Balint Balassi Memorial Sword Award

The sword itself is a replica of those sabres that the 16th century Hungarian cavalry wore during the sieges of fortresses.

In addition, all past award winners automatically become board members, so the literary profession makes up the majority.

In the beginning only Hungarian poets received the Balassi sword, but since 2002, each year, a foreign literary translator has also been recognized.

On January 25, 2013, in the presence of some three hundred Hungarians, Bishop Laszlo Kiss-Rigo blessed the two swords during a Mass celebrated in Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna.

In addition to the sharp, dangerous weapon – which is made by József Fazekas armourer[5] – the winners receive a diploma, a limited-edition porcelain statue from the famous Herend manufacture[6] and a bottle of wine.