Máté Vincze, the deputy state secretary of the culture and innovation ministry, said the Hungarian government has launched a series of events titled "1,100 years in Europe, 20 years in the European Union" with a budget of about 1,100 million forints (EUR 2.7m), celebrating the greatness of the Hungarian nation and the joy and pride of its existence as well as its EU membership.
Speaking in Lenti, in western Hungary, on Saturday, Vincze said the events show that "while the nation has been torn by the storms of history, its heroes were able to draw strength from adversity and Hungarians emerged stronger from the conflicts". "Let us be proud of our heritage and traditions, which are worth showcasing both locally and in Europe," he added.
Tradition and identity are keywords in a nation's history, and although they cannot be measured, there are signs that show if a settlement or community is strong in its traditions, he said.
Vincze acknowledged the Kerka Folk Dance Ensemble, established in 1973, which deepens the interest in Hungarian folk dance and folk culture in children, "who learn about our traditions through the dances".
In connection with the presentation of local awards, he noted the Csoori Sandor Programme, a scheme for communities that keep their traditions alive, implemented from government funding of 2.5 billion forints. Its aim is to ensure that Hungarian culture and identity will live on in the generations to come, he added.