Keszthely is rolling out a full slate of commemorations on March 15 to honor the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Independence, with the city government inviting everyone to join the celebrations across multiple venues.
Main City Celebration – March 15
The day starts with a gathering at Main Square (Fő tér) at 2:00 p.m., followed by a festive march to the Balaton Museum at 2:30 p.m. The official city ceremony begins at 3:00 p.m. in the museum garden. Mayor Dr. Gergely Tóth delivers the welcome, and the keynote will be given by Iván András Bojár, head of the 10 Million Trees Foundation. Taking part: the Zalai Balaton Shore Concert Wind Orchestra, the Helikon Choir, the Nagyváthy Folk Dance Ensemble, the 379th Resurrection Scout Troop, students of Zalaegerszeg Vocational Training Center Keszthely Asbóth Sándor Technical School, Vocational School and Dormitory (Zalaegerszegi SZC Keszthelyi Asbóth Sándor Technikum, Szakképző Iskola és Kollégium), the Cavaliers and Ladies of Keszthely (Gavalérok és Dámák), and the Balaton Uplands Radetzky Hussar Association (Balatonfelvidéki Radetzky Huszár Egyesület).
Lead-In Programs
March 8, 3:00 p.m., Amazon House: Pilvax Café (Pilvax Kávéház), a poetry-and-music afternoon organized by the Keszthely National Circle (Keszthelyi Nemzeti Kör).
March 13, 10:00 a.m., Szendrey Memorial House: MATE Georgikon Campus commemoration with a speech by historian Dr. Mihály Huszár of the Marcali Museum.
March 13, 11:00 a.m., Georgikon Agricultural School Exhibition (Granary Building): salute to Georgikon events of 1848–49 with students from Family Elementary School (Család Általános Iskola), concluding with sculptor Tibor Túri Török’s ceremonial unveiling of a György Festetics relief.
March 13, 5:00 p.m., Balaton Theatre, Simándy Hall: exhibition opening, Hussars in the Tempest of History – paintings by Zalán Kertai from Norbert Máday’s collection; 5:30 p.m. book launch, Norbert Máday–Cintia Pogrányi: Hussars (Huszárok).
Weekend Highlights
March 14, 3:00–5:00 p.m., Goldmark Károly Cultural Center, Folk Tale Point (NépmesePont): creative kids’ workshop for spring and the holiday.
March 14, 6:00 p.m., from the Balaton Theatre entrance: torchlight procession organized by the Keszthely National Circle (Keszthelyi Nemzeti Kör).
March 15, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Júlia Szendrey Memorial House: MATE commemoration.
March 15, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Balaton Museum: Young Marchers (Márciusi Ifjak) program—join in honoring the revolution.
Organizers reserve the right to change times and programs.
