In the period of 6-8 March, a delegation from Bács-Kiskun County, Hungary led by its newly elected president, Norbert Vedelek, is visiting Harghita County.
On the occasion of the visit, the Harghita County Council, in cooperation with the Local Government of Bács-Kiskun County and with the support of the Bethlen Gábor Fund, is organizing a LEGO experience-building program for students in Harghita County. The program is part of an initiative launched to mark the 200th anniversary of the death of Sándor Petőfi. On 6 March, students from the Sövér Elek Vocational High School in Joseni will participate in the program, while on 7 March the program will continue with students from the Nagy Imre Primary School in Miercurea Ciuc .
During the activity, participating students will recreate an illustration of the poem “My Mother’s Hen” using LEGO bricks, while also developing their creativity and team spirit. As in previous events, they will also have the opportunity to try virtual reality (VR) glasses. The program was launched in 2022 on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sándor Petőfi, and it continues this year as well to commemorate his poetry and literary legacy.
On 6 March, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, met with Norbert Vedelek, President of the Bács-Kiskun County Assembly, in the president’s office at the County Council.
“We are further strengthening our twinning partnership with Bács-Kiskun County. I consider it particularly important that our cooperation be built on foundations that both preserve our traditions and create new opportunities for future generations. Through the Petőfi 200 program, we provided exactly such an opportunity for students in Harghita County, as the poems of Sándor Petőfi brought to life in the virtual world bring the universe of one of the greatest poets of the Hungarian literature closer to young people. We will continue to develop our cooperation based on values that are equally important for both counties.”
said Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council.
The cooperation between Harghita County and Bács-Kiskun County has a long history: over the past more than 30 years, both sides have been enriched with numerous shared experiences and exchanges. During this period, many professional meetings and experience-sharing initiatives have taken place.
In 2007, following the devastating floods, a medical team from Bács-Kiskun County visited Harghita County to conduct medical examinations among the local population. This initiative created a lasting tradition, and since then nearly 20,000 people have taken part in screening programs organized by the hospital in Kecskemét.
Over the years, 28 twinning cooperation have been established between the settlements of the two counties, leading to many forms of cooperation and friendship.
Last September, the partners celebrated the 30th anniversary of their twinning cooperation. On this occasion, Bács-Kiskun County gifted Harghita County Council with a LEGO construction consisting of 13,000 pieces depicting a scene from John the Valiant of Sándor Petőfi. Since then, several local schools have taken the opportunity to assemble the LEGO creation.
In 2024, on the occasion of the national holiday commemorating the 1848 revolution, another delegation visited Harghita County. At that time, nearly 200 children had the opportunity to try VR glasses and assemble a portrait of Sándor Petőfi made of nearly 14,000 LEGO pieces.
The twinning partnership remains active, with the parties continuing to strengthen their relationship through professional exchanges and consultations.
Miercurea Ciuc, 6 March 2025
