Timişoara commemorates 22 years since Revolution

In Timişoara people have began commemorating the 22 years that have passed since the Revolution in December 1989.

“Down with Ceauşescu was the first shout on 16 December. Freedom! Fellow people, take our side! Not even half an hour passed when the militiaman troops already came”, it is the testimony of one of the inhabitants of Timişoara who were present in Piaţa Maria on 16 December, the place where the Revolution started.

Here, the parishioners came to defend the reformed reverend Laszlo Tökes, who was threatened to be evicted by the Securitate; they were helped by hundreds citizens of the city who blocked the trams and together chanted slogans against Ceauşescu, they paraded and walked towards the cathedral, removing all Communist symbols they had met in their way.

Then the first arrests were made, and a part of the protesters were beaten and taken under arrest by the militiamen.

On Friday, in Timişoara, wreaths were placed at the Monument of the Crucifixion in order to commemorate the events that took place 22 years ago. There was a festive meeting at the Town Hall, dedicated to the anniversary of the Revolution beginning, exhibitions, film screenings and documentary book launches.

There also took place a march on the road that the revolutionaries marched 22 years ago and a performance of Romanian carols and prayers.
Saturday is a day for mourning in Timişoara.

Translated by: Cătălina Virvescu
MA Student, MTTLC, Bucharest University