From August 20 to 22, the Large Family Association of Mátyusföld (MÁNCSE) organised a three-day family camp, attended by large Hungarian families from Slovakia, Hungary, and Ukraine.
The aim of the camp was to introduce and visit historical and cultural sights of the region. Some of the camper families arrived on 19th August so that the programmes could start in full swing the next morning. The participants were welcomed by Csaba Pásztor, head of the Large Family Association of Mátyusföld, and his wife Adrianna.
On the first day of the camp, the campers visited Bratislava, the former Hungarian coronation city.
The day was spent admiring the city’s main sights, taking part in an official guided tour of Bratislava’s historic city centre, visiting the Primate’s Palace, and ending the day with Holy Mass at St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava.
On the second day the participants visited Kolárovo, which lies at the confluence of the Váh and Little Danube rivers. They visited the local watermill, which is an outstanding monument to the history of folk industry along the Danube. The watermill is located on the Little Danube and is the only functioning example in the region that demonstrates the work of the millers’ guild of the last century.
On the last day of the camp, participants spent the day at the headquarters of the Large Family Association of Mátyusföld in Tešedíkovo, as well as in Galanta and Diakovce. In Galanta, the adults visited Esterházy Castle, one of the estates of the famous aristocratic family. Although not all parts of the castle are currently open to visitors, its architectural value and historical significance are still remarkable.
The other program for the day was a visit to the church in Diakovce. The Church of Saint Stephen, built in the 11th century, is one of the oldest Christian churches still standing in the Carpathian Basin. Its greatest historical value is that one of the earliest examples of the Hungarian language, “The Funeral Sermon and Prayer” (orig. “Halotti beszéd és könyörgés”), was written here.
While the adults rested or took part in the programmes, playful, creative activities were organised for the children at the Association’s headquarters in Tešedíkovo, where, for instance they were able to paint a portrait of János Esterházy. Lunch that day was goulash soup cooked in a cauldron, which also provided an opportunity for families to talk to each other and form a community. After lunch, the camp ended with families from further afield saying goodbye.
The organisers are confident that the three-day family camp was not only about relaxation and shared experiences for those present but also about strengthening their identity, relationships, and faith in common values, especially in these difficult times.
Author: Large families from Ukraine
