Szeged marks 306th anniversary of historic city status with ceremony and awards
The city of Szeged commemorated the 306th anniversary of regaining its historic privileges as a free royal city — a designation granted by the monarchy that once gave cities self-governing rights — on Friday with a formal assembly featuring a mayoral address and the presentation of the city’s highest civic honors. The designation, granted in 1719 by Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor and king of Hungary under the name Charles III, is traditionally celebrated on May 21, known as the Day of Szeged.
The event began at 5 p.m. with the ceremonial presentation of Szeged’s flag by a flag bearer, accompanied by a fanfare. Simultaneously, the Hungarian national flag was raised. The musical program featured performances by the Szeged Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductors Sándor Gyüdi and László Molnár.
Mayor László Botka addressed the crowd, offering a brief historical reflection and highlighting the city’s resilience and community spirit. “Every single forint has been used for development, investment, and improving the quality of life for the people of Szeged,” Botka said, noting that 765 billion forints in European Union funds had been allocated to the city over the past two decades.
The mayor also outlined infrastructure and environmental developments planned for the near future, including the renovation of roads, public spaces, and institutions using local funds and a major overhaul of the riverfront. He announced the expansion of the city’s Green City program, which includes planting climate-resilient vegetation and protective forests to mitigate urban heat.
Botka emphasized that Szeged would not abandon any planned investments despite economic pressures and reductions in state funding. “The city’s future depends on the work we do together,” he said. “Our goal is for Szeged to remain a sustainable, livable, and socially sensitive community.”
He also referenced two major industrial projects — the construction of a BYD electric vehicle factory and a Rheinmetall plant — as milestones marking a new era for Szeged. “The agreement between Szeged, Hungary, and BYD complies with all EU and environmental regulations,” Botka stated.
Ahead of the awards ceremony, Botka declared, “Szeged’s strength lies in the knowledge, talent, and drive of our citizens. Today, we celebrate our role models and shared successes… Let us celebrate together our beautiful, compassionate, European Szeged, which regained its freedom 306 years ago – and still holds firmly to that ancient liberty.”
Opera singer Júlia Vajda, recipient of the Liszt Prize and a lifetime member of the Szeged National Theater, was named Honorary Citizen of Szeged.
Pro Urbe Awards were presented to János Kothencz, founder of the ÁGOTA community for children in state care, and Zsolt Mészáros, longtime principal of Béke Street Elementary School.
The For Szeged Commemorative Medal was awarded to Zsuzsanna Kecsmár, co-founder of the tech company Antavo; Tibor Hajós, architect of several notable city landmarks; and Sándor Mátó, civil engineer responsible for key bridge construction projects in and around Szeged.
Photos: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify
The formal assembly is part of the Day of Szeged celebration series, held annually in mid-May and including the city’s renowned Szeged Wine Festival.
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