Statue of Aunt Kati, Székesfehérvár, Bronze statue in Székesfehérvár, Hungary.
The bronze statue of Aunt Kati stands on Liszt Ferenc pedestrian street in Székesfehérvár. It depicts an elderly woman pushing a small cart loaded with milk, sour cream, and quarters of roast goose and duck, the local speciality called fertály. Created by sculptor Balázs Kocsis, it was inspired by Molnár Imréné Boda Katalin, who sold these goods from Felsőváros until age 93.
The statue was unveiled on 25 November 2001, after authorities had repeatedly refused permission for it to stand on Liszt Ferenc Street. On 12 January 2001 the Városszépítő és -védő Egyesület placed it there anyway, defying fines, and set up an urn to collect residents' opinions, which unanimously favoured keeping it. The 3.3 million forint cost was raised by local entrepreneurs, councillors and private donors.
The name "fertályos asszony" refers to the fertályok, quarters of roast duck or goose cooked crisp in their own fat, a local speciality that Kati néni sold from her cart. Every 25 November, Katalin Day is celebrated at the statue. A local belief holds that touching the statue's nose brings luck, and the nose is now polished bright by locals and visitors alike.
The statue sits on Liszt Ferenc Street and is easy to reach on foot. The location lies a short walk from the city center and can be visited without any special access requirements.
A local belief holds that touching the statue's nose brings good luck, a custom now followed by visitors as well as residents; the nose has worn completely shiny as a result.
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