October 23

Today is National Day, a national holiday in Hungary set aside to remember the 1956 Revolution.  On this day 59 years ago the Revolution began with demonstrations demanding free elections, freedom of speech and other concessions from the ruling Soviet Communists.  The demonstrations were countered with force by the Communists and within weeks thousands were killed or arrested and hundreds were executed or deported.   Over 200,000 Hungarians fled the country. Also on this day in 1989 after Communism fell, Hungary was declared a republic, so this is also the Day of the Republic. The occasion is commemorated with ceremonies, speeches and exhibitions all over the country.