6 October — The Memorial Day of the Martyrs of Arad in Historical Perspective

Commemoration Practices, Local and Folklore Traditions

Abstract

The Hungarian revolution of 1848–1849 which broke out as a fight for civil reforms, new constitutional arrangements and national independence ended with the execution of the revolutionary generals on 6 October 1849 in Arad. Ever since, this day is marked annually all over the country as a day of national mourning, and in 2001 it was legally instituted in the calendar as a day of commemoration. The article explores the shaping of the cult of “the Martyrs of Arad” as well as the history and the format of commemorative events from the middle of the nineteenth century to the present day. Folklore (textual and ritual) traditions connected with the Martyrs of Arad, spread both in towns and the countryside and still define the meaning and content of the commemorative practices. A song about the Martyrs of Arad deserves special attention as it has remained a constant element of memorial events, which otherwise vary across the country.