Hungarians and Slovaks Share Breakfast on Historic Bridge

The historic Maria Valeria Bridge, which connects Sturovo in Slovakia with Esztergom in Hungary, became an unusual venue for a shared breakfast on Saturday. Residents of both cities gathered there to strengthen their ties and forge new friendships.

The organizers set dozens of breakfast tables on the bridge. Participants from Slovakia and Hungary were grouped together according to their interests and language skills.

"I think the people of Esztergom and Parkany could mix a bit more", said organizer Norbert Nagy.

The bridge opened in 1895, but retreating German troops blew up its three central sections during World War II. It remained unrepaired for almost 60 years, during which people crossed the border by ferry. It reopened in 2001.

Hungary and Slovakia have had open borders since both joined the Schengen Area in 2007. Despite occasional political tensions over the Hungarian minority in Slovakia, participant Laszlo Valacsay says that locals get along peacefully. According to him, politicians often create the tension, not the people living in the border region.

(Reuters, est)