made Hungary’s freedom fight, as well as the photographer, world famous. The exhibitionwill run from Saturday through December 10 and it will also include photographs not seen publicly before, he added.
Hungary is a destination of great worth, not only for its astounding capital, featuring the Buda Castle, the Parliament building, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, the Chain Bridge, its renowned baths, Lake Balaton and the Tokaj wine region but also for its enchanting country palaces and castles. We have curated a selection of the most exquisite ones, along with accompanying photographs to assist you in making your choice when you visit our country. Prepare to be captivated!
Andrássy Castle, Tiszadob
Legend has it that the Neogothic-Romantic Andrássy Castle in Tiszadob was constructed in honour of Queen Elisabeth, known as Hungary’s beloved Sisi and the wife of Franz Joseph (1837-1898). It takes its inspiration from the medieval castles of the Loire Valley. This architectural gem was commissioned by Gyula Andrássy Sr., the longest-serving foreign affairs minister of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy between 1880 and 1885. The castle was designed by Ignác Alpár, who also laid out the English garden that graces the castle’s grounds, which continues to flourish, as magyarorszagom.hu has noted.
Built in the 19th century, Károlyi Castle showcases a unique blend of eclectic and Neo-baroque architectural styles. Its design was the handiwork of Viktor Siedek and Miklós Ybl. The castle is set amidst a sprawling 41-hectare park adorned with statues. Within the English garden, you will find rare plants and towering pines, alongside a Neoromanesque Roman Catholic church built in 1883. The property also boasts an expansive lake and today serves as a retirement home.
Historical records suggest that the castle’s origins date back to the 18th century, built by Tamás Roth and his wife. In 1762, it became part of Tamás Roth’s dowry, eventually coming into the possession of the Teleki family. During World War II, the castle suffered considerable damage due to looting, and later it served as a school for tractor students. In 1985, the Hungarian Carbohydrate Research and Development Institute acquired the property and transformed it into a prestigious 4-star hotel. The castle’s park is under protection due to its diverse collection of rare plants.
Nádasdy Castle, Nádasdladány
This 19th-century Tudor-style castle was once the residence of the historic Nádasdy family. At its inauguration, the castle boasted modern amenities like water, gas lighting, a telephone and a sewage system, although notably, it lacked a kitchen. Food preparation was conducted in a separate building, and the dishes were transported via an underground railway system.
Károlyi Castle, Fehérvárcsurgó
Erected in the 19th century in Classical and Eclectical styles, Károlyi Castle was designed by Miklós Ybl and Heinrich Koch. Today, it operates as a charming hotel with 20 rooms. The castle’s exquisite French garden features venerable pines and chestnut trees that are over 150 years old. Furthermore, the estate includes a lake and multiple picturesque bridges.
Royal Palace of Gödöllő (Grassalkovich Palace)
Situated in close proximity to Budapest, the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, also known as Grassalkovich Palace, ranks among Hungary’s grandest Baroque castles. Antal Grassalkovich, a trusted advisor to Queen Maria Theresa (1740-1780), incorporated a theatre within the palace, which remains operational as Hungary’s sole original Baroque theatre.
President Katalin Novák paid a visit to Dunaferr’s steel works Dunai Vasmu on the second day of her visit to Fejér County on Friday.
Liberty Steel Group, the company’s owner, said in a statement that the presidentwas greeted by chairman Sanjeev Gupta, Liberty Steel Europe president Ajay Aggrawal and Liberty Primary Steel and Mining CEO Sandip Biswas.
Aggrawal told a press conference after the meeting that it was important that the steel works could be saved together with the employees and the economic development ministry.
Work can now begin on green steel production and a sustainable future, he added.
HEREyou may read our article about Novák’s talks in Romania about Israel, Ukraine war.
The 20th Budapest Design Week opened in the Museum of Ethnography on Thursday, providing an overview of the outstanding objects and highlights of Hungarian design over the past two decades.
In his address, László Bódis, Deputy State Secretary for Innovation, paid tribute to the two Hungarian-born scientists, biochemist Katalin Karikó and Ferenc Krausz, who have received this year’s Nobel prize in medicine and physics, respectively, saying that “they had turned their outstanding discoveries into practice”.
“In innovation and science, the goal is the same: it is to explore how we can put research findings and scientific results at the service of society and the economy.”
Photo: MTI
Photo: MTI
Photo: MTI
Photo: MTI
Innovation and design
Speaking about innovation and design, Bódis noted that the procedure of awarding design pattern licences will be significantly simplified and shortened from January next year. In addition, the Development and Innovation Office has set up a 500 million forint (EUR 1.3m) scheme to provide grants for applicants seeking support to obtain design patents, he said.
