New York Café Budapest: A Cultural Gem Takes on an Ambassadorial Role
Budapest, 28 September 2024 – On a crisp autumn afternoon, the New York Café in Budapest opened its doors to a celebration that honored not just its storied past but also its promising future as a cultural ambassador for Europe. The historic café, known for its opulent décor and rich literary heritage, has officially been included in the Historic Cafés Route of the Council of Europe, a recognition that underscores its significance in the tapestry of European cultural history.
In a heartfelt welcome speech, Mrs. Marta Toth was appointed as the Ambassador of the Historic Cafés Route, proudly representing the New York Café. She will carry the vital mission of promoting the café's cultural legacy while championing the core values of the Council of Europe: Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law.
The event brought together an impressive lineup of speakers, including Stefano Dominioni, General Secretary of the Cultural Routes Program, and Szilvia Fabian, President of the Iron Age Danube Route, who spoke passionately about the importance of preserving and celebrating Europe's diverse heritage. Guests included local dignitaries and esteemed tourism representatives, with special honors going to Zita Horvath from the Hungarian Tourism Agency and Carmen Radu from the Ministry of Culture in Romania. Together, they shared in the excitement of this significant milestone.
Mr. Csaba Szabo, the General Manager of New York Café, took the stage to express his gratitude for the café's recognition, reminiscing about its golden days as the “most beautiful coffee house” in Budapest. He shared the café’s remarkable journey through the years, from its early 20th-century glory days, where it served as a hub for writers and intellectuals, to its challenging post-war period and eventual restoration in 2006. Mrs. Karin Hann from the Municipality of Kolozsvár / Cluj-Napoca presented the current promotional video of the city to the guests and underlined the importance of the city in connection with The Historic Cafés Route.
The highlight of the evening was a captivating performance by young singer Raisa Muresan, who took the stage with “Voilá,” a song by Emma Kok. Her heartfelt rendition, filled with emotion and inspiration, resonated deeply with the audience, reminding everyone of the power of dreams and resilience.
As the evening drew to a close, Arnold Günter Klingeis, President of the Historic Cafés Route, delivered a powerful closing speech, emphasizing the café’s role in fostering cultural tourism in Hungary. “This celebration is about more than just a café; it’s about our shared commitment to preserving our European heritage,” he said, his words echoing the sentiments of all present.
In a moment that symbolized this commitment, the Council of Europe distinction was unveiled, honoring the New York Café as a pivotal cultural landmark. As guests applauded, it was clear that this historic venue is not just a place to enjoy coffee and pastries but a beacon of cultural richness, a living testament to the values that unite Europe.
As Mrs. Toth embarks on her new role, there is a palpable sense of optimism for the future. The Historic Cafés Route, with its rich history and vibrant community, is poised to shine even brighter, and the New York Café will undoubtedly play a key role in this exciting journey ahead.
