The first Hungarian officer training academy, the Ludovika König Defence Academy, was founded in 1808, but the actual training of officers could only begin in 1867, after the Compromise. The institution not only aimed at creating Hungarian military literature in the Austro-Hungarian Empire but also served as a military training institution for the training of junior officers and officers. Traditionally, until 1943, newly graduated students were commissioned as officers in a ceremony at the Ludovika’s main hall. Still, this tradition had to be broken in 1944 due to the hardships of the Second World War.

Like the Ludovika Academy, the University of Public Service is committed to tradition and remembrance. The names of all the “Ludovics” who have fallen in battle can be read in the Heroes’ Corridor, but the names of the university halls and units also pay tribute to their outstanding predecessors. The 100-day ceremony is one of the most important manifestations of preserving tradition, an important milestone in completing military training, the last step 100 days before the ceremonial military service. In keeping with this tradition, the University has organised the Ludovika Festival over the past 10 years in conjunction with the 100-day celebrations, with the aim of providing an insight into the life of the professions, raising awareness of their activities and bringing the world of the professions closer to the broader public through family events. In previous years, the Ludovika Festival was held after the 100 Days celebrations, with various activities for the neighbourhood and Budapest residents in Orczy Park.

For the third time this year, the event will feature concerts, Ludovika Free University lectures and family activities over three days on the Ludovika Campus, from 9-11 May.