Edited by Anna Popper
This year, Argentina marks the 215th anniversary of the May Revolution, a historic milestone that reflects the beginning of a journey toward independence and the forging of their national identity.
On this occasion, the Embassy of Argentina in Hungary held a distinguished National Day celebration on 23 May 2025, in one of Budapest’s cultural landmarks – the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, housed in the splendid 19th-century Wenckheim Palace.
The celebration was hosted by H.E. Ms. María Lorena Capra, Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to Hungary, and brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, cultural and business figures, as well as Argentine nationals and friends of our Latin American country.
The evening began with the national anthems of Argentina and Hungary, announced by the Speaker of the Ceremony, who skilfully guided the flow of the entire program.
It was followed by a warm welcome speech from Mrs. Ágnes Koreny, Director of the Municipal Library, who honoured Argentina’s rich heritage in a setting that embodies Hungary’s cultural grandeur:
“Your Excellency, Ambassador of Argentina, dear Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honour and sincere pleasure for me to welcome you on behalf of the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, as we gather in the magnificent Wenckheim Palace to celebrate Argentina’s National Day together.
A library is more than just a building full of books – it is a place of networking, learning, and mutual inspiration. Events like today’s allow us to discover the beauty and diversity of another country and nation, and to feel – if only for one evening – a little closer to its cultural soul. Tonight, that nation is Argentina – a land of passion, poetry, dance, and intellectual brilliance. We think of tango and the pampas, of Malbec and Maradona, but also of the intricate, philosophical worlds imagined by Jorge Luis Borges, whose words echo far beyond our borders. Allow me to share one of his thoughts, which beautifully captures the spirit of this evening: ‘I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.’
These words resonate with us – not only as librarians, but also as citizens of a world where culture, imagination, and dialogue bring us closer to one another.
We are grateful for partners like the Embassy of Argentina, who share our belief in the power of culture to connect communities and inspire change. It is a privilege for us to welcome more and more nations, embassies, and traditions to our institution. This collaboration enriches both our programming and our perspective.
This evening, as the sounds of Argentine music and the elegance of tango fill our halls, let us remember that culture knows no borders, and that the dance of nations, like tango itself, begins with trust, rhythm, and shared understanding.
Let me express my heartfelt thanks to Her Excellency María Lorena Capra, Ambassador of Argentina to Hungary, and her colleagues for their generous partnership and continued cooperation. We hope this evening marks the beginning of a long and fruitful cultural partnership. ¡Feliz Día Nacional! — Happy National Day!”
Following the welcome address, H.E. María Lorena Capra, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Hungary, delivered her remarks, reflecting on the meaning of Argentina’s National Day and the growing relations between Argentina and Hungary:
“Thank you very much, Ms. Ágnes Koreny, Director of the magnificent Ervin Szabó Library – a beacon of knowledge that welcomes over 5,000 students, researchers, and visitors each day. I am truly grateful for your kind and inspiring words, and for recognising the richness of Argentine culture and the genius of Jorge Luis Borges. It is an honour to look forward to future collaboration and a meaningful partnership with the Metropolitan Library.
Esteemed Government Authorities, Distinguished Members of Parliament, Honourable Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, Dear Friends, thank you for being here to commemorate this important date in Argentina’s history.
Today we celebrate the 215th anniversary of the First National Government of Argentina – a defining moment in the birth of our nation. On 25 May 1810, the seeds of independence were planted, leading to our formal Declaration of Independence in 1816. This path was not only about political change, but profound transformation: the forging of our national identity, the creation of our institutions, and the emergence of a sovereign Argentina.
The years that followed were marked by passionate debates, courageous struggle, and great sacrifice. Argentina, like a young tree, was nurtured by the dreams of its people and the resolute will of its leaders. Our enduring commitment to liberty, equality, and justice became the cornerstone upon which we continue to build a democratic, inclusive, and forward-looking society.
In this context, it is only fitting to recognize the Hungarian diaspora’s contribution to Argentina’s development. For over a century, the Hungarian community has been a vital part of our national fabric. Today, more than 50,000 people of Hungarian descent call Argentina home. They have played a key role in shaping our culture and economy, establishing schools, founding cultural institutions, and creating organizations that strengthen the enduring ties between Argentina and Hungary.
This year, we opened a new chapter in our long-standing bilateral relationship with Hungary. Together, we are working to realize the full potential of our partnership across economic, social, and cultural domains. From trade and investment to energy, infrastructure, science, and education – the opportunities are vast.
Several important milestones reflect this growing engagement. In October 2024, we had the honour of welcoming Ms. Márta Mátrai, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, to Argentina. In November 2024, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Péter Szijjártó visited Buenos Aires, followed by the visit of Minister of Justice, Mr. Bence Tuzson in January 2025. These high-level visits signal the depth and mutual interest in strengthening our bilateral relations.
In June, we host political consultations at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers in Buenos Aires and we also celebrate the second meeting of the Joint Economic Committee. These engagements are further evidence of the momentum and shared vision guiding our cooperation.
During Minister Szijjártó’s visit, five important agreements were signed, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration in strategic areas such as nuclear technology and space affairs. We are also actively negotiating a framework investment agreement to serve as a catalyst for expanding trade and investment in both directions.
Among our most tangible achievements is the opening of the Hungarian market to Argentine beef, which is now imported directly by Carlos Coelho of Winehub and MUGE. Today, Hungarians in Budapest can enjoy premium Argentine chilled beef – a delicious symbol of our growing partnership.
In the field of culture, we recently hosted the Preliminary of the Buenos Aires Tango World Championship here in Budapest, as part of the Tango Temptation Festival. This event beautifully illustrates the deep cultural connections between our two capitals.
I extend special thanks to Mrs. Lídia Demján, whose tireless efforts have brought Argentine tango to life in Hungary.
Argentina is a land of extraordinary potential. With a population of over 46 million people and a territory spanning over 2.7 million square kilometres, our country boasts fertile soils, abundant agricultural output, and vast mineral wealth. We are globally recognised for the excellence of our beef and fine wines. But Argentina is also looking to the future. Our nation is rapidly becoming a hub of technology and innovation, home to a growing number of start-ups and ‘unicorns’ active in fields like software development, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. We are also rich in lithium, natural gas, and oil – resources that are essential to shaping the global energy future.
Beyond our National Day, today we are also very proud to honour the music group Art’s Harmony, whose dedication to promoting Argentine tango is truly remarkable. It is a joy to present them with a special recognition as a token of our appreciation and admiration.
Before concluding, I would like to thank the companies Haraszty – Winehub and Franui for offering their products today, and Jorge, who once again delighted us with his exceptional empanadas.
I also wish to express my gratitude to the Ervin Szabó Library, its Director Ágnes Koreny, and her team for their generous support.
To my Embassy team – Ricardo Vignolo, José Quintana, and our wonderful local staff – thank you for your dedication and tireless work.
And finally, I thank my family – my mother and my daughters – for your love, support, and presence. A todos, Muchas Gracias – Thank you very much. ¡VIVA LA PATRIA!”
Representing the Hungarian Government, Mr. Péter Sutyinszki from the Department for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade conveyed heartfelt congratulations on Argentina’s National Day.
He recalled Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó’s official visit to Argentina in last November, during which the Minister stated that strategic cooperation with Argentina would significantly enhance Hungary’s position in the international political arena.
Mr. Sutyinszki highlighted the multifaceted cooperation between Hungary and Argentina in areas such as economy, nuclear energy, trade, agricultural technologies, culture, and education. He noted that five agreements were signed during the visit, including the continuation of the scholarship program for 25 Argentine students in Hungary and the launch of a joint training program at the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy.
Mr. Sutyinszki also welcomed the introduction of Hungarian language instruction at a major Buenos Aires university and stressed the importance of maintaining close ties with the large Hungarian diaspora as a key cultural bridge between the two nations.
The official part of the evening concluded, but the celebrations continued with captivating tango performances.
During the reception guests enjoyed friendly conversations in a vivid atmosphere, accompanied by tastings of Argentine culinary specialties and fine wines. Live music from the Art’s Harmony Orchestra, playing Latin repertoire, enriched the joyful mood in a magnificent setting.
A particularly memorable moment was the presence of some members of the Wenckheim family – descendants of the palace’s original owners. Their attendance added historical significance to the occasion, as the Wenckheim Palace – completed in 1891 in the neo-Baroque style – served as the home of the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library. Established over 120 years ago by the Municipality of Budapest, the library was named in honour of the distinguished social scientist and librarian, Ervin Szabó (1877-1918), former director of the new library, who shaped the institution during his tenure, drawing inspiration from the British public library system.
Source: Embassy of Argentina in Budapest
Photos by Bálint Hirling, Courtesy of the Embassy of Argentina in Budapest
