Siculeni Massacre Memorial

The event became known in Székely history as Siculicidium – which means "massacre of the Székelys" in Latin. The exact number of victims remains disputed to this day, but even the most conservative estimates suggest that at least 200 people lost their lives, and around 2,000 fled to Moldavia afterwards, becoming the founders of the later Csángó communities.

The memorial was erected in 1905 near the site of the original massacre. The stone obelisk was designed by Lajos Pákei, a renowned architect from Cluj-Napoca, and it features Székely folk motifs as well as inscriptions in the Székely script. The following inscription can be read on its base:
"In memory of the Székely martyrs 1764–1905", and below it in Latin: "Siculicidium".

The Madéfalva Memorial has since become a symbol of Székely resistance, self-determination, and national unity. Every year on 7 January, the official commemoration is held here, where hundreds of pilgrims from Székely Land and Hungary pay their respects to the victims. The commemoration is not only about honouring the past but also about a commitment to the future – a declaration that the Székely people remain steadfast in preserving their identity, language, and freedom.

The historic site is easily accessible from the centre of the village and has become an important tourist attraction, connecting historical remembrance with cultural and community renewal. The surroundings of the memorial are well-maintained, with benches, information boards, and a small park providing a fitting place for quiet reflection.

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