Everyday perseverance today finds its fulfilment in the joy experienced within the community - Speech by President Dr. Tamás Sulyok at the opening ceremony of the Hungarian Cultural Days of Kolozsvár

With great respect and affection, I welcome the community gathered for the festive opening of the Hungarian Cultural Days of Kolozsvár! I would love to greet each person individually who participates in any of the events of this wonderful week-long programme, but unfortunately, this is not possible. Even this impressive venue is much, much too small to accommodate the thousands who will be seeking intellectual and cultural nourishment or refreshing experiences here. 

Indeed, year after year, the consistently excellent concerts, cultural events and programmes enjoy ever-growing popularity.
The citizens of Kolozsvár have become accustomed to the fact that at this time of year, the city is even busier and livelier than usual. Many of us know that at the end of August, around the Feast Day of St. Stephen, we must come here if we want to have fun, enjoy exciting family programmes or uplifting cultural events. Today, this event is an integral part of the city. It goes without saying that it exists, and thankfully, it is also a matter of course that it always ends with great success. 

Just as it the Cultural Days form a natural part of the city, so too does the community that celebrates this event.

Ladies and gentlemen!

For me, the existence of the Hungarian Cultural Days of Kolozsvár for more than a decade and a half, and its fantastic success, is proof not of the fact that Hungarians live here and are an integral part of the city. No rational mind ever questioned that. We do not need to prove the past; the pages of history do that for us. Nor do we need to prove the present; the facts speak for themselves. 

The Hungarian presence is indelible from the city's past, undeniable in its present, and will certainly be part of its future.
For me, the success of the Hungarian Cultural Days of Kolozsvár proves precisely the latter: that the Hungarian community has a future, and a hopeful one at that. The week-long festivities in Kolozsvár show that Hungarians cherish their values, that they are committed to their communities, and that they share not only the difficulties of everyday life but also the joys of celebration. This is what a living community is like. And a living community always has a future.

We Hungarians also know that belonging to a community comes with responsibilities. No Transylvanian family needs to be convinced of this, as everyone has experienced it first-hand. But today is a day of celebration. The hardships of everyday life are fulfilled today in the joy experienced within the community. Today, every Hungarian who comes to this event shows how wonderful it is to be together, to rejoice together, and to take pride in our common values together.

The success of the Hungarian Cultural Days of Kolozsvár is no longer a testament to the will to survive, but a reflection of the natural reality of everyday life. 

This event is not about showcasing the greatness of the past, but celebrating the richness of the present. Nor is it merely about tightly maintaining the Hungarian national bond; it is about extending and strengthening it. The Hungarian Cultural Days of Kolozsvár, in their naturalness, show that here, in the heart of Transylvania, a Hungarian future is also being built. For by sharing the present on the shining stage of our shared past – celebrating together, living together – we also guide the way toward our common future.

Ladies and gentlemen!

We Hungarians do not only celebrate our holidays among ourselves, but we also gladly share our joy with others. We can show our values to others as well.  Anyone who is curious about them and would like to celebrate with us is welcome with open arms.
This event is a celebration of Hungarians, but it is not exclusively for them. Everyone can find something to their liking here. Not only the entire city of Kolozsvár and all Hungarians, but also all citizens of Romania can rightly take pride in this event.

At times like this, the city shows its most beautiful face - its ancient, rich and diverse character. At times like this, this city of treasures proves that we can be richer together, stronger together, and more resilient when we cooperate and stick together. 

Kolozsvár is a point of connections, and not just at times like this. Here is a place to draw strength and inspiration from each other, learn from each other and get to know each other's values. Because those who shut themselves off from others also deprive themselves of the intellectual, spiritual and cultural wealth that others can offer them. And this, as anyone can see, is unreasonable and foolish.

Ladies and gentlemen!

It is uplifting to be here with you, to be part of this celebration. It is a joy to see an ancient city and its people with ancient roots sharing their treasures for the delight of all, welcoming everyone to join in the celebration. Here, a living community reveals itself, - its rich, diverse and vibrant culture - and shows how its members truly know how to celebrate together.

This is what a strong community does. A strong community that preserves itself by simultaneously preserving its ancient values and creating new ones. A solid and developing community that draws on the past but builds for the future. 

The Hungarian people of Transylvania have always respected their culture and cherished the legacy of their ancestors, but they have never hesitated to create new things, establish new shared values, and expand their achievements. The strong and constructive Hungarian identity that we experience here in Kolozsvár and throughout Transylvania is an example for all Hungarians.

This is especially true today, when the challenges of life, the crisis of values and the temptations of the world tend to divide us rather than bring us together.

At times like these, we are faced with the dilemma of whether it would be better to focus only on ourselves and build our own lives brick by brick.  I believe that the Hungarian people of Transylvania have not wavered in the modern world and are once again choosing the tried and tested path: building together, in unity.

Thank you for your unity, for the power of community, and for setting an example for building our Hungarian future!

Ladies and gentlemen!

I hereby declare the 16th Hungarian Cultural Days of Kolozsvár open. I wish you all enjoyable entertainment, uplifting programmes and a dignified celebration! 

God bless Kolozsvár! 
And God bless our Hungarian nation!