The celebrations will culminate in spectacular light projections, bringing the city’s history to life. At the heart of the anniversary is a powerful message: Freedom Connects Us. If you’re planning to visit Budapest over the holiday weekend, there are plenty of ways to experience this important chapter in Hungarian history.

The celebrations begin on Thursday, October 22, with the Gloria Victis commemorative events:
 

• 3 pm - Budapest University of Technology and Economics: A commemorative ceremony and wreath-laying.

• 5 pm - Bem József Square: A further gathering to honour the heroes of 1956.

• 7:56 pm - Nagy Imre Square: The ceremonial lighting of the Flame of the Revolution. 

These events offer a meaningful introduction to the anniversary, giving visitors an opportunity to reflect on the courage and determination of those who stood up for freedom in 1956. 

Kossuth Lajos Square will be the focal point for official commemorations and musical performances, while the József Antall Sr. Quay will host family activities and cultural events. At City Hall Park, a striking historical recreation will revisit the toppling of the Stalin statue during the revolution. 

Budapest’s museums will also mark the occasion with exhibitions, talks and guided tours exploring the historical and cultural significance of the revolution. 

At the Hungarian National Museum, the exhibition Children of '56 will explore the experiences and legacy of the generation shaped by the revolution. A presentation focusing on American newsreels featuring Hungarian refugees will offer an international perspective on the events and their aftermath. 

At the Museum of Fine Arts, the guided tour Revolutionary Ideas will examine themes of change and intellectual independence through the lens of art. 

For visitors interested in history, literature and the arts, these programmes offer a deeper understanding of the events of 1956 and their lasting impact on Hungary. 

Friday, October 23, is the main day of the celebrations. The programme begins at 9 am with a ceremonial flag-raising at Kossuth Lajos Square, followed by a varied schedule of performances throughout the late morning and early afternoon. 

Visitors can look forward to family concerts, dance theatre, poetry recitals and live music. The atmosphere will combine solemn remembrance with opportunities to celebrate the enduring importance of freedom and national identity. 

Around Kossuth Lajos Square, historical installations and live performances will offer further ways to connect with the story of the revolution. 

Whether you’re visiting with children, exploring Hungary’s history or simply looking for a meaningful cultural experience, October 23 offers a unique opportunity to discover Budapest through the story of the 1956 Revolution and the enduring value of freedom.