The Ikarus-Bus as a Hungarian and Socialist Icon

On the Political Meanings of Every Day Objects

Abstract

The paper deals with the Hungarian made Ikarus-bus as an everyday political symbol that connected national identity with the socialist system. The bus, a successful product, was exported in large numbers to other socialist countries. The busses were often displayed in Hungarian socialist publicity and as everyday objects they mediated the political values of the regime more efficiently than direct political propaganda. As a widely accepted national symbol the Ikarus even survived the downfall of socialism and the later breakdown of the company. In today’s cultural memory Ikarus is still considered a notable Hungarian industrial achievement.