The Szőny Equestrian Sports Association reached an important milestone when it successfully secured funding from the European Union. This support made possible the “Komárom Hussars” project, which led to the founding of the Hussar Club — an initiative designed to strengthen community life and preserve local traditions.
The project’s main goal was to revive and reinterpret the legacy of the Komárom hussars. The newly formed Hussar Club serves as a vibrant cultural and community space, honoring the past while engaging the present. Its members, dressed in authentic hussar uniforms acquired through the project, appeared at city and regional events, helping to promote Komárom’s cultural heritage.
The events were further enriched by three types of horse-drawn carriages: a 22-seat omnibus, a 6-person touring carriage, and a pony cart for younger riders — all adding to the spectacle. The creation of the Hussar Club brought renewed attention to the values of the hussars, deeply rooted in the city’s history. Performances at the Monostor Fortress and parades during Komárom Days showed that bringing history to life can still inspire and engage today’s audiences.
The Hussar Club also played an active role in local festivals, village fairs, and commemorations, not only raising the profile of these events, but also fostering a sense of unity and pride within the community.
Traditional craft workshops were another key element of the project. These sessions introduced participants to age-old trades closely tied to Komárom’s heritage. But the goal wasn’t just to look back — it was also to explore how these crafts have evolved over time. Older generations were invited to share stories and memories passed down through their families, giving young people a tangible connection to the past. The program emphasized the promotion of local identity, the value of traditional skills, and stronger ties between the civil and economic sectors. Long-term aims included reducing social inequalities, supporting sustainable communities, and encouraging civic pride.
Special attention was given to students. During interactive history lessons, they experienced historical combat techniques from the time of the Hungarian conquest and learned about the hussars of the 19th-century War of Independence. These sessions not only enriched their knowledge but also deepened their connection to local history and identity.
The Hussar Club brought fresh energy to Komárom’s cultural and community life, while the hussar-themed programs also became a draw for tourists. Thanks to a partnership with the Komárom City Marketing and Tourism Nonprofit Ltd., the Szőny Equestrian Sports Association launched horse-drawn sightseeing tours, adding a new dimension to thematic city walks. These unique attractions helped boost tourism and generated new income for the city.
The project also prioritized social responsibility, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Events were accessible to everyone, with barrier-free participation and support through various communication technologies.
The “Komárom Hussars” project marked a significant step toward strengthening Komárom’s identity and enriching its community life. Through the work of the Szőny Equestrian Sports Association, the hussar legacy is no longer just a historical memory — it has become a living, dynamic force shaping the present and future of the city.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project TOP-7.1.1-16-H-ESZA-2020-01916 under the Territorial and Settlement Development Operational Programme.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder:Details
