The “Nation’s Christmas Tree” Erected in Front of the Parliament

The nation’s Christmas tree in 2023

This year the nation’s Christmas tree arrived in front of the Parliament from Dubicsány, Borsod County (northern Hungary). The Hungarian Defense Forces and disaster management specialists played an important role in transporting the tree to the capital in good condition and on time, where it will make the Advent season a magical experience.

The 20-meter tall silver fir, planted 45 years ago, was cut down on Sunday morning and put on a trailer by crane. The tree, that weighs nearly five tons and has a trunk diameter of 50 centimeters, was transported to Budapest on Monday night with the help of soldiers.

In keeping with decades of tradition, the Office of the National Assembly chose the nation’s Christmas tree. Since the beginning of the year, the Office has been receiving a steady stream of donations from the public, totaling 27 trees from all over the country. The experts selecting the tree had to take into account the size, shape and foliage of the Christmas tree, as well as numerous technical aspects.

This year, the Hungarian Defense Forces delivered the tree with a vehicle dressed in festive lights.

As in every year, the chosen tree was erected in the center of the capital, decorating the Kossuth Square in front of the Parliament.

 

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The pine has been the bearer of beautiful memories for the family: generations have celebrated underneath the tree that has faithfully accompanied them through the defining moments of their lives.

According to the owner, the tree has become part of their everyday life, a silent witness to the passing of the years, and now this living symbol brings the Christmas spirit to the whole country.

“It is with a heavy heart that we send this tree on its way, as it has become almost part of our family over the years. Since childhood, it has accompanied us throughout our holidays, we have opened presents under it, and our best Christmas photos have been taken here. But now I am happy to give it to the country, knowing that it will warm the hearts of many, as it has done for us for so many years,” said the owner.

Via honvedelem.hu, fa.hmzrinyi.hu; Featured image: MTI/Máthé Zoltán