Kölcsey Ferenc Honored in Sződemeter

On August 7, pilgrims from Transylvania and Hungary gathered in Sződemeter for the 36th Kölcsey Memorial, honoring the poet and author of Hungary’s national anthem, Kölcsey Ferenc, and his enduring intellectual legacy.

The ceremony opened with a recitation of the Hungarian National Anthem by actor Vilmos Meleg. Reformed Bishop Szabolcs János Bogdán and Tășnad parish priest Attila Levente Tóth delivered spiritual reflections, emphasizing faith, personal vocation, responsibility and the importance of passing on values to future generations.
The event was also attended by Sződemeter Mayor Dávid Hodorog, Consul Szabolcs János Fábry, county councillor Jenő Kovács and other distinguished guests. The academic program featured a lecture by Dr. Mihály Róbert Drabancz, associate professor at Tokaj-Hegyalja University, followed by performances by the Szamos Student Literary Circle, the Hepehupa Folk Ensemble and a traditional zither group.
The ceremony concluded with remarks by pastor István Pakurár, who highlighted Kölcsey’s lasting legacy and Sződemeter’s significance as his birthplace. A wreath-laying ceremony, accompanied by a guard of honor from the 44th Jenő Dsida Scout Troop, paid tribute to the poet’s memory.
 

The 36th Kölcsey Memorial connected past and present while emphasizing the importance of Hungarian culture, the mother tongue, faith, national values and community responsibility.