The revolt began as a student demonstration which attracted thousands as it marched through central Budapest to the Parliament building.

A student delegation entering the radio building in an attempt to broadcast its demands was detained. When the delegation's release was demanded by the demonstrators outside, they were fired upon by the State Security Police (ÁVH) from within the building. The news spread quickly and disorder and violence erupted throughout the capital.

It quickly spread across Hungary, and the government fell. Thousands organized into militias, battling the State Security Police (ÁVH) and Soviet troops.

Pro-Soviet communists and ÁVH members were often executed or imprisoned, as former prisoners were released and armed. Impromptu councils wrested municipal control from the ruling Hungarian Working People's Party and demanded political changes.

The new government formally disbanded the ÁVH, declared its intention to withdraw from the Warsaw Pact and pledged to re-establish free elections. By the end of October, fighting had almost stopped and a sense of normality began to return."

Read more about the history of '56 here.

Detailed program: 

October 23, 2024 (Wednesday)

09:00
Solemn flag-raising ceremony at Kossuth Lajos Square

10:00-18:00
Visit to the Holy Crown at the Parliament Building
Visitors can view the Grand Staircase, the Dome Hall, and the Holy Crown free of charge.

10:30
Commemoration of the anniversary of the 1956 revolution and war of independence at Millenáris Park
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will deliver a speech.

Related programs:

Csepel Truck:

• An exhibition of a Csepel truck will be on display at Kossuth Square.

October 23, 2024 (17:35-23:00) - Light Projection Show:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs building – animation
• "K" building of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Danube side)

October 23, 2024 - 301st Plot:

• All-day commemoration without formal protocol, with ceremonial guards

October 23, 2024 (10:00-18:00) - Free visit to the House of Terror Museum:

• All-day candle lighting at the Wall of Heroes, without formal protocol

More:
https://oktober23.kormany.hu/

MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only