Daniella Koós, the curator of the Budapest Design Week, said that the event opens with an exhibition featuring the recipients of the Hungarian Design Award and the Design Management Award running in the museum until Oct 15. The awards will be presented at a gala evening on Thursday evening.
The Hungarian government’s humanitarian development programme in Chad will be concluded on Saturday, a government official said on Friday.
Tristan Azbej, the foreign ministry’s state secretary in charge of aid to persecuted Christians, told MTI by phone from Chad that Hungarian doctors had worked with refugees from Cameroon and the Central African Republic in the south Chad.
Meanwhile, employees of the Gödöllő Agricultural University have been working on establishing a model farm for draught-resilient produce, he said.
Under the diplomatic mission of the programme, Hungary and Chad have concluded the first bilateral agreement of their history, Azbej said. The agreement is on cooperation between the Hungary Helps programme and Chad’s agency for asylum seekers and those returning to the country, he added.
Read also:
Fidesz politician calls for preventing humanitarian disaster in Chad
Chad is currently housing one million refugees, “and it could become a source of migration itself”, Azbej said.
Chad, the “last stable stronghold” in the Sahel, is surrounded by armed conflicts and military coups in the region.
Chad is also in a difficult situation with one-third of its 18 million inhabitants needing humanitarian aid, and with the Boko Haram terrorist organisation wreaking havoc, adding masses of internally displaced people to the one million refugees arriving from abroad, he said.
The Hungary Helps programme, while recognises that “we are responsible for preventing such suffering”, also serves Hungary’s interests by preventing further waves of migration towards Europe by ways of providing help in Chad itself, said Azbej.
Tamara Tóth, rider of Kecskemét, won the final of the 16th Nemzeti Vágta (National Riding Competition) with her horse Galaxy on Sunday evening at the Lipica Riding Centre in Szilvásvárad, Hungary.
Tamara Tóth of Bács-Kiskun County, who won the title of the fastest rider of 2023, received the National Riding Championship trophy, an 1848 Hussar saber, a statue of Hadik the Hussar from Herend, and the Golden Spurs Award at the ceremony. A victory blanket was draped over her horse Galaxy.
Tamara Tóth of Bács-Kiskun County, who won the title of the fastest rider of 2023. Photo: MTI
In the final of the Small Cavalcade, Anna Júlia Rozs, rider of Szentkirály, won the final on her horse Nárcisz.
In the final of the Cog Race, three riders competed. The first place was won for the fifth time by Endre Tieger and Endre Tieger Jr. (his grandson) of the Dombóvár Sütvényi stud.
Endre Tieger and Endre Tieger Jr. Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race. Photo: MTI
In the afternoon, the final of the international race was also held, with the winner being Mahmoud Mohamed Jar Mohamed Raid of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The rider from the Republic of Croatia, Tena Belcic, finished second, and the rider from the United Kingdom, Dan Martin, finished third. In fourth place was the Dutch rider. The riders competed on Lipica horses, a native Hungarian breed.
Mahmoud Mohamed Jar Mohamed Raid of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Photo: MTI
The winner of the Carriage Riding competition was the Abony team. The second place went to the Lófő team from Transylvania and the third place went to the Association of Horse Lovers from Ivan.
The Nemzeti Vágta event featured traditional Hungarian horse shows.
Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race. Photo: MTI
Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race. Photo: MTI
Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race. Photo: MTI
Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race. Photo: MTI
Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race. Photo: MTI
Nemzeti Vágta, a truly Hungarian horse race. Photo: MTI
We also have photo gallery from 2021: Hungary’s largest equestrian competition concluded this weekend – PHOTOS
President Katalin Novák viewed races for children with vision impairment and living with disabilities at the international and national dressage and therapeutic riding competition in Fót, near Budapest on Saturday.
In her capacity as the patron of the International Children’s Safety Service, Novákwas among the hosts of the races held on Saturday morning. She talked with the children about horse riding, the progress of the competition and joined them for warm-up exercises.
A total of 145 riders in 24 teams competed at the equestrian therapy competition for children living with disabilities this year. The 19th international and national dressage and therapeutic riding competition in Fót is held between September 29 and October 1 with participants from 21 countries.
Read also:
HERE’swhat President Novák and Elon Musk talked about
The remains of the north-western bastion of the former Egerszeg castle have been found in Zalaegerszeg. One half of the object with a diameter of 11.5 metres was found under the demolished houses.
