The bridge is twenty-five years old: Festive celebration in Esztergom and Párkány
A special anniversary is being celebrated on both banks of the Danube: this year marks twenty-five years since the Mária Valéria Bridge once again connected Esztergom in Hungary and Párkány (Štúrovo) in Slovakia. The two cities are commemorating the historically significant event, which has also greatly shaped the economic and cultural development of the region, with a joint festival.
The history of the bridge dates back more than a hundred years, but it was destroyed during the Second World War and lay in ruins for decades. Reconstruction was completed in 2001, and since then, transport and trade between the two settlements have become seamless once again. The current series of celebrations aims to emphasize the importance of cross-border cooperation and the friendship between the two nations.
The festival's program includes numerous cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions awaiting visitors on both sides. The organizers highlighted that the event not only looks back at the past but also focuses on future joint projects. Today, the bridge is more than just a transport route; it is a symbol of the region that connects people.
On the occasion of the jubilee anniversary, the city leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further development in a joint statement. The programs will reach their peak this weekend, when local communities and tourists can celebrate the close connection between the two banks of the Danube together.