The bell rings with the calling word on the celebration of our church farewell.
We are gathered at your altar, new hope rises in our hearts.
(beginning hymn)
On October 1, 2023, the inhabitants of the city of Dunakeszi were welcomed by sunshine and a whirlwind of fairs at the IV. King Béla at the St. Michael’s Day farewell held on the main square. The festive occasion, just like in the past, at the time of the church farewell, began with a holy mass in the St. Michael’s Church. Reviving the old custom, the mass was presented by a guest priest from a neighboring settlement, the parish priest of Szent István Parish in Alsógöd, Miklusiak Krzysztof.
A hand-powered basket carousel, crate train and skill games awaited the children at the popular playground on Főtér. Those who were exhausted from the game could relax with an interactive story game. There was a craft yard with clay making, experience painting, and those interested could even string beads. Those who were hungry could soothe the rumbling of their stomachs with mouth-watering bites.
As a teacher, it was a special pleasure to see how my high school students taught the little ones how to make must. We adults can also learn a lot from them, they explained the use of the press with such love and patience to the young children with bright eyes. The brothers who came together were encouraged to share work, cooperate and be patient, who then proudly consumed the fruit of their well-deserved work, the freshly pressed must.
As a resident of Dunakeszi, I remember with sweet nostalgia the goodbyes of the old days, which were part of my childhood. For the ringlispíl, target shooting, gingerbread and candy sellers, clicking butterflies, mirrored hearts. But what I saw in the eyes of the children sitting on the box train or on the basket carousel filled me with joy. Joy, liberation, happiness. What is this, if not a sign that this farewell will be a sweet memory for them in their adult years, which they will lovingly tell their children and grandchildren about, just like you, dear reader.
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Photo: Krisztián Tóta
