The 500 almond trees - inspired by Pannonius's poem From an Almond Tree Beyond the Danube - will be planted by many ordinary Hungarian volunteers as well as public figures, scholars, actors and business leaders.
Several exhibitions celebrating Pannonius are also planned. Pécs's Natural History Museum will host an exhibition that takes off on the almond tree theme. The city's Modern Hungarian Picture Gallery will show drawings depicting events in Pannonius's life by the artist Martyn Ferenc. The Archaeology Museum and the Folk Art Museum will also participate with special exhibitions.
The Archaeology Museum will present the remains of Pannonius to the church on October 16, said Orsolya Fazekas, spokeswoman for the Pécs Diocese. The remains will be placed into a wooden coffin decorated with copper plates. On the 20th, the coffin will be placed in the Pécs Basilica and a 24-long vigil will begin, during which time visitors may pay their respects.
On the following day, almond trees will be planted along the northern wall of the city with the participation of House Speaker Katalin Szili. Minister of Education and Culture István Hiller will speak at a conference commemorating Pannonius.
The celebration of mass and the re-interment will take place at 3pm. Pannonius's remains will be laid to rest next to Bishop Nándor Dulánszky beneath a tombstone created by the sculptor Sándor Rétfalvi.
The remains of Pannonius were discovered during a renovation of the basilica in 1991. Though it was thought they were likely to be Pannonius's when they were found, it was not until the spring of this year that a firm identification was completed.
Source: Múlt-kor
