‘The main theme of the competition was to create a fitting representation of the Hungarian national anthem, one of the deepest sources of Hungarian national unity, in the place where its lyrics were written.’

The Zsolnay Light Festival will be held in Pécs between 3 and 6 July this year. Attracting more than 100,000 visitors every year, it has earned its place among Europe’s most prestigious light festivals as the largest light-themed event in Hungary.

‘The idea first became a plan, then a highly acclaimed, successful advertising campaign…for which they needed to find a cow…The photographer accepted the assignment and travelled all over the Alps until he found the ideal model in the Simmental Valley. The animal was painted purple under strict veterinary supervision and then photographed. It has been Milka’s advertising cow ever since.’

‘The communist leadership made several attempts to reclaim [the coronation jewels], but the US side was not open to this until 1977. In December of that year, a Hungarian delegation was allowed to travel to the United States to identify the treasures, and in January 1978, the Holy Crown and other insignia finally returned home.’