In view of the four-day extended weekend, programs for the commemorations of the 1848/49 Revolution and War of Independence begin as early as Saturday, March 12. Events will take place at the Várkert Bazaar, Buda Castle, the National Dance Theater, and the House of Hungarian Music, but great programs will be organized not only in Budapest but throughout the country.
This article was originally published on our sister-site, Ungarn Heute. Translated by Júlia Tar.
The celebrations begin on Saturday, March 12 with concerts and a gastro market in Museum Garden. On the same day, family programs and free exhibitions will be held at the Buda Castle and the Várkert Bazaar.
The Kossuth and Széchenyi Prizes will be awarded on Monday, March 14.
On Tuesday, March 15, the ceremonial raising of the Hungarian national flag will take place. In the afternoon of the national day, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will give a speech at Kossuth Square. The pro-Fidesz civil organization and foundation CÖF-CÖKA has announced another peace march in Budapest for the commemoration.
On the same day, the United for Hungary opposition party alliance will also be celebrating at the Műegyetem Quay. At 1:30 p.m. they will meet at March 15 Square, from where they will march together at 2:00, passing the Belgrade Quay, Fővám Square, Liberty Bridge, Budafok Street, Bertalan Lajos Street, and then arrive at the Műegyetem Quay, where the festivities will begin at 3:00. The opposition’s joint candidate for prime minister, Péter Márki-Zay, is expected to give a speech.
On March 15, Hungarian military and equestrian traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries, clothing, equipment, weapons, camp life, and military lifestyle of the time will be presented in the Csikós courtyard of the Castle Quarter between 10:30 and 18:00, as well as a weapons demonstration from 11:30 to 15:00. You can find the detailed program here.
Moreover, most museum exhibits are free on March 15.
Programs are organized not only in Budapest but throughout the country. “The Open Air Museum in Szentendre awaits its visitors for 4 days, in 4 major regions, with 12 program elements, 9 handicraft programs, and a game with five stations,” reports Wunderbares Ungarn.
Sources: Wunderbares Ungarn, Minimatiné
Featured photo illustration by Balázs Mohai/MTI