On the evening of April 25, a ceremony was held in Budapest to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The event began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Armenian khachkar (cross-stone) located on the banks of the Danube River, honoring the memory of the genocide victims. Following this, a memorial evening took place at the Budapest Inner-City Mother Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Nagyboldogasszony Főplébánia-templom) in Március 15 Square.

The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Ashot Smbatyan, Ambassador of Armenia to Hungary, Jonathan Lacôte, Ambassador of France to Hungary, Christodoulos Konstantinos, President of the Greek Self-Government in Hungary, Laokratis Koronis, Spokesperson of the Greek Community in Hungary, Dr. István Czárán, President of the National Armenian Self-Government in Hungary, Nikoghos Akopjan, Spokesperson of the Armenian Community in Hungary, Armen Manukjan, President of the Armenian Self-Government of Budapest, Artin Diramerjan, Head of the Urartu Armenian Theatre.

During the memorial evening, speeches were delivered by Dr. István Czárán, Bishop Tiran Petrosyan—Patriarchal Delegate of the Armenian Apostolic Church for Central Europe and Sweden and Ambassador Ashot Smbatyan. Ambassador Smbatyan emphasized the enduring importance of historical memory, the necessity of recognizing and accepting past atrocities, and the role such acknowledgment plays in preventing future crimes. He noted that if the events of 110 years ago had been appropriately addressed, humanity might have avoided subsequent atrocities.

The event also featured musical performances by renowned Armenian soprano Ani Yorentz Sargsyan, organist Zsolt Máté Mészáros, and pianist Réka Szuhanszki, adding a poignant artistic tribute to the commemoration.

Article written by: Shogher Manukyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

Photos uploaded: Shogher Manukyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

April 16 is celebrated as Armenian Cinema Day. In 2019, the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia adopted the draft law designating April 16 as Armenian Cinema Day, and it was approved. On April 16, 2025, Armenian Cinema Day was also celebrated at the Armenian Cultural Center in Budapest, organized by the volunteers of the Armenian Cultural Foundation, Shogher Manukyan, and Flora Hambardzumyan. Armenian films and animated movies were screened, including Tzhvzhik, The Magic Lavash, 0199, Unlucky Panos, The Lord and the Servant, and Brave Nazar.

Article written by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

Photos by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

On March 25, 2025, in commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the musical Musa Dagh was performed at the National Theatre. It was organized by Artin Diramerian, with music composed by Ember Peter. The lead role of Gabriel Bagradian was played by Toth Andreas, while Kovach Olga portrayed Juliette. The narrator was Csizmadia Gabriella. The Havq dance group, led by Sima Ohanyan, also took part in the theatrical performance.

The play depicted how the Armenians of Musa Dagh fortified themselves on the mountain under the leadership of Gabriel Bagradian in an act of self-defense. It also portrayed the relationship between Juliette and a young Greek man, who left her behind and went to Aleppo. His betrayal was later revealed, followed by the depiction of Stephan’s murder and Gabriel Bagradian’s tragedy.

At the conclusion of the performance, the audience expressed their appreciation with prolonged applause and deep emotion.

Article written by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

Photos by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879