On March 12th, a celebratory concert by the Borbély-Farkas-Lőrinszky trio marked Hungary’s national holiday, March 15th, the day in 1848 when the Revolution and the War of Independence began.

This date also saw the first free texts of the Hungarian press: "The Twelve Points" and "The National Song", authored by revolutionary poet Sándor Petőfi. March 15th has since become a symbol of preserving gained independence and reclaiming lost freedom. Since 1860, Hungarians worldwide have considered this day their national holiday.

The concert was officially opened by H. E. Mr. Miklós Boros, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to the Republic of Bulgaria. The performance featured an unusual synthesis of jazz, classical, and folk music by the three musicians - Borbély, Farkas, and Lőrinszky - who have classical music education but bravely improvise with other musical styles. They transported us to different eras through a rich variety of musical interpretations on double bass, percussion gordon, clarinet, saxophone, fujara, kaval, and tupan. The lively atmosphere in the packed hall of the Central Military Club was further enhanced by dances performed by Ildikó Tóth and one of the musicians, professional dancer Zoltán Farkas.

Flowers in honor of Hungary’s national holiday were sent by Mrs. Rositsa Kirova, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, and Mr. Krastyu Krustev, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria, while a congratulatory address was sent by Prof. Georgi Yankov, Rector of the National Academy of Arts.

Also on March 12th, the National Library "St. Cyril and Methodius" hosted the opening of the exhibition "Petőfi Travels the World," dedicated to the national hero, poet, and revolutionary Sándor Petőfi. The event was attended by ambassadors and diplomats, friends of Hungary and Hungarian culture, and admirers of Petőfi's work. Welcoming speeches were delivered by H. E. Mr. Miklós Boros and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krasimira Aleksandrova, Director of the National Library, in the presence of Ms. Sandra Miskedi, Director of the Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Institute.

On March 13th, the Embassy of Hungary in Sofia, the Mayor of the "Krasno Selo" district, Hungarians, and supporters laid flowers and wreaths in front of the memorial plaques of the heroes of the Revolution and War of Independence of 1848-1849, Sándor Petőfi and Lajos Kossuth.

In the coming days, the holiday will also be solemnly celebrated in Veliko Tarnovo, Shumen, Chiprovtsi, and Vidin.

Happy holiday, Hungary!

The material is provided by the Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Institute. Photos.

First row /from 1 to 4/: moments from the concert. Photographer: Beatrice Bocheva. Second row /from 1 to 3/: moments from the exhibition opening with H. E. Mr. Miklós Boros and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krasimira Aleksandrova, Director of the National Library. Photographs: National Library "St. Cyril and Methodius." Photo 4: In front of the memorial plaque of Sándor Petőfi in Sofia, His Excellency Mr. Miklós Boros and Mrs. Tsveta Nikolaeva, Mayor of the "Krasno Selo" district. Photograph: Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Institute.