200 years of Anna Ball – the Anna Ball in Balatonfüred is unimaginable without Herend hearts

The Anna Ball in Balatonfüred is one of the most prestigious balls of Hungary, where the country’s most distinguished artists and politicians meet every summer. The Anna Ball continues to live on as a tradition spanning generations and will be held for the 200th time this year. In connection with the bicentennial event, a collaboration was established between the Hungarian National Archives, the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany, the Herend Porcelain Manufactory and the city of Balatonfüred, thanks to which the Hungarian National Archives will recall the two-century history of the ball with an exclusive publication.

Herend Porcelain Manufactory will once again play a prominent role in the Anna Ball events this year. The participating ball beauties will be wearing the Manufactory’s unique porcelain hearts symbolizing traditional Hungarian craftsmanship. The belle of the ball and the two runners-up will receive special ornamental vases designed exclusively for the winners and decorated with the three most famous Herend patterns – Victoria, Rothschild and Apponyi. Attila Simon, CEO of Herend Porcelain Manufactory, said that “the Anna Ball in Balatonfüred is unimaginable without Herend hearts, and it’s always a special occasion when the hearts are placed around the necks of the young ball participants and each of them secretly hopes that they will emerge as the winner.” One of the key venues of the traveling exhibition organized for the bicentenary of the Anna Ball will be the Herend Porcelain Museum.

The deputy mayor of Balatonfüred emphasized at the press conference that this year is particularly significant for the city, as in addition to the Anna Ball, the country is also celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of writer Mór Jókai. Balázs Czetz, deputy director general of Hungarian National Archives, highlighted that in order to authentically present the history of the ball, a comprehensive, understandable historical overview and a series of exhibitions are being prepared. Jeromos Mihályi, superior of Benedictine Abbey of Tihany, also participated in the event, and announced that the abbey is preparing a special exhibition presenting the atmosphere of the Hungarian Reform Era, the Benedictine stories of that time, and various material relics. At the event, Csaba Katona, historian of Hungarian National Archives, and Réka Pulger, former belle of the ball, read literary excerpts and reminiscences that recalled the story of the ball.

The Anna Ball is therefore not only one of the most prominent events in social life, but also an outstanding example of the cultivation of Hungarian culture.