"Anniversary of 1956 Hungarian Revolution" Top 5 Page for this destination Hungary Local Custom Tip by hopang

23rd October is a public holiday in Hungary due to the failed 1956 Hungarian Revolution. It is generally quite quiet in the cities as most Hungarians stay at home. All shops in large shopping centers such as the Westend City Center in Budapest close except for a few eateries and entertainment outlets like casinos, video game arcades and cinemas. Events, displays and demonstrations are held on the streets in the cities on this day to mark the occasion. Stores dealing in 1956 Hungarian Revolution commemoratives can be seen on the streets in Budapest.

A bit about the history:

It began as a student protest nationwide and turned into uprising against the Soviet-backed Communist government of Hungary on 23rd October, 1956 and lasted until 10th November, 1956. Rebels won the first phase of the revolution and Nagy Imre became the prime minister. He declared Hungarian neutrality on 1st November, 1956. The West was expected to intervene but did not and it led to the defeat of the Hungarian Revolution with the support of the Soviet forces which invaded Hungary on 4th November,1956 to stop the revolution.

You may watch some videos at our Hungary travel page on the occasion of the 54th Anniversary of 1956 Hungarian Revolution.