kivetdni

Kivetdni, also known as "kivetnap" in Hungarian, refers to a day of mourning and remembrance in Hungary. It is observed annually on November 1st, the anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. This event, which took place from October 23 to November 10, 1956, was a significant period of political and social unrest in Hungary, marked by widespread protests against the communist regime of Mátyás Rákosi.

The revolution began with student demonstrations in Budapest and quickly spread across the country. The protesters demanded greater political freedoms, an end to censorship, and the release of political prisoners. The Hungarian government, led by Imre Nagy, initially supported the protesters, but the Soviet Union, which had occupied Hungary since 1956, intervened to suppress the uprising. The Soviet forces, along with Romanian and Bulgarian troops, re-established communist control, leading to the execution of Imre Nagy and other key figures.

Kivetdni serves as a reminder of the struggle for democracy and human rights in Hungary and beyond. It is a day when Hungarians reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and the importance of preserving democratic values. The day is marked by various events, including memorial services, the laying of wreaths at monuments, and the reading of speeches and poems. Schools and public institutions often close on this day, and many Hungarians wear black armbands as a symbol of mourning and solidarity with the victims of the revolution.