The Day of Hungarian Heritage (Magyar Értékek Napja) will be held for the fifth time this Saturday, welcoming visitors to the square in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., the Deputy State Secretary for Arts and Community Culture at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation (KIM) announced Thursday on national media.
The event showcases the diverse cultural and national heritage of the Carpathian Basin, with programs free of charge throughout the day at one of Hungary’s most iconic public spaces.
Speaking on Kossuth Radio’s “Good Morning, Hungary!” and the M1 television channel, Irén Novák emphasized the importance of highlighting Hungary’s rich cultural traditions.
Our true wealth lies in our customs, our flavors, our motifs,” she said, adding that it is vital to recognize and share these values both within Hungary and beyond.
This year’s event not only presents the 19 Hungarian counties, but also includes ethnic Hungarian communities beyond the country’s current borders. Many regions will bring blessings of local harvests, and events inside the basilica will be broadcast live on outdoor screens.
The program features performances by renowned folk dance troupes and heritage groups, along with exhibitions and local food tastings. Families and children can participate in craft workshops, while traditional music and dance will bring the square to life throughout the day.
A key aim of the event is to raise awareness of the importance of local products and community-based traditions.
Novák noted that hundreds of participants will take part in the festivities, including a special record attempt: a large-scale communal singing of beloved Hungarian folk songs, accompanied by István Pál Szalonna and His Band. The sing-along begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by a táncház—a traditional Hungarian folk dance gathering.
“We want people to recognize the value of their local heritage and feel empowered to share it,” Novák added. To support this goal, annual funding is made available for heritage projects, with this year’s grant pool totaling 650 million forints (cc. 1.6 million euros).
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The event, organized for the eighth time, is one of the largest celebrations of Hungarian heritage in the Carpathian Basin.Continue reading
Via MTI; Featured image: Facebook/Hargita Székely Néptáncszínház
The post Old Traditions, New Voices: Heritage Day Showcases the Nation’s Cultural Wealth appeared first on Hungary Today.
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