This public holiday in Hungary is always celebrated on October 23rd.

This day commemorates the anniversary of two key events in the history of modern Hungary that both happened on this day; the 1956 uprising against the Soviet Union and the creation of the Republic of Hungary in 1989.

History

Following the end of the Second World War, Hungary had increasingly come under the control of their liberators from Germany, the Soviet Union.

Following democratic changes in Austria, some Hungarians had hoped for similar concessions in their country, but those hopes were quashed with the establishment of the Warsaw Pact in 1955, placing Hungary behind the so-called ‘Iron Curtain’. Demanding democratic changes and the withdrawal of Soviet forces, Hungarian students held a demonstration in Budapest on October 23rd 1956. The demonstration drew popular support and the crowds grew and similar protests broke out across Hungary. This led to the Soviets deploying tanks on the streets of Budapest in an attempt to take back control. Violent rebellion then erupted in all parts of Hungary, with uprisings removing the local government. A new democratic government ousted the ruling communist party.

On October 28th the Soviets called for a cease-fire, withdrew their troops and pledged to re-establish free elections.

However, on November 3rd 1956, the Soviets changed their minds. The new government was arrested and within a week the Soviet military had crushed the rebels and the short-lived revolution was over.

While the revolution may not have been successful, it was still seen as a significant event that hardened international opinion against the more oppressive aspects of the Soviet Union.

On October 23rd 1989, a date chosen to honour the 1956 revolution, Hungarians proclaimed the Third Republic of Hungary, amending their constitution to permit multi-party politics, public assembly, and creating a separation of power in the government.

In October 1991, the National Assembly declared an official national celebration on October 23rd, as confirmed by the 2012 Basic Law.

How is Hungarian Republic Day Celebrated?

October 23rd is observed as a solemn national holiday in Hungary. The main celebrations begin on October 23rd with the ceremonial hoisting of the Hungarian national flag in front of the Parliament building at 9 a.m. This is followed by various programs in the afternoon.

The iconic sign of this day is the Hungarian flag with a hole in the middle, symbolising the flags revolutionaries carried in 1956, after having cut out the Communist Rákosi coat of arms from the middle.

source: Office Holidays

5 szó magyarázatát olvashatjátok a következő feladatban. Találjátok meg a cikkben ezt az öt szót.

1.an agreement, usually between two armies, to stop fighting in order to allow discussions about peace

2.the police take someone away to ask them about a crime that they might have committed

3.to move soldiers or equipment to a place where they can be used when they are needed

4.an occasion when people show that they disagree with something by standing somewhere, shouting, carrying signs

5.something that is allowed or given up, often in order to end a disagreement, or the act of allowing or giving this

source: Cambridge Dictionary

keys/megoldások:

1.ceasefire; 2.to arrest; 3.to deploy; 4.protest; 5.concession

St. Stephen’s Day holds a long and interesting history. It begins with Stephen the Grand Prince of the Hungarians who laid the foundations of the state. Until the end of the 10th century, the Hungarians were in conflict with other European countries. In 955 A.D., Hungarian tribes suffered a major military loss and the tribal heads decided to give up their raids and concentrate on building a strong state. Stephen was of the view that the conversion of Magyar to Christianity can serve as a great way of settling down and strengthening the state.

Stephen received a crown from Pope Sylvester II and the honor of becoming the first King of Hungary in 1000 A.D. His crown is considered a holy treasure and is still found in Hungary’s precious treasures. Stephen died on August 15, 1038 A.D. On August 20, 1083 A.D., he was made a Catholic saint. Ladislaus I declared August 20 a holy day and it was first celebrated in 1092 A.D. It was celebrated as St. Stephen’s Feast Day until 1771 when Queen Maria Theresia expanded it from a church feast to an official national holiday. It further went through amendments and in 1950 the holiday’s name was changed to Constitution Day. The Hungarian parliament reinstated it as the commemoration of St. Stephen’s Feast Day to celebrate the foundation of the Hungarian state. In the canonization process, it was found that King Stephen’s right hand had not decayed at all, hence it was removed and can now be seen in St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest.

How to celebrate St. Stephen’s Day?

Attend a ceremony

You can also attend some official ceremonies arranged specifically on this day. A Hungarian flag is raised at Kossuth Square in front of parliament. It is followed by a food festival where the Cake of Hungary is presented. Then a mass in St. Stephen’s Basilica and a march in the honor of Holy Right-Hand takes place. St. Stephen’s day can be celebrated by attending any of these events.

Enjoy the cake and the new bread

Making a birthday cake for a country is not a piece of cake. You can also enjoy the Birthday Cake of Hungary by simply looking for a bakery offering the recipe so you don’t miss out on your chance of having a slice. This cake is selected from the annual contest (arranged by the National Association of Hungarian Confectioners) that famous bakers participate in and the one with the most innovative ideas wins. Both sugar- and sugar-free cakes are prepared. This day is also called ‘the festival of the new bread’ so you can also have a bite from freshly baked bread as well.

Watch fireworks

Watch the massive display of fireworks that takes place at the bank of the river Danube each year on this day. These fireworks are the highlight of this day and are launched at multiple intervals. They serve as the closure of this day and they can be best seen from the rooftops and the riverfront. The launching of fireworks on this day has taken place since 1966.

source: National Today