Hungarian Culture Day: A Variety of Programs Available
Today marks the celebration of Hungarian Culture Day, a day filled with various events and activities to commemorate the rich cultural heritage of Hungary. Since 1989, January 22 has been designated as Hungarian Culture Day in honor of Ferenc Kölcsey, who completed his poem “Himnusz,” the national anthem of the country, on this day in 1823.
In 2022, the Hungarian Parliament officially declared January 22 as Hungarian Culture Day, and the celebrations have been a significant part of the cultural calendar ever since. The National Archives of Hungary will showcase the first edition of Ferenc Kölcsey’s book of poems, including the iconic “Himnusz.”
To mark the occasion, the Hungarian Film Academy will be awarding Gold Medals to eight individuals in Budapest, while student actors will take the stage at the National Theater. Additionally, the Hungarian Academy of Arts will host a conference, architectural debate, and gala concert.
Cultural institutions and organizations in various counties will also host book launches, concerts, and exhibitions to celebrate Hungarian Culture Day. Notably, towns on both sides of the Romanian-Hungarian border, such as Oradea, Nagyvárad, Marghita, and Debrecen, will participate in the festivities.
Television viewers can look forward to the premiere of the feature film “Uncle Vanya – Bubble Waltz” on the public television channel Duna, based on Chekhov’s play and presented by the Thália Theater. Furthermore, the Szent István Institute has encouraged leaders of Hungarian educational institutions to sing the national prayer together as a part of the celebrations.
Overall, Hungarian Culture Day is a time to reflect on the country’s rich cultural tapestry and honor the contributions of artists, musicians, actors, and writers who have shaped Hungary’s cultural identity. From exhibitions to concerts, the day is filled with activities that celebrate the essence of Hungarian culture and heritage.
