The pandemic also prevented the Székely National Council (SZNT) from organizing the usual bonfires throughout Székelyföld this year. And so this year too, they mostly expressed their demand for autonomy in the settlements with candlesticks. In Udvarhelyszék, several settlements indicated that they would join the campaign again this year, if possible, but mainly small watch fires were lit in private and church areas at 5:30 p.m.
On Székelykeresztúr, watch fires were lit on the Jesus-Crying Hill, Alsóboldogfalva, Nagygalambfalva, Székelyderzs and Parajdo, but only a small number of those demanding the freedoms of the Szeklers were present. At these locations, the manifesto of the SZNT was read, in which, in accordance with the organization's statute, they requested self-administration and the advocacy of interests represented by an elected body.
In Székelyudvarhely, candles were lit on Márton Áron Square at dusk.
At the same time, candles were lit in many windows, and on that day in every church throughout the region, the Day of the Autonomy of Székelyföld was discussed.
Members of the Lófő Horse Club also lit a guard fire above Farkaslaka, at the Mária statue in Gordon-tető, at the same time as the other locations. Due to the epidemiological situation, the team based in Farkaslak did not gather in full; by mutual agreement, only 37 riders visited the shrine in order to fulfill the tradition of lighting a guard fire on behalf of the team.
Source: Szekelyhon.ro
Picture: László Beliczay
