1956 Revolution Memorial Day honors the nationwide uprising against Soviet rule. Marked by ceremonies, speeches and flag displays, it commemorates the courage of those who fought for freedom, democracy and national independence.

When is 1956 Revolution Memorial Day?

1956 Revolution Memorial Day in Hungary is celebrated every year on October 23.

The following is the list of 1956 Revolution Memorial Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of 1956 Revolution Memorial Day?

After World War II, Hungary came under Soviet influence, and by 1949, a communist government was firmly in place. Political repression, secret police (ÁVH) brutality, economic hardship, and lack of freedom fueled deep public resentment.

On October 23, 1956, students in Budapest organized a demonstration demanding reforms: free elections, withdrawal of Soviet troops, freedom of speech, and restoration of Hungarian sovereignty.

Tens of thousands joined, and the protest escalated into a nationwide revolution. Protesters pulled down the Stalin statue, and many cut out the communist emblem from the Hungarian flag, creating the iconic "hole-in-the-flag" symbol of the revolution.

For a short time, under Prime Minister Imre Nagy, Hungary declared neutrality and its intention to withdraw from the Warsaw Pact. On November 4, 1956, the Soviet Union launched a massive military intervention.

The revolution was crushed within days, about 2,500 Hungarians were killed, 20,000 were wounded, and nearly 200,000 fled the country as refugees. Imre Nagy was later arrested, secretly tried, and executed in 1958.

Under the Kádár regime (post-1956 communist government), the revolution was labeled a "counter-revolution" and commemorations were forbidden. Public discussion was suppressed, and even remembering October 23 was dangerous.

In the 1980s, as communism weakened, the memory of 1956 resurfaced. On June 16, 1989, Imre Nagy and other executed leaders were reburied with full honors in Budapest, an event that drew massive crowds and became a turning point in Hungary's transition to democracy.

After the fall of communism in 1989, October 23 was officially declared a national holiday as 1956 Revolution Memorial Day. The same date also marks October 23, 1989, when the Republic of Hungary was formally proclaimed, replacing the "People's Republic".