Media representatives were invited to Kiskőrös to the press conference held in the ceremonial hall of Kiskőrös Town Hall on March 14. 2022 and thereafter visiting the surrounding venues already connected to the bicentenary celebration of Sándor Petőfi.
Petőfi was born on January, 1. 1923 – (July 31, 1849) in Kiskőrös. During his tragically short life he created an oeuvre and system of ideas that has not lost its relevance to this day. His works has been translated into many languages e.g. English, German, Danish, Estonian, Slavic, Spanish mentioning a couple … Even in Chinese and Japanese. Also his poems are part of the curriculum in more than 50 countries around the Globe are translated to their mother tongue. His hometown, Kiskőrös, has been at the forefront of preserving and nurturing the cult of Petőfi for over two centuries.
Opening the press conference by the Secretary of State for Culture – Mr. Peter Fekete said the following: “Q”: “Last year, the Hungarian Parliament decided to declare 2022/23 the year of Petőfi, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of our greatest, best-known and still one of our most popular poets. In connection with the 200th anniversary of Petőfi, almost half a hundred programs will be implemented in Kiskőrös as early as in 2022 and ahead in 2023 with many artists and cultural institutions will re-tune Petőfi’s figure, oeuvre and some of his works. We will become readers again, and if we immerse ourselves in these nearly two hundred-year-old texts, we will discover freshness not antiquity. Life and the thoughts from which we can recharge and better understand what it means to be Hungarian.”
The Secretary of Sate for Culture brought for the event opening from the National Museum of Theater History, made in 1943 a treasure trove of art, with which Béla Büky visited the country, depicting the knight of János Petőfi. Mr. Fekete said “Q“: “Getting to know Petőfi’s legacy is not like searching for antiques, but like fresh air, a living proof of the love of life. It shows why the best thing in the world is to be Hungarian. Emphasized that “peace, freedom and the keeping of Hungarian soldiers in Hungary, which are among the national aspirations of the 48s, are similarly relevant in 2022.”
László Domony – Mayor of Kiskőrös spoke in connection with the fact that Kiskőrös will be one of the centers of the bicentenary year. Said: “Q”: “This day is very important for Kiskőrös. Remembering the poet is a duty of all Hungarians, as in many countries Petőfi’s poetry is equal to Hungarian literature.in the future, would also like to create a memorial park related to Sándor Petőfi, which would embrace the poet’s life and historical background from exhibitions to scientific archive.” He added their goal and desire is that Kiskőrös will once again be at the center of national events, with more guests coming to their settlement, who will enrich good news and the hospitality of the people of Kiskőrös, enriched by cultural and gastronomic experiences.
Dr. László Salacz – Member of Parliament emphasized that in addition to Kiskőrös, Szabadszállás, Szalkszentmárton and Kunszentmiklós also consider the anniversary year to be extremely important, and all three settlements will commemorate Petőfi on the occasion of the bicentenary. There are many settlements in Bács-Kiskun County that can be connected to Petőfi, so the Bács-Kiskun County Local Government indicated in the preliminary discussions that it wants to play a kind of coordination role between these settlements.
László Rideg – The chairman of the Bács-Kiskun County Local Government, said that the local government had initiated the 2022 and 2023 Petőfi Memorial Year. The suggestion was welcomed that Bács-Kiskun County form the Petőfi Memorial Committee which is in process of being developed. The city is ready for the 200th Anniversary of Petőfi with exciting programs, unique outdoor installations, gastronomic specialties and renovated exhibition spaces.
Last but not least, Dr. Erika Filus – Director of the Petőfi Birthplace and Memorial Museum – Secretary of the Petőfi 200 Memorial Committee in Kiskőrös. talked about the traditions that make Memorial Days related to the poet’s life special for several years, and on the most significant programs of the year and a half ahead. The hometown has continuously and consciously preserved the memory of the poet since 1861, and strives to build the cult of Sándor Petőfi in a form and content as possible. The poet’s birthplace, Hungary’s first literary memorial house, has been open since 1880. The building, which was declared a Historical Memorial on May, 20, 2021., and was renovated to the 200th Anniversary of Petőfi. The newly permanent exhibition of Petőfi’s poetry is on its way.
After the press conference, several programs were held at the main square and also listen to Petőfi’s poems in Hungarian and Chinese. The strong attachment of the city’s inhabitants to Petőfi is well illustrated by one of the memorable moments of the opening ceremony related to the events of March 15, when hundreds of students, from elementary school students to pensioners listen to Sándor Petőfi’s National Song.
In addition to the celebrations related to Petőfi’s life, visitors are welcomed to unusual literary evenings, literary and city history walks. There are several permanent public installations in the city that provide an exciting experience not only for locals but also for visitors to the city. At the vending machine can listen to Petőfi’s poems in a foreign language. There is a book-shaped stone bench written Petőfi’s poem in several parts of the city. A temporary exhibition can be visited from the Petőfi-themed art collection, which is unique in the world and includes more than half a thousand contemporary works. In the hall of the Sándor Petőfi Cultural Center, a replica of the former Landerer and Heckenast printing press, which became famous in connection with the events of March 15, 1848, was placed, and anyone could try contemporary printing.
Reconstruction is of paramount importance, as the house, the courtyard and the main square in front of the birthplace will host a large number of events in the commemorative year. At present, the institution has a memorial museum, a gallery, two exhibition halls, a sculpture park for translators and a national country house, which allows for a diverse preservation of the poet’s hometown, rich in content and form. The János Vitéz Visitor Center introduces children to one of the poet’s best-known works in the form of a virtual adventure.
The locals were already very excited to take part in the celebration. There were a lot of home-made sweeties awaiting for the kids, and the adults were not left out by offering delicacies and delicious mulled wine. The locals hospitality flowed from their hearts. Thanks to the VIP participants, organizers and locals … It was a Perfect Day.
Riport & Snaps by Aggie Reiter
Rolling in Budapest 