#76 FOTW - Budapest, Hungary

The modern flag of Hungary originated from the national freedom movement from before 1848, which culminated in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. The revolution was not only in opposition against the monarchy but also the Habsburg Empire and to form an independent republic. Accordingly, the flag of Hungary features a tricolour element based on the flag of France as a reflection of the ideas of the French Revolution of 1848.

Folklore of the romantic period attributed the colours to virtues: red for strength, white for faithfulness and green for hope. Alternatively, red for the blood spilt for the fatherland, white for freedom and green for the land, for the pastures of Hungary. The new constitution, which took effect on 1 January 2012, makes the ex-post interpretation mentioned first official (in the semi-official translation: strength, fidelity and hope).

 

Garfield at Balaton Lake - Fonyód, Hungary

Since Hungary has no access to the sea, the lake is often referred to as the "Hungarian Sea". Since 2002, BirdLife International has recognized Lake Balaton as an IBA bird sanctuary. It is an important place for wintering waterfowl.

 

#4 GF - Budapest, Hungary

March 23 is the Polish-Hungarian Friendship Day.

"Polak, Węgier, dwa bratanki, i do szabli, i do szklanki"

"Lengyel, magyar – két jó barát, együtt harcol, s issza borát"

- a short rhyming formula about intimate friendship and kinship of the Polish and Hungarian people.

Budapest M1 metro line (Millenniumi Földalatti Vasút) - the oldest metro line in continental Europe, the second oldest in the world. It was opened on May 3, 1896, and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002.

EUROPA stamp 2010 - "Children books"