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Hamburg remembers Hungarian freedom fighters: courage and solidarity united!
On October 29, 2025, Hamburg-Mitte commemorates the Hungarian popular uprising of 1956 with a new explanatory sign.
Hamburg remembers Hungarian freedom fighters: courage and solidarity united!
Next October 23rd marks the 69th anniversary of the Hungarian popular uprising of 1956. This is the occasion for a central memorial event in the Hamburg-Mitte district, which was initiated by Ralf Neubauer, the district office manager. He underlines the importance of Budapest Street, which is linked to the history of the uprising. Neubauer notes that it is a crucial task to remember the courage of the Hungarian people and to stand up for freedom and democracy. An explanatory sign will be put up that highlights the masterminds and events of that eventful time.
The Hungarian popular uprising began on October 23, 1956 with a student demonstration in Budapest demanding reforms and freedoms. The protests quickly developed into a nationwide uprising that captivated many people and supporters across Germany and raised hope for real change. But these hopes were brutally stifled by the Soviet Union's massive violent intervention on November 4, 1956. This intervention resulted in thousands losing their lives, many being imprisoned or executed, while over 200,000 Hungarians fled abroad.
A sign of solidarity
Andras Wallner, board member of the Ungarische Wanderer e.V., also commented on the initiative. He thanks the district office for the support and sees the increase in the visibility of Budapester Strasse and the installation of the explanatory sign as a sign of Germany's, especially Hamburg's, solidarity with the Hungarian protesters. “It is a fundamental part of our responsibility to create historical awareness and to honor the heroes of that time,” explains Wallner.
The memorial event in Hamburg-Mitte is not only about remembering the past, but also aims to build a bridge to the present. Neubauer emphasizes that the issues of freedom and democracy are still of enormous importance today, and the current political situation in many parts of the world requires a strong commitment to these values.
Hungary remained under a communist regime until the peaceful revolution in 1989. The fight for freedom is therefore not just a story, but also remains a current challenge. The district office will proactively address this challenge to honor this and bring it to the memory of the people of Hamburg.