Baron Bálint Balassi de Kékkő et Gyarmat is celebrated as the pioneer of Hungarian romantic poetry, a valiant soldier, a daring lover and an accomplished polyglot. His life and achievements embody the true spirit of the Renaissance, and read like a tale of romance, valour, and fighting spirit.

St Ivan’s Night has always been considered magical by the Nordic and Slavic peoples, but it has special folk traditions linked to it in Hungary as well. Various practices are employed during this time, which are related to healing, purification, love, and fertility.

The Hungarians in the crowd did not allow the protesters to ruin the unveiling, instead they started to loudly sing a Hungarian folk song and the national anthem of Hungary, thus, drowning out the voice of the few protesters.

National Marriage Week was first organised over two decades ago in the UK, intended as a celebration of the commitment of two individuals to spend the rest of their lives together. The purpose of the initiative is to popularise and strengthen marriage in communities. Hungary joined the movement in 2008.