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

State Remembrance Ceremony

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.

Procession To Honor The Heroes

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.

Ceremonial Flag Raising

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

Several museums in Budapest are offering free admission on October 23, a national holiday in Hungary commemorating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. This provides an excellent opportunity for foreign tourists to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and learn more about this significant historical event.

Museums Offering Programs Related To The Holiday

The House 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.

Hungarian National Museum, Hungary’s first national museum, houses an extensive collection of artifacts related to the country’s history.

At the Museum of Fine Arts visitors can admire European and Hungarian art, as well as ancient Egyptian artifacts, free of charge on this day.

The Hungarian Natural History Museum showcases Hungary’s largest collection of natural history specimens, including minerals, fossils, and exhibits on flora and fauna.

The Ludwig Museum will be open to the delight of contemporary art enthusiasts’ whom can enjoy the museum’s exhibitions without an entry fee on October 23.

The Hungarian Railway Museum provides free admission for visitors on October 23, from 10:00 to 18:00. This special offer allows tourists to explore the fascinating world of railway history and participate in various interactive programs. Visitors can try their hand at driving the historic 1026 steam locomotive, take a ride on the charming garden railway, or step inside locomotives from past centuries.

Please note that due to the popularity of these free admission days, visitors may experience queues and longer waiting times. It is advisable to check the respective museum websites or contact them directly for more information on their October 23 programs and any potential changes in their schedules.

Programs At The Skanzen

On October 23, the Hungarian Open Air Museum (Skanzen) near Budapest will host a special event commemorating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The program, titled “History and Everyday Life,” will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to gain insight into this pivotal moment in modern Hungarian history.

Throughout the day, visitors can explore the museum’s buildings and exhibitions that are closely connected to the events of 1956. Museum theater performances, thematic guided tours, games, and gastronomic programs will offer a glimpse into the hardships and daily life of the 1950s.

Two museum theater performances, “Supplies” and “Hope,” will bring the events of the revolution to life. “Supplies” will take place at 11:00 and 13:00 in front of the Fadd dwelling house, depicting the collection of food and clothing for the revolutionaries in Budapest. “Hope” will be performed at 12:00 and 14:00 in front of the Jánossomorja dwelling house, showcasing the story of Hungarians fleeing to Austria during the revolution’s final days.

Visitors can also participate in various activities, such as trying on period clothing, learning about 1950s hairstyles, and engaging in crafts like making button earrings and felt pencil cases. The event will also feature a film screening, lectures on sports, fashion, and everyday life in the 1950s, as well as a retro dance school.

This commemoration offers a unique opportunity for foreign tourists to gain a deeper understanding of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and its impact on the lives of ordinary Hungarians.

Concert in St.Matthias Church

On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 8 PM, a special concert will be held at the Matthias Church in Budapest to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight. The concert is organized by the Association of Hungarian Choirs, Orchestras, and Folk Ensembles.

The event is free to attend, and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that the number of seats is limited.

The concert will feature performances by the Debrecen University Bárdos Lajos Girls’ Choir, the Baptist Central Choir, Lex Orsolya Valéria and her students, Bögi Emma and Kardos Dorina, and the Magnificat Girls’ Choir. The program includes works by renowned Hungarian composers such as Zoltán Kodály, Lajos Bárdos, and György Orbán, as well as international composers like Charles Villiers Stanford and Eva Ugalde.

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