Debrecen4U January 23, 2026

Hungarian Culture Day in Debrecen

On the occasion of the 203rd anniversary of the birth of the Himnusz and Hungarian Culture Day, wreath‑laying ceremonies were held on January 22, 2026, at the Debrecen Reformed College, at the Kölcsey statue on Péterfia Street, and at the bust of Kölcsey in the Kölcsey Center.

At the commemorative event beginning at the Debrecen Reformed College, an old memorial site was made new in the Kölcsey Hall, where the portrait of Ferenc Kölcsey painted by Sándor Makoldi was unveiled once again, followed by the laying of wreaths at the poet’s relief.

In his ceremonial speech at the Kölcsey statue on Péterfia Street, Deputy Mayor István Puskás said that Hungarian culture and Kölcsey’s legacy are truly present among us in a worthy manner when, alongside their dignity and solemnity, they are also part of our everyday lives.

“For us, the legacy of Ferenc Kölcsey is a living and vibrant presence. When, in 1989, the Hungarian Parliament made the wise decision to designate this day as the birthday of Himnusz and Hungarian Culture Day, it could not have found a more fitting occasion to strengthen ourselves in the values of Hungarian culture,” he emphasized. He added that, with the city and cultural life coming alive again after the winter rest, an excellent opportunity arises to reinforce ourselves in all those values that are important to us.

The awards of the Debrecen Culture Foundation were also presented on January 22 at the Déri Museum. The foundation was established in 1991 with the aim of assuming patronage of the intellectual and cultural life of the city of Debrecen. It encourages and supports the artistic and cultural endeavors of private individuals, institutions, and ensembles, and helps develop cultural relations both in Hungary and abroad.

To close the day, the audience could see the stage adaptation of Sándor Petőfi’s musical play János vitéz at the Csokonai Theatre. The Day of Hungarian Culture was also celebrated with a series of programs at the Szigligeti Theatre in Oradea. At the events beyond the border, the city of Debrecen was represented by Deputy Mayor István Puskás.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu