Hungary is preparing a series of commemorative events to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and War of Independence, with concerts, historical performances and a special vintage tram among the highlights of the celebrations in Budapest on 22 and 23 October.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar has invited Hungarians and international visitors alike to join the commemorations, which will honour those who fought for the country’s freedom and independence. In a video shared on Facebook on Tuesday, he outlined the programme planned for the capital, as well as events taking place across Hungary and at Hungarian diplomatic missions abroad.
Torchlight procession and memorial flame on 22 October
The celebrations begin on Thursday, 22 October, with a commemoration at Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) at 3 pm. A traditional torchlight procession will then make its way to Bem Square, where a ceremony featuring student performances and a wreath-laying will pay tribute to the heroes of the revolution.
Later that evening, the commemorations will continue at Nagy Imre Square. The flame of the revolution will be lit at precisely 7.56 PM, a symbolic reference to the year 1956.
State ceremony and concerts on 23 October
The main anniversary programme will take place on Friday, 23 October, with events at several locations across Budapest.
Activities on Kossuth Square, in front of Parliament, will begin in the morning. The official state ceremony is expected to start at 4.30 pm, with Magyar scheduled to deliver a speech during the afternoon commemoration. The Budapest Bár band will perform a concert in the evening.
The Prime Minister will begin the day by visiting Plot 301 at the New Public Cemetery in Rákoskeresztúr, accompanied by ministers, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in connection with the 1956 events. A flag-raising ceremony is also planned for Kossuth Square, while Parliament’s ceremonial sitting is scheduled to begin at 2 pm.
Families will be able to enjoy a separate programme along the Antall József Embankment during the morning and early afternoon. Performers will include the Súgó Tambura Orchestra from Sükösd. In the evening, the Balázs Elemér Group will give a jazz concert, followed by Márk Járai performing songs associated with Tamás Cseh.
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Historic tram and events across Hungary
History will also come to life at various points around the capital through installations and performances recreating scenes from autumn 1956.
One unusual attraction will be a vintage UV tram running on Budapest’s tram line 2 according to its regular timetable. The first vehicles of this type entered service on the same route in April 1956, giving the special service an additional historical connection.
Commemorations will not be limited to Budapest. Cities including Debrecen, Kecskemét, Miskolc, Szeged, Győr, Sopron and Eger will host their own events, with cultural centres, theatres and cinemas welcoming visitors. Hungarian embassies and diplomatic missions around the world will also organise programmes for the anniversary.
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Organisers promise a simpler, cheaper approach
Magyar said several state institutions were working together to organise this year’s celebrations, with each contributing according to its responsibilities and available resources. The National Event Management Agency is coordinating the work using its own staff, which the Prime Minister said would make the process cheaper, more transparent and simpler than in previous years.
If the approach proves successful, he added, it could also be used for future state events.
The full programme and regularly updated event information are available at forradalom70.hu and on the anniversary event’s Facebook page.