On the occasion of the 176th anniversary of the outbreak of the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1848/49, festive programs and commemorations will be held throughout the city of Debrecen on the occasion of the national holiday of 15 March.
The Hungarian Revolution of 1848, is also known in Hungary as the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1848–1849.
March 15, the anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, is an official holiday in Hungary. It is celebrated as a national holiday known as “National Day” or “Revolution and War of Independence Day.” On this day, Hungarians commemorate the events of 1848, honouring the struggle for freedom, independence, and national identity that the revolution represented.
It is a day when various events, ceremonies, and cultural activities take place across the country to remember and reflect upon the significance of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 in the nation’s history. The memory of the revolution played a significant role in shaping Hungary’s political and cultural identity, and it continues to be an important part of Hungarian history and heritage.
Not only on the national holiday, but also throughout the week, many events and festive programs await visitors and interested parties.
10 March
- Mini book exhibition at the Józsa Library. On view: until 14 March
- Carmen – Opera in four acts in Hungarian at the Csokonai Theatre from 6.00 p.m. at Csokonai National Theatre with English subtitles
- The Debrecen Symphonic Band’s Women’s Day Concert at the Main Building of the University of Debrecen from 7.00 p.m
11 March
- Musical Revolutionary Playhouse at the Borsos Villa from 10.00 a.m.
- Interactive musical performance on the revolutionary instrument “shawm”, at Borsos Villa from 2.00 p.m.
- Revolutionary craft workshop in the Borsos Villa from 3.00 p.m.
- Talented young people’s works on display this week in Debrecen – The exhibition material, selected by András Tóth, art teacher of the Kós Károly School, opens in the Orthodox Synagogue in Pásti Street at 5.00 p.m.
- Liszt Ferenc Prize-winning pianist Gábor Eckhardt’s performance in the Liszt Hall of the Faculty of Music from 7:00 p.m.
12 March
- Carmen – Opera in four acts in Hungarian at the Csokonai Theatre from 6.00 p.m. at Csokonai National Theatre with English subtitles
13 March
- Military history conference with a photo exhibition entitled Our Defensive Battles at the Kratochvil Károly Defence High School and Dormitory from 1.30 p.m.
- From 5.00 p.m. the Incognito Club will be the venue for the exhibition “zartosztaly 2.0”. The exhibition material of the 13th B class of the Kós Károly Art Secondary School and College was selected by preparing teacher.
- Concert of the MÁV Symphony Orchestra’s cello ensemble in the Liszt Hall of the Faculty of Music from 7:00 p.m.
- Carmen – Opera in four acts in Hungarian at the Csokonai Theatre from 6.00 p.m. at Csokonai National Theatre with English subtitles
14 March
- 2025 Bihar Press. Press Photo Contest Exhibition opening at the Partium House from 5.00 p.m.
- Visiting the Kodály Choir. A concert of the Kodály Choir at the Kölcsey Centre from 7.00 p.m.
- Festive Club Acoustic: on the occasion of 15 March at the Simonffy Street Youth Centre from 8.00 p.m.
Festive programs on 15 March:
9.00 Kossuth Square
Parade of the National Flag with military salute
10.00 Petőfi Square
Ceremonial commemoration and wreath-laying ceremony
10.30 Рetőfi tér – Piac utca – Kossuth tér
Solemn march – reliving the events of 1849 in Debrecen
11.00 Kossuth Square
Festive program and wreath-laying ceremony
16.00 Kossuth Square
“On your feet, Hungary, home is yours!” – Gala performance
Performers:
Debrecen Honvéd Dance Ensemble
Debrecen Folk Ensemble
Debrecen Hajdú Dance Ensemble
Forgórózsa Dance Ensemble
Főnix Folk Dance Ensemble for Children and Youth
Hortobágy Folk Dance Ensemble
17.00 Kossuth Square
Lowering of the National Flag with military salute
During the day, children can enjoy folk games and craft activities in the courtyard of the Old Town Hall.
The Reformed Great Church of Debrecen is open for extended hours (9:00-16:00). The entrance ticket is accompanied by special programs:
11:00 Family education session
14:00 Festive guided tour
From 10.30 a.m. at the Agora Science Centre, an educational, interactive and free session for children entitled Revolutionary Inventions will be organized as part of the Weekend Science Series.
The Modem exhibitions are open free of charge on this day:
- What year are you? (ground floor exhibition space)
- Learning from nature? Botany (2nd floor exhibition space)
- Origin (3rd floor exhibition space)
