Hungary has many public holidays but the most important one is today, 15th March. On 15th March, Hungarians commemorate the Revolution and the following War of Independence against the Austrian-Hapsburg rule in 1848–1849.
Sadly, all public events surrounding this important day have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. I was interested to know how they would normally celebrate if all was well.
The main events would have taken place in the Hungarian National Museum Gardens and in Buda Castle, Budapest. Live music, dance, art and craft fairs, military exhibitions, Hussar camps, armoury and equipment demonstrations, horse patrols and of course plenty of food stalls.
“Rise Up Magyar the Country Calls!” This line is quoted from the famous Nemzeti Dal (National Song) by poet Sándor Petőfi (1823-1849) a prominent figure of the uprising. On 15th March in 1848, he recited the poem from the steps of the Hungarian National Museum to thousands of people. Unfortunately, he was killed in one of the last battles of the war in 1849. Every Revolution Day the National Song is recited on the national monuments and particularly on the steps of the National Museum. On the 15th March, Budapest and the rest of the country dress up in red, white and green, the national tricolours of Hungary. Many events, mostly free would have taken place to commemorate this victorious day.
Making Hungary Home 