Kolozsvár Hungarian Days opening gala emphasizes community cohesion

The 17th Kolozsvár Hungarian Days opened with a gala at the Kolozsvár Hungarian Opera, featuring a production titled ‘Szállj el, madár… – Kallós Zoltán öröksége’. The event focused on themes of openness, identity, and community cohesion under the motto ‘Tárt kapukkal’ (With Open Doors).

Speakers addressed the importance of strengthening ties between Hungarian communities and the need for reconciliation and patience following elections in Hungary. Kelemen Hunor, president of the RMDSZ, emphasized that community leaders must prevent the fragmentation of the nation. Toró T. Tibor, executive president of the Erdélyi Nemzeti Tanács, stated that national fragmentation should not become the ‘new normal.’

Representing the Hungarian government, Deputy State Secretary István Kollai noted that the event has become a defining meeting point for Hungarian life in Transylvania, connecting locals with those in the diaspora. He also addressed government support for Hungarians living abroad, stating that while support remains, it will be made more transparent. During the ceremony, Judith Maier-Orosz received the ‘Kincses Kolozsvár’ award for her contributions to the city’s cultural life and community building.