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Memorials of Mihály Fazekas in Debrecen

Mihály Fazekas, the famous native of Debrecen, was born 255 years ago, on January 6, 1766. In Debrecen we can monuments to his legacy in several places all over the city including a school and a street which bears his name, in addition many statues and reliefs commemorate his life.

Mihály Fazekas, the famous native of Debrecen, was born  255 years ago, on January 6, 1766. In Debrecen we can monuments to his legacy in several places all over the city including a school and a street which bears his name, in addition many statues and reliefs commemorate his life.

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Get to Know Debrecen: The Reformed Small Church

The Reformed Small Church is the oldest surviving church building in Debrecen. It is modestly nestled between the colorful buildings that were once the trading houses and imposing palaces of Piac Street. Keep reading to learn about it.

The Reformed Small Church is the oldest surviving church building in Debrecen. It is modestly nestled between the colorful buildings that were once the trading houses and imposing palaces of Piac Street. Here are 10 points of interest about the Reformed Small Church, referred to locally, as the “Truncated Church”.

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The History of Csokonai Theatre

The very first recorded theatrical performance in Debrecen took place in 1798 in a “house of comedy” and it was the first of many in subsequent years, these were held at various locations by various groups, but there was no permanent venue fit for purpose.

The very first recorded theatrical performance in Debrecen took place in 1798 in a “house of comedy” and it was the first of many in subsequent years, these were held at various locations by various groups, but there was no permanent venue fit for purpose.  

The first independent theatre from Debrecen was founded in 1810 by actors separated from the Transylvanian Hungarian Noble Theater Society, and then in 1814 the chief judge signed a ten-year contract with the Oradea theater company, according to which he played alternately in Debrecen and Oradea for 10 years. 

Eventually the Csokonai Theatre was built after a period of literary revolution in 1865 but was only named later in 1916 after one of Debrecen’s literary greats of the age, the poet Csokonai Vitéz Mihály who Just like many famous poets and playwrights of the time, he only became famous after death. 

Csokonai Theatre – As it was

The theatre’s opening performance was Katona’s 1819 play Báank bán, a play celebrating independence from Austrian rule.

The building began life in 1865, after fire destroyed previous temporary venues. It finally got the go ahead as a result of the theatrical success and transformation that occurred during the period between 1847 and 1857.  Along with success came the political will and finance necessary to implement and build the theatre. 

The theatre was designed by  Antal Szkalnitzky in a romantic style with Moorish and Byzantine ornamentations.  The interior is all that most would hope for from a Theatre of the period, with rich decoration and a three-tier gilt balconies, elaborate frescoes and chandeliers, the perfect setting for opera and musicals alike.

On the outside of the building, sculptures of other leading playwrights Sándor Petőfi, Ferenc Kazinczy, Mihály Vörösmarty, Károly Kisfaludy, Ferenc Kölcsey, and Mihály Csokonai Vitéz.  In addition there are sculptures of  two muses, Melpomene and Terpsikhore from Greek mythology.

Today the theatre is a Hungarian language repertory theatre with departments for prose, dance and orchestra as well as opera since 1952. Currently (2020) the theatre is undergoing extensive repair to bring the building up to the standard expected of a ‘National theatre’ which the theatre was designated in 2012.

Csokonai Theater
Csokonai Theatre before Renovation 2019

The renovation of the theatre is due to be completed by 2023, it includes improvements to the reception area, a new staircase leading to the auditorium and the removal of pillars/columns to increase viewing range and seating capacity.

Debrecen is Twinned With Many Cities.

Over the years many cities have been twinned with Debrecen. In some sense twinning implies that Debrecen has many things in common with these other cities, but there are also many differences, in the exchange of twinning both similarities and the differences are celebrated.

Over the years many cities have been twinned with Debrecen. In some sense twinning implies that Debrecen has many things in common with these other cities, but there are also many differences, in the exchange of twinning both similarities and the differences are celebrated.

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The Best Romanic Getaway in Hungary for 2021

While Budapest takes the limelight for attractions as a capital city, Debrecen takes the crown for Romanic getaways in Hungary. Away from the noise, hustle and bustle, it’s the ideal environment for romance to bloom in any season.

While Budapest takes the limelight for attractions as a capital city, Debrecen takes the crown for Romanic getaways in Hungary. Away from the noise, hustle and bustle, it’s the ideal environment for romance to bloom in any season.

Plan your next romantic getaway to Debrecen, to the surroundings of the great forest, with wellness programs aplenty. Be at one with nature, peaceful, beautiful and relaxing, and treat your loved ones as they deserve.

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Ask and Answer in Debrecen

This time Dr. Sándor Gergely Nagy, the manager of the Nagyerdei Cultural Park, answered our questions.

This year has been a difficult one, especially now that theaters, cinemas, museums and restaurants are closed, events are cancelled or postponed and curfews are making it difficult for us to move around. We look forward to moving out of home once again next year and traveling for a long weekend domestically or for a small foreign vacation. Until then, all we can to do is appreciate what we have and tour at home, – explore our own city, Debrecen, with a slightly different eye and while abiding by social distancing rules.

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Statues Worth Seeing in Debrecen

One of the best ways to get to know a city and its people is through its culture and history. Sculptures and statues are markers of significant moments and people throughout history. Read on to learn about Debrecen’s statues.

One of the best ways to get to know a city and its people is through its culture and history. Sculptures and statues are markers of significant moments and people throughout history.

Debrecen has many statues that can act as your guide through the cities history. The places and statues below are a good place to start.

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Fourth Advent Candle Lighting and Festive Celebration

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20th, after lighting the fourth candle of the Advent wreath and the festive greetings, another festive program awaits you on the Advent Facebook page in Debrecen.

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20th, after lighting the fourth candle of the Advent wreath and the festive greetings, another festive program awaits you on the Advent Facebook page in Debrecen.

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Festive Christmas Concert

It’s only a few days and it’s Christmas. The Savaria Baroque Orchestra and the Kodály Choir in Debrecen will help those interested to tune in with uplifting classical music for the upcoming holidays.

It’s only a few days and it’s Christmas. The Savaria Baroque Orchestra and the Kodály Choir in Debrecen will help those interested to tune in with uplifting classical music for the upcoming holidays.

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Debrecen Gift Ideas for under the Christmas Tree

Have you already purchased Christmas presents? If you haven’t, you can surprise your loved ones with one of these great gift ideas, straight from Debrecen.

Have you already purchased Christmas presents? If you haven’t, you can surprise your loved ones with one of these great gift ideas, straight from Debrecen.

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Debrecen Advent 2020

The preparation for this year’s Advent has been different from previous years due to the pandemic situation, the streets, and squares, once full of people are empty, and instead of the pulsating city life and buzz, this year silence is the dominating feature in Debrecen.

The preparation for this year’s Advent has been different from previous years due to the pandemic situation, the streets, and squares, once full of people are empty, and instead of the pulsating city life and buzz, this year silence is the dominating feature in Debrecen. 

However, this does not mean that we have to give up experiencing joy, hope and gratitude, only this time we must do so in a different ways.

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