Day of Hungarian Culture

On 22 January 1823 the poet Ferenc Kölcsey finished the manuscript of his poem Himnusz in the village of Szatmárcseke. Opening with "O God, bless the Hungarians", it became the national anthem of Hungary with the music composed by Ferenc Erkel in 1844.

Since 1989, 22 January has been celebrated as the Day of Hungarian Culture. Hungarian culture — the music of Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók, the poetry of Sándor Petőfi, folk dance and embroidery — is a unique heritage that preserves ancient steppe roots in the heart of Europe.

How it is marked

Concerts, book launches, exhibitions and theatre performances take place across the country, museums open free of charge and cultural achievers receive awards. Kölcsey is remembered in Szatmárcseke.