Celebrating Hungarian Heritage and Strengthening Canada-Hungary Ties
Hungarian Heritage Month Opening Day at the Hungarian Canadian Cultural Centre
HEPA participated in Hungarian Heritage events in Toronto, highlighting Hungarian culture, celebrating the 1956 Revolution, and strengthening ties between Hungary and Canada. Firstly, the celebrations began at the Hungarian Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto. This event marked the official opening of Hungarian Heritage Month. The HEPA Regional Office Canada was present, showcasing Hungarian products and innovations, thereby emphasizing cultural pride and promoting business opportunities abroad. Guests explored the displays and learned about Hungary’s contributions to technology, gastronomy, and culture. Additionally, the event offered an opportunity to connect with the local community and highlight Hungarian innovations and cultural offerings.
HEPA Regional Office Canada showcased Hungarian products and innovations during the opening day of Hungarian Heritage Month at the Hungarian Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto.
Commemorating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution at the Ontario Provincial Parliament
Subsequently our commitment to cultural promotion was reflected at the Ontario Provincial Parliament, where the Hungarian national flag was ceremoniously raised to mark the anniversary of the 1956 Revolution. Moreover, a commemorative plaque, created by the Ontario Heritage Trust, was unveiled to honor the heroes of 1956.
During the event, the Hungarian flag was raised by Dr. Gábor Péter Artner, Deputy CEO of HEPA Hungarian Export Promotion Agency, and Dr. János Jákó, Consul General of Hungary in Toronto, symbolizing our dedication to fostering Hungarian culture and heritage abroad. Furthermore dignitaries including Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, and Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, attended the event, reflecting the strong bonds between Hungary and Canada.
Dr. Gábor Péter Artner, Deputy CEO of HEPA, and Dr. János Jákó, Consul General of Hungary in Toronto, raise the Hungarian flag in front of the Ontario Provincial Parliament to mark the anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight.
The Ontario Heritage Trust commemorative plaque unveiled at the Ontario Provincial Parliament, paying tribute to the heroes of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight.
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Niagara Falls Illuminated in the Hungarian Tricolor
Niagara Falls Illuminated for HEPA Regional Office Canada Hungarian Heritage Month
Following the parliamentary ceremony, on October 23, Niagara Falls was illuminated in the colors of the Hungarian tricolor to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The lights were ceremoniously switched on by Dr. Artner, representing the HEPA Regional Office Canada, highlighting our commitment to cultural visibility and collaboration.
Meanwhile, the event included cultural programs such as a poetry recitation by Hunor Chase Lacroix, a folk dance performance by the Rozmaring Dance Ensemble, and a concert by the Hungarikum Ensemble, bringing together community, culture, and heritage in a landmark setting.
Sandor Balla and Dr. Gábor Péter Artner addressing the audience at the Niagara Falls commemoration, framed through the symbolic hole in the Hungarian flag honoring the 1956 Revolution.
A wide shot of Niagara Falls glowing in red, white, and green in honor of the 69th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight.
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Hungarian Heritage Gala Dinner in Toronto
Over the weekend, in honor of Hungarian Heritage Month, the Hungarian Canadian Business Association and the HEPA Regional Office Canada jointly hosted a gala dinner at the Hungarian Canadian Cultural Centre, celebrating the enduring legacy of Hungarian communities and the heroes of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
The evening was opened by Sándor Balla, Executive Director of the HEPA Regional Office Canada, who welcomed guests and highlighted the contributions of Hungarians in Canada. Meanwhile, Dr. János Jákó, Consul General of Hungary in Toronto, delivered a commemorative speech honoring the legacy of 1956, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation and international collaboration.
Special guests included Rudy Cuzzetto, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mining, who recognized the strengthening of Canadian-Hungarian economic relations and highlighted future cooperation opportunities, including in areas such as small modular nuclear reactors.
Furthermore, Dr. Gábor Péter Artner, Deputy CEO of HEPA, praised nearly five years of impactful work by the HEPA Regional Office Canada, acknowledging the cohesion of the Hungarian community and the growing global reputation of Hungarian products and innovations. He also paid tribute to the heroes of ’56, whose legacy continues to inspire the Hungarian diaspora in Canada.
Dr. Gábor Péter Artner, Deputy CEO of HEPA, addresses the audience at the Hungarian Heritage Month gala, emphasizing the growing international recognition of Hungarian innovation and culture.
From left to right: Rudy Cuzzetto, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mining; Dr. Gábor Péter Artner, Deputy CEO of HEPA; Dr. János Jákó, Consul General of Hungary in Toronto; and Sándor Balla, Executive Director of the HEPA Regional Office Canada, at the Hungarian Heritage Month gala.
Guests and community members celebrating Hungarian Heritage Month at the gala dinner co-hosted by the HEPA Regional Office Canada and the Hungarian Canadian Business Association.
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Hungarian Flag Raising Ceremony at Budapest Park
Finally, on Sunday, October 26, the Hungarian national flag was raised at Budapest Park in Toronto. During the Hungarian National Anthem, Dr. János Jákó, Consul General of Hungary in Toronto, and Sándor Balla, President of the Hungarian Canadian Business Association and Executive Director of the HEPA Regional Office Canada, raised the flag.
As part of the event, leaders of Canadian-Hungarian organizations placed wreaths of remembrance at the Hungarian Freedom Monument, paying tribute to the heroes of the 1956 revolution. Sándor Balla gave a blessing, followed by ceremonial speeches from Dr. Jákó and Prof. Alán Alpár, Vice-Rector for International Studies at Semmelweis University.
HEPA was also represented by Mária Libaiova, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Balázs Csutora, Expert for Canadian Relations, while the Consulate General of Hungary in Toronto included Máté Árpád Igaz, Gábor Péter Markocsány, Dr. Barbara Éva Bernhardt, and Dániel Németh.
Sándor Balla and Dr. János Jákó raise the Hungarian flag at Budapest Park, commemorating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
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