“…because it will be Anna Ball…”

The book recalls the ball’s rich past, cultural significance and iconic traditions.

Dr. István Bóka, Mayor of Balatonfüred, highlighted that in the 19th century, Balatonfüred was the “summer capital” of Hungary, where the elite of the Reformation era met, and the city attracted social figures as a centre of culture.

Representing the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany, prior Norbert Jeromos Mihályi emphasized the importance of hospitality and friendship in the spirit of Benedictine traditions. He said that these values still connect the past and the present, just like the Anna Ball, which preserves tradition and renewal at the same time.

Representing the Hungarian National Archives, historian Csaba Katona pointed out that traditions and old stories are as much a part of national culture as historical facts. The Anna Ball has always been more than a simple social event.

Dr. Attila Simon, CEO of Herend Porcelain Manufactory, described the ball as a celebration of friendships, encounters and partnerships. He highlighted the excitement of the preparations, the prizes that are renewed year after year, and the Herend porcelain hearts worn around the necks of the first ball participants, which have been a valuable treasure for families for generations. The book has been written by art historian Réka Purgel, a former Belle of the Anna Ball, and historian Csaba Katona. Eszter Horváth and Anna Kemecsey, Belles of the Anna Ball of the past years, also attended the presentation.