Last December, UNESCO inscribed the Hungarian string orchestra tradition into the international list of representative elements of intangible cultural heritage. The certificate of inscription was presented on Wednesday, 26 July during the folk music gala concert leading up to the 198th Anna Ball in Balatonfüred.
The first Anna Ball was held on 26 July 1825, at the Horváth House in Balatonfüred, in honour of the host’s daughter, Anna Krisztina. On that evening, the young Anna Krisztina met her future husband,
Ernő Kiss, a hussar captain, who later became a martyr of the 1848–49 Hungarian Revolution in Arad.
Honouring the memory of Anna Krisztina, since 2003 an annual award has been presented to a person who has contributed significantly to the culture and intellectual life of Balatonfüred.
State Secretary for Culture and Innovation Magdolna Závogyán emphasised that the purpose of the list is to collect and showcase the communal knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Hungary submitted the Hungarian string orchestra tradition as an independent nomination, and it has become the latest Hungarian element of intangible cultural heritage to be added to the international list, following the Mohács Busójárás, the Matyó embroidery, falconry, and blue-dyeing (kékfestés).
Závogyán said that this is a great recognition for the country, the nation, and all those who consider the representation of ancient values through string instruments as their passion, whether they are performers or leaders of any cultural institution. The state secretary expressed her joy that an increasing number of children and young people are choosing the profession and lifestyle of musicians. Therefore, it is essential for the public education system and the cultural institution network to pay special attention to preserving this heritage, and
focus on talent scouting and nurturing, and providing performance opportunities.
All of this ensures the continuity of the tradition and the transmission of ancient knowledge.
Mayor of Balatonfüred István Bóka recalled that since 2013, the municipality of the lakeside town has been working together with the House of Traditions in preserving folk music traditions through competitions and gala concerts. The Hungarian string orchestra tradition was inscribed into UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage during the organisation’s 17th session held in Rabat in December 2022. After the official certificate was handed over, Artistic Director of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble Pál István Szalonna expressed that musicians received their legacy from musicians who sometimes offered them humanity, sometimes food, sometimes a bed, and at the end of the day, taught them a song or two. And now, these traditions are passed on to the younger generations.
Alíz Dévényi was chosen as the belle of the 198th Anna Ball on Saturday night. The first court lady is Laura Szilassy, and the second court lady is Anna Csenke.
The belle of the ball, 19-year-old Alíz Dévényi from Budapest, has recently graduated. She expressed her love for the atmosphere of the ball and her desire to pursue photography in the future. The first court lady, 18-year-old Laura Szilassy, is from Balatonfüred and has been studying at a Budapest secondary school for four years while also competing in ballroom dancing. The second court lady, 17-year-old Anna Csenke from Békéscsaba, is currently attending a secondary school in London and aims to become a doctor while also competitively playing tennis.
Alongside the golden apple, the belle of the Anna Ball received a modernised Herend vase with a Victoria pattern, while the court ladies received Rothschild- and Apponyi-patterned vases to take home.
Honouring the memory of Anna Krisztina, since 2003 an annual award has been presented to a person who has contributed significantly to the culture and intellectual life of Balatonfüred.
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