The Budapest Music Center was the stage for this year’s Highlights of Hungary Awards, an event that recognizes and celebrates exceptional Hungarian initiatives.
This year’s awards marked a decade of the Highlights of Hungary initiative, which has shone a light on over 500 exceptional Hungarian achievements. Far more than a simple accolade, the initiative serves as a ‘spiritual safety net’, championing positive contributions and inspiring action.
‘We are thrilled that this initiative is becoming more popular every year. The individuals recognized are those who roll up their sleeves, get the work done, think deeply, and, most importantly, love—they love themselves, their communities, and their Hungarian identity,’ Executive Director of Highlights of Hungary Marianna Csehi stated.
A Night of Inspiration and Celebration
This year’s gala featured prominent ambassadors, including psychologist Dr Kitti Almási, presenter Marcsi Borbás, Olympic swimmer Dániel Gyurta, musician T Danny, and writer and poet János Lackfi. Together, they reflected on the challenges and triumphs that pave the way to success, underscoring the importance of perseverance and integrity.
To further highlight Hungarian excellence, the gala introduced the book Inspiráló Magyarok — 24 Lebilincselő Sikertörténet (Inspiring Hungarians — 24 Captivating Success Stories) written by Endre Sal and Mihály Berta. The collection showcases remarkable stories of achievement, further underscoring the initiative’s mission to motivate and inspire.
The award ceremony was headlined by Parno Graszt, the band that received an award in 2017. They opened the show, and played during the breaks with special guests during the allotted time.
Special Prizes Recognize Extraordinary Contributions
Before announcing the main winners, five special prizes were awarded by notable organizations, including Libri, Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC), Kreatív magazine, Index, and Képmás magazine.
The Libri Award was given to Ármin Gergő Balázsi, a Hungarian ballet dancer and the first Hungarian recipient of the Benois de la Danse award (known as the ‘Oscar of Ballet’) for his artistic excellence. Reflecting on his achievement, he shared, ‘I enjoy dramatic ballet, and paired with its physical demands, I consider acting one of the main pillars of this art form.’
Boldizsár Kő was honoured for his innovative playground project at the Bethesda Children’s Hospital by MCC. He described these spaces as ‘talegrounds’ that engage children both physically and mentally.
The Kreatív Magazine Award was given to Apol Temesi for her sustainable soundproofing solutions made from textile industry waste, an initiative aimed at reducing the ecological footprint of the sector. MuralPaint, a team of mural artists who expressed their dream of being granted creative freedom to transform a large blank wall into a masterpiece, received the Index Award.
Finally, Mariann Fabók was celebrated for her impactful work in puppet theatre by receiving the Képmás Award.
The ‘Highlight’ of the Evening
The winners— Levente and Tímea Gáll, the Hungarian Hospice Foundation, and Szabi a Pék (Szabolcs Szabadfi)—earned public acclaim as they received the most votes in a record-breaking year for the awards. With over 110,000 votes cast from 1,500 towns and villages, the ceremony showcased the importance of community, hard work, and dedication to preserving tradition and humanity.
Each of the winners received a prize of 2 million forints alongside the prestigious Highlights of Hungary Social Awards. The 25 nominees were chosen based on their commitment to social impact, community service, and meaningful contributions to Hungarian society.
Levente and Tímea Gáll, owners of the Zsigmond Malom guesthouse in Csíkmadaras, were celebrated for their passionate efforts in saving their grandparents’ historic watermill. Their work preserves a unique part of Hungarian heritage while breathing new life into the countryside. ‘In our worldview, these waters, these pastures, and this air are the essence of a good quality of life. These are the blessings that God holds in His hands for us,’ they shared, reflecting on their commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation.
The Hungarian Hospice Foundation was honoured for its profound impact on end-of-life care. A short film presented at the gala underscored the foundation’s mission to bring dignity and support to life’s final stages. ‘Many associate hospice with death, but it is not about dying—it is about the journey through the last phase of life,’ the film poignantly explained. The foundation’s work has expanded awareness and provided invaluable care to countless individuals and their families.
Szabolcs Szabadfi, widely known as Szabi a Pék (Szabi the Baker), has become a household name in Hungarian artisanal baking: during the COVID lockdown, his videos taught thousands of people to bake their own bread at home. His unwavering dedication to quality and ethical craftsmanship has made him a beloved figure across the country. ‘In life, work must be done honestly. I want to sleep peacefully at night and hand over a cocoa roll or a loaf of bread knowing that I’ve done everything to create something pure, beautiful, and authentic,’ Szabolcs shared. His philosophy of transparency and integrity has elevated the craft of baking in Hungary.
As the curtain closed on this year’s awards, the Highlights of Hungary proved once again that Hungary has much to be proud of. Through community efforts, preservation of tradition, and unwavering dedication, the winners embody the very best of what it means to be Hungarian.
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