Mária Valéria Bridge Celebrates 130 Years with Grand Hungary-Slovakia Festival

Historic Danube Crossing Marks 130 Years

The Mária Valéria Bridge, a vital link across the River Danube between Esztergom, Hungary, and Štúrovo, Slovakia, is preparing for a grand three-day festival to commemorate its 130th anniversary. The celebrations are scheduled to take place from September 26 to 28, 2025, bringing together communities from both nations in a vibrant display of shared history and cultural exchange.

Originally opened on September 28, 1895, the bridge, approximately 500 meters in length, was designed by János Feketeházy and named after Archduchess Marie Valerie of Austria. Its history is marked by resilience, having been destroyed twice—first in 1919 and again in 1944 during World War II—before its most recent reconstruction and reopening on October 11, 2001. The rebuilding effort received significant support, including a 10 million Euro grant from the European Union.

Festival Highlights and Activities

The anniversary festivities, known as the 'Bridge Festival' (Hídünnep) or 'Bridge Celebration', promise a diverse program for visitors of all ages. Events will include:

• Free concerts
• Family and children's programs
• Exhibitions
• Local history walks
• Unique gastronomic offerings

Among the most anticipated events are a spectacular light projection show, the unique 'Breakfast on the Bridge' initiative, and a dedicated 'Bridge Run'.

Symbol of Unity: 'Breakfast on the Bridge'

A central theme of the festival is the celebration of unity and friendship between Hungary and Slovakia. The light projection show will illuminate the bridge in the national colors of both countries, symbolizing this cross-border connection. The 'Breakfast on the Bridge' event, inspired by Mattia Mura's film series, aims to foster cultural exchange by bringing together residents of Esztergom and Štúrovo at shared tables directly on the bridge. On Saturday, September 27, coinciding with the bridge's exact anniversary, 65 pairs of public figures and civil representatives are expected to participate in this symbolic breakfast.

A Bridge Without Borders

Since both Hungary and Slovakia became part of the Schengen Area in 2007, the Mária Valéria Bridge has operated without border controls, further solidifying its role as a seamless connector between the two nations. The annual 'Bridge Festival' has become a tradition for the citizens of Esztergom and Štúrovo, marking the bridge's inauguration day each year. The 130th-anniversary celebration in 2025 is set to be a particularly significant occasion, highlighting the enduring importance of this historic Danube crossing.