The 17th-century artefacts were discovered during excavations in the area of the planned cradle house and car park. The news was announced at a press conference on Wednesday, Blikk reported.
One half of the object with a diameter of 11.5 metres was found under the demolished houses at Mérleg Square in Zalaegerszeg. Its continuation is probably under the car park next to it, said Zoltán Orha, archaeologist and museologist of the Göcseji Museum.
A long excavation process
The north-eastern bastion was excavated in 2002. Based on the finds and documents found at that time, the ground plan of the castle wall was drawn up, recalled Bálint Havasi, general director of the Zalaegerszeg Museum Directorate. The remains of the bastion were found on the 20th of September with an accuracy of 4 to 5 metres.
Wood piles at the excavation of the north-west bastion of the former Egerszeg castle MTI/Katona TiborTraces of wood piles MTI/Katona TiborArchaeological excavation of Göcseji Museum at Zalaegerszeg MTI/Katona Tibor
Naturalists and museum experts could tell when the tree was felled by the pattern and depth of the tree’s growth rings. The analysis provided accurate data that will help to understand the construction of the castle.
László Vándor, the archaeologist who led the excavations two decades ago, pointed out that the castle of Eger had an important historical role in the Middle Ages. In 1664, the Turks occupied Kanizsa Castle. After that, Egerszeg became the centre of a series of outposts built to protect the borders.
The excavation welcomes students
“For 90 years, the vice-captain of the castle led the defence against the Turks. After the Turkish conquest, the palisaded castle and the old episcopal courthouse were demolished. Today’s district courthouse was built on the site of that area” – the archaeologist recalled.
During the week, the excavation site also welcomes groups of primary and secondary school students who learn about the mediaeval history of Zalaegerszeg under the guidance of museum educators and archaeologists. Once the reconstruction work is completed, a monument marking the location of the mediaeval bastion will be erected in Mérleg Square.
Five historic churches in the Alba Iulia (Gyulafehérvár) region, in central Romania, refurbished with financing from the Hungarian government, were inaugurated on Sunday.
The Roman Catholic churches of Dumitreni (Szentdemeter), Beu (Székelybő), Sancraiu de Mures (Marosszentkirály), Racu (Csíkrákos), and Sacaramb (Nagyag) were inaugurated in a mass attended by representatives of the Hungarian construction ministry and the Teleki László Foundation, the manager of the reconstruction projects.
State Secretary Regő Lánszki said in his address at the ceremony that “the house and the homeland must be built on a rock . building a nation requires the safe foundations of a community, that is why the Hungarian government provides assistance to the renewal of historic monuments in the Carpathian Basin”.
Lánszki said the Hungarian parliament could adopt a new historic monuments act, under which a comprehensive register of Hungarian-related historic monuments in the Carpathian Basin would be set up.
Read also:
Orbán-close businessman to buildthe World Aquatics HQ in Budapest
Roland Sallai’s smart second-half finish put Hungary ahead against Czech Republic in a packed Puskás Aréna, only for a defensive error to enable the visitors to score an equaliser andensure this friendly match would end 1-1.
Hungary head coach Marco Rossi opted to make just one change from the starting lineup which triumphed over Serbialast Thursday, Zsolt Kalmár replacing Ádám Nagy in central midfield. This meant second matches in four days for the usual three-man defence of Willy Orbán, Attila Szalai and Ádám Lang in front of Dénes Dibusz in goal. They were supported by a four-man midfield of Milos Kerkez, Kalmár, Callum Styles and Loic Nego who sat behind Roland Sallai and captain Dominik Szoboszlai in the forward playmaking areas with Barnabás Varga even further forward as the team’s lone striker, mlsz.hu wrote.
An evenly-contested first half in front of nearly 60,000 fans in the Puskás Aréna saw the hosts gradually assert themselves on the game without ever being able to break the deadlock. It was actually the visitors who started the second period the better, so it was somewhat against the run of play when Sallai converted Kerkez’s superb cross from the left wing after the wing-back had been set free by Varga in the 52nd minute.
Read also:
English star club buys Hungarian midfielder for record high sum – Read more HERE
Will this be the season that Willi Orbán finally getshis hands on the Bundesliga Trophy?
That lead wouldn’t last long though, Václav Jurecka latching on to Lang’s short header to run in one on one against Dibusz and slot the ball into Hungary’s goal. Both teams put plenty of effort into winning the game thereafter, but late efforts from Szoboszlai and Kerkez couldn’t quite re-establish the hosts’ advantage and thus the scoreline remained the same until the final whistle.
