Debrecen4U August 19, 2025

A photo exhibition opened in the Memorial Garden for the duration of the Debrecen Flower Carnival

The Municipality of Debrecen and the Hajdú-Bihar County Parents’ Association of the Multiply Disabled opened a photo exhibition titled “Flowers of Life in the Garden of Love” on August 18, 2025, in the Memorial Garden, which was transformed into a “Garden of Love” for the duration of the Flower Carnival.

President of the Debrecen Charity Board, Edit Bódor, emphasized in her introduction that with this photo exhibition, the motto of the Garden of Love, that “Love reaches all around,” is slowly being realized, since with this exhibition material, the decoration of the garden fence with the cooperation of civil organizations, institutions, groups, and private individuals has almost completely closed. This exhibition opening is a special first occasion, which will certainly be continued in the future, and symbolizes that love encompasses everything.

Ágnes Pápai-Tarr, President of the Hajdú-Bihar County Parents’ Association for the Multiply Disabled, recounted the brief history of the exhibition’s creation. She said that during last year’s Flower Carnival week, some members of the parents’ association helped the young people of the Immanuel Home create decorations that would be placed on the fence of the Memorial Garden. It was then that the parents’ association members decided that in 2025, they would like to contribute some of their own work to this decoration. The idea for the exhibition, featuring photos of children and young people with disabilities among flowers, originated from Andrea Novoth, the vice president of the parents’ association. Her vision would not have been possible without photographer Andrea Kovács-Molnár, who has been following and documenting the association’s life and activities for years. The goal was to create works that faithfully reflect the playfulness, cheerfulness, joy, and individuality of young people with disabilities, and this was achieved. The fact that this exhibition was possible is primarily thanks to them, their involvement, and their creative approach.

Ágnes Pápai-Tarr emphasized that their not-so-secret goal with this exhibition is to shape attitudes. They believe that society still does not allow people with disabilities close enough to it. They aim to convey a message through this exhibition that people with disabilities are also part of society, are exceptional individuals, and teach us to view the world and ourselves differently, instilling in us genuine love and care. The president of the Hajdú-Bihar County Parents’ Association of the Multiplicity Disabled expressed the hope that this message will reach many people.

Deputy Mayor of Debrecen, Diána Széles, said that she knows well what difficulties and challenges the families of people with disabilities and the staff of the institutions that deal with them face on a daily basis, and what difficulties they struggle with. She believes that this exhibition is also about these young people demonstrating their happiness. They can be happy because their parents, relatives, and the supporting staff of the institutions are there by their side, who work wholeheartedly to help these young people through their daily difficulties. Debrecen has citizens who are capable of showing solidarity, cooperation, and patience towards one another. We are patient because we are able to imagine ourselves in the life situations of others. These values are also clearly visible behind this exhibition.

Diána Széles explained that she would like to live in Debrecen, where it is important for many people to know how they can help others. Debrecen is already such a caring city, where everyone can feel the positive energies. Such people live here who are able to do something for others. And this is Debrecen’s greatest strength. The city can take pride in the fact that those who visit it, for example, during the Flower Carnival, can clearly sense this power, which is also reflected in the form of a photo exhibition like this. Diána Széles thanked everyone who contributed to the creation of this exhibition, especially Ágnes Pápai-Tarr for her work and the young people who took on the photography, thus becoming “ambassadors” for people with disabilities. In her words, “Debrecen is alive with love, with a sense of belonging, and it is very important that we represent these values.”

According to István Oláh, the President-pastor of the Debrecen-Nagytemplom Reformed Church, it is admirable that this exhibition can proudly display in the city center that every human life is valuable. “We are different, but we are all valuable. Several decades ago, it was not possible to show society those who struggle with difficulties, those living with disabilities. After the change of regime, this changed. The church, among others, was the first to undertake the task of showing that everyone has values, everyone can lead a full and whole life, and we should strive to do everything to achieve this. This motivation is nourished by the Holy Scriptures. The Lord tells the apostle Paul, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” With his healing love, Jesus Christ also always visited those who were downtrodden, in difficult situations, sick, and struggling with problems. Christians must emphasize this; they too must stand by those whose lives are more difficult so that their lives may also be happier, more joyful, and more loving. Because love is contagious, and everyone is needed for this,” he said.

The exhibition opening was attended by the artist couple Zsuzsa Lehőcz and Dániel Takács, Anna Szántai, Zétény Pápai, Böbi Rusznyák, and Kinga Groák.

The exhibition, which features nearly 40 photos, will be on display in the section of the Memorial Garden opposite the Debrecen Reformed College building until August 22, 2025.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu