The Mary's Route as a Possible European Cultural Route

Abstract

The European Network Association of Mary's Route (Eunam) is a Christian-based cultural and tourist association on a European scale, with the important aim of preserving and strengthening European Christian traditions. The history of the Mary’s Route dates back nearly two decades, when a pilgrimage to Csíksomlyó gave rise to the idea of a route linking the Marian shrines across the Carpathian Basin. The ideas were followed by actions, after pilgrimage events, meetings and planning, the route, which is more than 2000 kilometres long, was mapped out. Today, the Mary’s Route is still supported by nearly 400 volunteers, and thanks to their sacrifice, the route and signs of the Mary’s Route are still visible today. However, the Mary’s Route is much more than a marked route through a beautiful natural environment. The Mary’s Route carries the faith, history, ethnographic traditions and gastronomy of the Carpathian Basin. It also connects the 15 million Hungarians living in the Carpathian Basin and the nations living with them. The Mary’s Route is both an instrument of peace and of unity...