The "coat of a hundred pleats" is placed on the shoulders of physician Kornél Losonczi, who was made a Quartermaster for the city of Eger at a ceremony on Saturday. Photo: Ákos Tréba (MTI)
Quartermasters were appointed in the 18th century to oversee each of the city's districts. They communicated decisions made by city official to residents and had the right to levy taxes. Later, the role was made largely ceremonial.
Quartermasters were appointed in Eger each year until 1949, when the practice was abolished. The tradition was not revived again until 1996.
On Saturday, the initiation ceremonies started with a mass in the Eger basilica attended by last year's quartermasters and this year's appointments. Eger mayor László Habis then accepted the oaths of the incoming appointments.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
