Poetry in the square! – Joint poetry recitation in Berehove

The Pro Cultura Subcarpathica (PCS) civil organization organized its “Poetry in the square” flash mob for the ninth time to mark Poetry Day. The event took place on April 10 at the University of Rakoczi.

At the NGO’s Hungarian Poetry Day poetry recitation, a chosen poem by a jubilant poet of the given year is usually recited together in the main square of Berehove. The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, and in 2022 due to the war in Ukraine. As a result of the current state of war, Borbála Szalai’s poem A Kárpátok was recited in the main hall of the Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University.

At the beginning of the event, Gergely Marcsák, poet and singer of poems, performed the musical adaptation of Borbála Szalai’s poem.

Following this, Zoltán Maruzsa, State Secretary for Public Education, greeted the attendees, emphasizing that a deep knowledge of literature is vital because it shapes both identity and one’s way of thinking.

“Today’s event clearly demonstrates that the Hungarian Poetry Day is not just an occasion for the mainland, but a shared celebration across the entire Carpathian Basin—for today, our hearts beat as one,”

he highlighted.

Ildikó Orosz, President of University of Rakoczi and the PCS, noted that April 11 represents a triple celebration: it marks the birthdays of Attila József, Sándor Márai, and Borbála Szalai.

“Hungarian poetry is far more significant to us, Hungarians, than it might be for other nations. We cherish poetry because our verses embody the Hungarian national soul, our philosophy, and our unique way of thinking. In times of hardship and struggle, we always find a poem or a quote that offers a solution or guidance for our specific situation,”

she added.

After the greetings came the eagerly awaited moment of reciting poems together. The chosen poem was recited by Magdolna Vass, an actress from the Transcarpathian Regional Hungarian Drama Theatre and then recited together by young and old.

After the joint recitation, Gergely Marcsák took the stage once more, inviting the attendees to join in a collective singing performance.

Subsequently, Hungarian singer Balázs Szabó, founder of the band Szabó Balázs Bandája, performed and captivated the audience with his music. His performance primarily featured poems set to music, which were met with great acclaim by the participants.

As the closing act of the day—continuing the tradition of previous years—everyone had the opportunity to sign the portrait of Borbála Szalai displayed at the venue.

The programme was supported by the Government of Hungary, the State Secretariat for National Policy of the Prime Minister’s Office with the involvement of Bethlen Gábor Fund Management Ltd.

K. A.

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