Official Events Schedule For Hungary’s 'October 23 Holiday'

  • 22 Oct 2018 9:00 AM
Official Events Schedule For Hungary’s 'October 23 Holiday'
On 23 October 1956, the revolt against Soviet occupation and Communist repression began as a demonstration of university students in Budapest.

After the student demonstrations, hundreds of thousands outside the House of Parliament listened to Imre Nagy’s speech in which he promised reforms.

The bloody volley shot into the unarmed crowd at the building of the Hungarian Radio resulted in the growth of an armed uprising by the evening.

The protesters tore down the Stalin Monument – the symbol of Communist dictatorship – on Dózsa György Road, and occupied the building of the Hungarian Radio by dawn.
 

Events

22 October 2018 (Monday)
 

2.00 p.m.
Wreath-laying and commemoration at the 1956 Memorial, Budapest University of Technology and Economics 
Cooperating partner: the National Heritage Institute
Speech by Dr. Bence Rétvári, Deputy Minister of Human Capacities 
 
2.40 p.m.
Ceremonial procession to the commemoration event at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics 
 
3.00 p.m.
Commemoration event at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics 
Speeches by:
Dr. János Józsa, Rector of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Dr. József Halzl, President of the Rákóczi Association, former student at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics 
Dr. Péter Boross, former prime minister 

4.30 p.m.
Memorial March 
Route of the procession: 
Budapest University of Technology and Economics – Szent Gellért tér – Szent Gellért rakpart – Várkert rakpart – Casino – Ybl Miklós tér – Clark Ádám tér – Fő utca – Jégverem utca – Bem rakpart – Bem tér
 
5.30 p.m.
Commemoration event at Bem tér
Cooperating partner: the Rákóczi Association
Speech by Dr. Gergely Gulyás, Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office
 
6.00 p.m. – 11.00 p.m.
Light art display on the façade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bem tér

 

23 October 2018 (Tuesday)

9.00 a.m.
Flag-raising ceremony in Kossuth tér
 
10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Viewing of the Holy Crown in the Parliament Building
Members of the public may view the Grand Staircase, the Cupola Hall and the Holy Crown 
 
3.00 p.m.
Speech by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in front of the House of Terror Museum 
 
8.00 p.m.
“Freedom Concert 1956” in Hall B of Millenáris 
Featuring the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and Anna and the Barbies
 
Related events:

“Time Gates” interactive game, from 23 October to 4 November

Lighting of candles at the Wall of Heroes, the House of Terror Museum on 23 October

Heritage tram on tram lines 4-6 and 47-49, from 22 October to 4 November

From 22 October to 4 November, at tram stops and some iconic venues of the Revolution and Freedom Fight located along tram lines 4-6 and 47-49, young people acting as news vendors and dressed in period clothing will distribute newspapers featuring archive news items. 

From 22 October to 4 November, campaign and interactive exhibition on trams 4-6 and 47-49

Plot 301 at the New Public Cemetery: day-long informal commemoration
 

MTI Photo

Related links

Video: Hungarian Holiday On 23 October - Remembering The 1956 Revolution

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