This is How the National Gallop Went – PHOTOS

Last weekend was the time of an annual Hungarian tradition, the National Gallop. It is basically horseracing at Heroes’ square in front of a big crowd. The event represents the Hungarian history and culture as we often call ourselves a ‘horseback nation’.

Thousands of people visited Heroes’ square last weekend; the crowd was especially big on Sunday, which was the day of the final race. Even the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, visited the event with his son. This was the first time that we could also follow the happenings through internet on the Vágta Rádió at the official site of the Natinal Gallop.

“As far as the human mind can look back in time, we see our ancestors on horseback. From the Hungarian conquest, through the cavalrymen of the Middle Ages, ‘till the soldiers fighting on horseback. They are the role models of professional knowledge and determination, of comradeship, bravery and patriotism. We need to look up to them! said István Kun Szabó, major general and deputy under-secretary responsible for social relations of the Military of Hungary, in his festive speech.

Just like every year, the National Gallop was dedicated to one of the outstanding figures of military history. This year, it was dedicated to Pál Rostás, who died as a hero in 1813 when fighting in a Napoleonic war. He fought persistently even when his comrades have withdrawn from war but the enemy won by force of numbers.