Balassi Bálint memorial swords were handed
European Award for Literature presented in Budapest since 1997
This award commemorates the Hungarian poet giant of 16th century Europe, Bálint Balassi. The memorial sword is presented annually to outstanding Hungarian poets and those European poets who translate pieces of Hungarian literature including Balassi’s own. The sword itself is a replica of those sabres that the 16th century Hungarian cavalry wore during the sieges of fortresses. They are the work of a contemporary swordsmith in Bonyhád. This award is presented each year on Bálint’s (Valentine) Day, 14 of February, in the City of Buda.
Foto: Balázs Mohai
Lajos Bence, a Hungarian poet living in Lendava, Slovenia, and Romanian translator Elena Lavinia Dumitru, received the Bálint Balassi Memorial Sword this year.
Foto: Balázs Mohai
