Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Renowned Poet, Lőrinc Szabó
The Hungarian Heritage Institute (Nöri) recently commemorated the 125th birth anniversary of poet Lőrinc Szabó (1900-1957). The event took place at the poet’s grave in Fiume Road Graveyard, where speeches were delivered by Gábor Móczár, Director-General of NÖRI, and Ernő Kulcsár-Szabó, a literary historian and full member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA).
Kulcsár-Szabó highlighted the significance of Lőrinc Szabó’s work, noting that he faced the challenges of two world wars and the decline of bourgeois cultural values in Europe. Alongside other prominent poets of his time, such as Dezső Kosztolányi and Attila József, Szabó helped elevate Hungarian poetry to the forefront of European literature by synthesizing various traditions.
Lőrinc Szabó’s works explored universal themes like love, war, and existential struggle, and as a translator, he introduced Hungarian readers to renowned European poets. Although not widely known internationally, his influence on literary translation and modernist thought made him significant beyond Hungary.
Móczár emphasized that Szabó’s grave is a key stop in NÖRI’s cemetery tours, and it is featured in presentations about Fiume Road Graveyard’s Artists’ Section. The grave is a place where friends gather annually to remember Szabó and his contributions to Hungarian poetry. Originally made of pinewood, the tombstone has since been replaced with a more durable one in artificial stone.
Lőrinc Szabó’s impact on Hungarian poetry and translation continues to be recognized, with his poetry collection “You and the World” considered a pinnacle of 20th-century Hungarian poetry. His legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of poets and translators.
Via MTI; Featured Picture: Fiumei Road Cemetery Facebook
