“Music transcends words.” Feel the weight of that sentiment as we stand here in Muzsikus cigányok parkja. This park is in Budapest’s District VIII. It stands as a tribute to Hungary’s celebrated Roma musicians.
Muzsikus cigányok parkja was inaugurated in October 2013. Before that, it was an unnamed public space. It sits at the intersection of Baross and Szigony streets.
The park’s creation is thanks to the initiative of Raduly József. He is a metropolitan representative. He proposed naming the area and creating a memorial. The Budapest Assembly approved it in May 2013.
Initially, Muzsikus cigányok parkja featured eight musicians’ reliefs. These were placed on four limestone columns. Each column was 240 cm high. Each side displayed two portraits. By 2017, the number increased to twelve.
The park honors Járóka Sándor. It also honors Járóka Sándor Jr., and Bobe Gáspár Ernő. Berki László, Pertis Jenő, and Lakatos Sándor are also celebrated. Kozák Gábor József, Cziffra György, and Kathy-Horváth Lajos Sr. are remembered here. Berki Béla, Boros Lajos, and Buffó Rigó Sándor are included too.
Illyés Antal, a sculptor, created the artwork. The park features triangular columns. These columns display the musicians’ portraits. The design allows for 24 portraits in total.
Csomós Miklós spoke at the inauguration. He highlighted the importance of Roma music. He said it enlivens Hungarian folk music. Kocsis Máté also spoke. He emphasized Roma music’s role in Hungarian culture. He noted Józsefváros as a cradle of Roma music.
Raduly József said the musicians represent an aristocracy within Roma society. He said they earned this through their values. He also acknowledged their ambassadorship for Hungarian Roma music.
Raduly also pointed out the Romungro Roma’s prominence among Hungarian Roma. They arrived in Hungary in the 15th century. They now form the majority.
Muzsikus cigányok parkja symbolizes the unity. It represents the peaceful coexistence of Hungarians and Roma. It shows the majority society embraces Roma culture. It offers Roma youth ideals. It demonstrates how far they can go.
The park serves as a reminder. It honors those musicians. It shows their artistic achievements. Muzsikus cigányok parkja stands as a testament to their enduring legacy.