The day of March 15th is now freely celebrated in Romania, after the fall of the old communist regime. Each year, the Hungarian community organizes a series of events to commemorate the Revolution of 1848. The leaders of the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) send messages to the community, take part in the events and those who commemorate their heroes killed in the Revolution of 1848 use Hungarian symbols for that.
A peaceful coexistence
"The Romanians have got used to the fact that we commemorate the Revolution of 1848 and freely use our national symbols. The day of March 15th is very important to us because it reminds us of the Pasoptist Revolution (the Revolution of 1848). The Hungarian can now mark this celebration without any fear, in a peaceful coexistence. In the places where Hungarian communities live and historical monuments were built in honour of the heroes killed in 1848, religious liturgies are performed, funeral wreaths are laid, candles are lit and the children recite poems. Shows are also organized, in the county of Brasov. Here folk dance and music groups promote the Hungarian dance, music and costumes," said Mr. Kovacs Attila, Chairman of UDMR Brasov, who is also the Vice-president of the County Council Brasov.
A moment of celebration
In commune Ormeniş, county of Braşov, March 15th is celebrated with a procession starting from the local Evangelical Church and stopping at the Cultural Centre, with the brass band ahead of the procession. This is an opportunity to admire the folk women and men costumes specific to the Hungarians living in this region. When the Hungarians arrive at the Cultural Centre, they are served with pound cake and a glass of wine. Then the entire community is heading towards a monument marking the boundary between counties Brasov and Covasna.
At the crossroads
"There is an important moment when the Hungarians from Ormenis march through commune Augustin towards Baraolt and arrive at a crossroads named La Cruce, a meeting point for the Hungarian people from both counties Brasov and Covasna. Here is an historic monument erected in honour of the Revolution of 1848. People take the floor and retell the history of this event. Members of the Parliament and priests of the Hungarian community also take part in this event. Funeral wreaths are laid, brass brand music is performed and people keep a moment of silence in memory of the Hungarian heroes", said Mr. Gergely Janos, Mayor of Ormenis.
