Matyóland 1959-2009

Ethnographic and literary yearbook

Articles on Mezőkövesd

As Gyula Kiss have it, the very first issue was greatly welcome by the county press. The ‘Észak- Magyarország’ ( newspaper of North-Hungary) published many articles by Miklós Benedek. In his reviews in the issue of 1960/3 ‘Borsod Review’ and ‘Napjaink’ he says :”After due expectation, Matyó Museum finally published the ‘ Matyóland’, the issue of Mezőkövesd-based writers and authors, that pictures the past and present of the culture of Mezőkövesd on more than hundred pages(…) … the editors’ great job is very much appreciated and deserve to enjoy a wide range of publicity.”

At first the almanac was appreciated by papers published in the capital. László Gyurkó published a long article on it in ‘ Life and Literature’ in 1960.

Then a few years later Gyula Csák’s enthusiastic comments appeared in ‘ Life and Literature’ finally brought the well-deserved fame. Beside others he writes : ” A brave and spirited project was born in Borsod County : Hungary’s first county periodical was born with the title ‘ Matyóland’… The very clever editing makes it possible to publish all those news and issues that are not read in the national papers but are just as important when it comes to culture and land.”

“Huge thanks for the latest issue of the periodical ‘ Matyóland’ that I find very intriguing and I believe you should carry on the good work. Wishing you all the best and good luck with your work. ” writes poet Mihály Váci in his letter to Győző Moldvay dated 8th September, 1964.

Dear Reader,

Some fifty years ago, in 1959 Gyula Kiss and József Dala launched a very important ethnographic and literary periodical titled ‘ Matyóland’ that was higly welcome not only be the national ‘ Life and Literature’ magazine but also by the tradition conscious readers as well.

The readers have always loved the annual, that since the very start has been informing them about Mezőkövesd and its environs, the ethnical group of the matyós, their cultural values, traditions, economical and social life.

The people of Mezőkövesd have always treasured the world famous traditional matyó culture of their forefathers, and they do their best preserving their roots, tradition and self-consciousness. This 50-year-old annual is to herald their effort which has been succesfully maintained by the enthusiastic work of the founders and all the editors followed.

This volume contains a selection of the most significant articles from the issues of the ‘Matyóland Periodical’ published in the past 50 years plus a bibliography covering this period of time. The essays, the literary and art works give a broad idea of the history of our town and neighbouring villages.

I am certain this outstanding publication approves to be a beneficial effort, and I do hope that there will always be some generous experts to continue the precious work of Gyula Kiss and József Dala.

I highly recommend this jubilee almanac, picturing the past 50 years of ‘Matyóland Periodical’, to all locals and Mezőkövesd lovers.

András Tállai, Mayor of Mezőkövesd and MP.

The book is available in Hungarian!