This autumn, the Mária Valéria Bridge—connecting Štúrovo (Párkány) in Slovakia and Prímás Island in Esztergom—will once again be illuminated in a dazzling display of lights. The two towns will celebrate the 130th anniversary of this historic Danube crossing with a three-day festival, featuring a variety of special events for visitors, Turizmus.com reports.
Built in 1895, the Mária Valéria Bridge was destroyed during both World War I and World War II. It was first rebuilt in 1927, and again in 2001. Since then, the citizens of Esztergom and Štúrovo have marked the bridge’s inauguration day each year with the “Bridge Festival” (Hídünnep).
In 2025, to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the original bridge’s construction, Esztergom, “Hungary’s first city” (one of the oldest and most historically significant cities, the first seat of the Kingdom of Hungary), is preparing a three-day celebration.
From September 26 to 28, visitors can enjoy free concerts, family and children’s programs, exhibitions, local history walks, and unique gastronomic offerings. The festival’s three main highlights this year will be the light projection show, “Breakfast on the Bridge” event, and the Bridge Run.
One of the most spectacular elements of the Bridge Festival is the light projection show: for three evenings, the bridge will shine in the national colors of Hungary and Slovakia, symbolizing unity and friendship.
Inspired by Mattia Mura’s pioneering film series (Breakfast over the Bridge, 2021- ), the unique initiative Breakfast on the Bridge aims to bring together residents of Esztergom and Štúrovo at a shared table on the Mária Valéria Bridge, encouraging cultural exchange and the building of new connections. On Saturday, September 27, marking the bridge’s 130th anniversary, 65 pairs of public figures and civil representatives will share breakfast across 65 tables, engaging in meaningful conversations that recall shared memories and the communities united by the bridge.
As part of the festival, the Esztergom Futóművek Amateur Sports Association and the Štúrovo City Cultural Center will once again bring the joy of running to the bridge.
On Saturday, September 27, the 4-kilometer Bridge Run and Walk will take place, followed by half- and quarter-marathons on Sunday, September 28.
Special guided local history walks will also be held on September 27 and 28.
Participants will learn about the 130-year history of the Mária Valéria Bridge, intriguing facts about its construction, and the vibrant past of Esztergom.
The walk begins at the Sobieski statue and ends at the Slovak side of the bridge in Párkány. It will be led by Zoltán Aguera, author of Unknown Esztergom. The 1.2-kilometer, 60-minute tour is accessible for children, pet owners, and people with limited mobility. Advance registration is required.
The detailed festival program is available here.
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Via Turizmus.com, Featured image: Hungary Today
The post Festival Celebrating the 130-Year-Old Bridge Connecting Us with Slovakia appeared first on Hungary Today.
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