November 2, 2026
Author: Vitéz Margit Kótai, Seat Captain of Duna-Csepel Region
On October23, 2026, we received an invitation from the Municipality of Csepel to attend the commemorative events marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Joining the programme, we laid a wreath on behalf of the Order of Vitéz at the memorial in Szent Imre Square in Csepel. After a short walk, we listened to Sándor Sasvári’s commemorative performance in Mária Wittner Park. Afterwards, we paid tribute to the heroes by laying flowers and lighting candles.
During the afternoon part of the programme, we travelled aboard a vintage Ikarus bus, taking a tour through the streets of Csepel and the grounds of the former Csepel industrial works, also known as the Csepel Works.
A few thoughts and historical recollections related to these events: During the journey, we were given a fascinating insight into the events of 1956 and the history of Csepel. We heard about the workers’ demonstrations and the removal of the Stalin statue, which was carried out with the help of the cutting torch operated by Béla Frater, a Csepel factory worker. Péter Mansfeld transported letters and newspapers; sadly, he too was arrested and executed shortly after reaching the age of 18. On 8 November, Sándor Kőrösi, a 24-year-old First Lieutenant of Artillery, arranged for anti-aircraft guns to be brought from Szigetszentmiklós to defend Szent Imre Square. He also made an armoured car and a two-seater aircraft available. Another remarkable act of courage was that of First Lieutenant József Andy, who had concrete blocks placed across the railway tracks at the Corvin junction in Csepel, thereby helping to defend the district. The petrol and crude oil storage facilities at the Freeport were guarded and defended by Commander László Érsek and thirty-one of his comrades. The workers of Csepel continued their resistance here until 11 November 1956. Following the surrender of arms, Sándor Kőrösi was also captured and executed. Honour and glory to the brave fighters.
