Hungarian Independence Day

Today, March 15, is a national holiday celebrating Hungarian Independence. On this day in 1848, the Hungarian people rose up against the Hapsburg Empire. The rallying cry is generally attributed to Petofi, whose poem which was used that day begins:

On your feet, Magyar, the homeland calls!
The time is here, now or never!
Shall we be slaves or free?
This is the question, choose your answer! -
By the God of the Hungarians
We vow,
We vow, that we will be slaves

No longer!

There are many streets and squares in Hungary named after Petofi. Freedom didn't come in the 1840s, but finally in the 1860s the Hungarian people got some freedom from the Hapsburg Empire. However, Petofi is believed to have died in the war against Russia in 1849. Once I read that any social change takes 75 years, and often those that start it never see it come to completion.

On this day most businesses are closed, as well as schools,including the University, and the post office. The picture below announces that this store will be closed on March 15 and shows a banner of the Hungarian colors.

Restaurants are open because many people are out and about. I also think Pecs has some tourists who may have traveled because this year the March 15 holiday created a 3-day weekend for some people. Many people wear a tri-color rosette on their clothing as well.

There are not any public activities for this holiday. I asked, and no one suggested anything. I just took a short walk and didn't find any special activities going on. The sun is shining, but there is a stiff north west wind and it's quite uncomfortable out. Good thing not a big outdoors celebration.

This holiday reminds me a bit of how we do Labor Day in the United States; it's a nice day off from work, but no big public celebrations. However, I'm certain the holiday as a deep meaning for the people of this country.