Hungary will commemorate the anniversary of the 1848–49 revolution and war of independence with a series of ceremonial and cultural events, culminating in a keynote speech by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the Museum Garden of the Hungarian National Museum on 15 March.
The central festivities will commence on 14 March, with the traditional presentation of the Kossuth and Széchenyi Prizes, Hungary’s highest state honours, in the Dome Hall of the Hungarian Parliament. This ceremony serves as a symbolic prelude to the national holiday.
The official events will begin at 9:00 AM on 15 March with the ceremonial hoisting of Hungary’s flag at Kossuth Lajos Square. Following this, at 9:30 AM, a traditional hussar parade will proceed towards the Hungarian National Museum. The procession, open to all citizens wishing to participate, will follow a route along Alkotmány Street, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road, Károly Boulevard, Astoria, and Múzeum Boulevard.
The main ceremony at the Museum Garden will commence at 10:30 AM, featuring a commemorative speech by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This annual address stands as a central moment in honouring the legacy of the Hungarian revolutionaries.
To further celebrate the national holiday, the Hungarian National Museum will host family-friendly programmes on 15 March from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and on 16 March from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. These activities aim to provide cultural engagement and historical education for visitors of all ages.
Additionally, the ‘Open Parliament’ initiative will allow the public to visit iconic areas of the Hungarian Parliament building on 15 March from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Grand Staircase, the Dome Hall, and view the Holy Crown of Hungary, offering a unique insight into the nation’s heritage.
In a symbolic tribute, the facade of the Hungarian National Museum will be adorned with light projections from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM on both 15 and 16 March. This artistic display will highlight the historical significance of the revolution and its enduring legacy.
The Government Information Centre encouraged citizens to join the celebrations, stating: ‘Let us commemorate together the heroes of the 1848–49 revolution and war of independence. The homeland above all!’
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