Debrecen4U
December 1, 2025
First Advent Candle Lit in Debrecen’s Main Square
On November 30, 2025, Mayor László Papp, together with representatives of Debrecen’s three historic churches, lit the first Advent candle on Kossuth Square. That same afternoon, the city’s festive lights were also switched on, marking the beginning of the Advent season.
In his speech, Mayor Papp reflected on the words of Pope Leo XIV: “Whoever takes part in a pilgrimage and arrives at the destination, it is important to recall the moment of decision.” He reminded the audience that the previous week Debrecen had carried its love and greetings to Rome in the form of a beautifully carved and gingerbread nativity scene. “A piece of Debrecen, a beautiful piece of Hungarian Christmas traditions, will now serve as a tangible link between two prominent centers of European Christianity—Rome and Debrecen—year after year,” he emphasized.
“Looking back on the moment we chose to embark on the pilgrimage, it is clear that our journey expressed a deep sense of belonging, demonstrating that as Christians we are united through our faith in God. We must continue to strive for goodness, mutual understanding, respect, and support. This was the central message of that decision,” he stated.
He emphasized that at the beginning of Advent, as we await the miracle of Christmas, hope and faith in family, love, peace, and togetherness must live in all our hearts. These values give Advent and the approaching holiday their true spiritual beauty. He continued: “The first two candles on our Advent wreath symbolize unwavering faith and hope filled with certainty. The third and fourth candles remind us of joy and love. All four spiritual values are of outstanding importance to us. Through the communal candle‑lightings today and in the coming weeks of December, we will reflect together on these values.”
He further underlined: “These candles, the lights of Advent, encourage us to express and strengthen peace more boldly and to embrace with greater courage the responsibility of caring for one another and supporting those in need. This is what we have been working toward together in Debrecen for many years—with the churches, civil organizations, and the city’s dedicated communities—fostering the realization and deepening of spiritual unity.”
The mayor expressed his gratitude to all those who had worked tirelessly in the heart of Debrecen for weeks to enchant the city and create a Christmas fairytale atmosphere. “Debrecen dresses in festive attire to help us prepare spiritually for the holiday, so that our souls too may be clothed in celebration. Countless people have contributed to ensuring that the city’s holiday lights illuminate our hearts, once again showcasing Debrecen’s uniqueness—as the only Hungarian city among Europe’s five most beautiful Christmas markets. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who made this possible,” he said.
Following the mayor’s reflections, the festive lights of the city center were switched on.
In keeping with tradition, the first Advent candle was lit jointly by the mayor of Debrecen together with representatives of the Greek Catholic, Roman Catholic, and Reformed churches. On the festive occasion, the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Debrecen-Nyíregyháza Ferenc Palánki, the archbishop-metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Hajdúdorog Fülöp Kocsis and the bishop of the Trans-Tisza Reformed Church District Károly Fekete shared their Advent message with those present.
The festive candle‑lighting can be rewatched here.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
