22 January is a special day in the life of the Hungarian people, a day to remember and appreciate our millennia-old traditions, material and spiritual values, and thus to preserve and spread our roots and heritage.

Hungarian culture is the unity of the Hungarian language, music and dance. Hungarian culture is based on the Hungarian language, which is both a part of and a carrier of our culture.

The Hungarian language separates us, Hungarians, from other cultures with its peculiar sounds, grammatical requirements and pronunciation difficulties, but at the same time it acts as a bridge, as it connects generations and communities. Within language, our literature is an expression of our national identity and sense of self. Music is an extremely distinctive part of Hungarian culture and an integral part of the life of the Hungarian people. And when it comes to dance, which is part of the most ancient human culture, Hungary is one of the few countries where a varied and diverse dance life is part of everyday life. 

We have a lot to be proud of and a lot to be proud of! Ferenc Kölcsey's poem, completed in 1823 in Cseke, based on examples taken from the "stormy centuries of the Hungarian people" - the Hymn. Another national song of the Hungarian people, Mihály Vörösmarty's Szózata. The poetry of Pet?fi, the writings of Madách. The music and musical innovations of Ferenc Liszt, Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály. And we could go on.

We have a serious heritage. It is our responsibility to preserve all that Hungary has given to Europe and to the world. Let us live up to this responsibility with courage and pride.

*Martina Kasnyik is the Ambassador of Hungary to Albania