Commemorating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution: A Guide to the National Holiday Events in Budapest

On October 23rd, Hungary celebrates its national holiday, commemorating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution against Soviet rule. This year, Budapest offers a diverse array of events to honor the brave men and women who fought for freedom and democracy. From exhibitions and film marathons to guided walks and nostalgic tram rides, there is something for everyone to engage with the history and spirit of the revolution.

Poster Exhibition at the City Hall Park

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the daily life of Budapestians before the revolution at the outdoor poster exhibition in the City Hall Park. Discover the popular books, radio shows, theater performances, and fashion trends of the 1950s. The exhibition is free to visit and can be accessed from the Károly Boulevard side of the park.

Nostalgic Tram Rides

Experience the public transportation of 1956 by taking a ride on a vintage UV-type tram along the route of tram 56, running between Hűvösvölgy and Móricz Zsigmond Square from 10 am to 6 pm on October 23rd. Tickets can be purchased through the BudapestGo app or on-site.

Light Projections on Iconic Buildings in Budapest

As part of the commemorative events for the national holiday on October 23rd in Budapest, several iconic buildings will be illuminated with special light projections. From 5:35 PM to 11:00 PM on October 22nd and 23rd, the facade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be adorned with a captivating light show. Similarly, the “K” building of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, facing the Danube, will also be lit up with a unique light projection during the same time period. The House of Terror Museum will also feature a light show on its exterior from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM on both days, adding to the visual spectacle across the city.

Commemorative Events and Ceremonies

Budapest will host a series of commemorative events and ceremonies to mark the national holiday on October 23rd. On October 22nd, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at 2:00 PM at the 1956 Memorial of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. This will be followed by a commemoration at the university at 3:00 PM, where Csaba Dömötör, Deputy Minister and Parliamentary State Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office, will deliver a speech.

At 4:00 PM, a traditional torch-lit procession will commence, featuring 2,500 students and young people in period costumes, along with authentic Csepel trucks. The procession will start from the University and make its way through various streets and squares before concluding at Bem Square. At 5:00 PM, a ceremony will be held at Bem Square, where Dr. Miklós Panyi, Deputy Minister and Strategic and Parliamentary State Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, will give a speech.

On October 23rd, the official celebrations will begin with a ceremonial flag-raising at Kossuth Lajos Square at 9:00 AM. Throughout the day, visitors can participate in the Open Parliament program, which allows them to view the Grand Staircase, the Dome Hall, and the Holy Crown of Hungary in the Parliament Building. A period Csepel truck will also be on display at Kossuth Lajos Square.

Additional Programs and Exhibitions

In addition to the main events, there will be several other programs and exhibitions taking place during the national holiday. The THouse of Terror Museum will offer free admission from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on October 23rd, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibits. Throughout the day, people can also light candles at the Heroes’ Wall in front of the museum as a gesture of remembrance.

The Parliamentary Museum will have two exhibitions open to the public. “The Thousand Years of Hungarian Legislation” exhibition can be accessed from the Visitor Center of the Parliament Building, while the “In Memoriam October 25, 1956” memorial site and exhibition will be located at Kossuth Lajos Square. Visitors can also explore the Lapidarium, a collection of stone artifacts, at Kossuth Lajos Square.

At the 301 Parcel, a plot in the New Public Cemetery where many of the victims of the 1956 Revolution were buried, there will be a protocol-free commemoration throughout the day on October 23rd, allowing people to pay their respects to the fallen heroes of the revolution.

Conclusion

Budapest’s October 23rd national holiday events offer a poignant and engaging way to commemorate the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. By participating in these activities, visitors and residents alike can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by the revolutionaries and the enduring spirit of resistance that defines the city and its people. As we honor the past, let us also reflect on the importance of freedom, democracy, and the power of collective action in shaping a better future.

Image source: Budapest City Hall