
15 days · 9 summary articles
Tens of thousands of people marched in Budapest on Saturday for the 31st Budapest Pride parade, marking a historic turning point after years of government-imposed bans under Viktor Orbán’s administration. The event proceeded without police interference under a 38°C heatwave, a stark contrast to last year’s prohibition, as organizers confirmed the march was held “freely, without threats or incitement” .
The parade drew participants from across Hungary and Europe, with organizers estimating 50,000 attendees . Many carried rainbow flags and European Union banners, celebrating the new government’s decision to grant the permit after 16 years of crackdowns on LGBTQ+ rights. Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony received confirmation of the march’s legality minutes before it started on Friday, a symbolic gesture underscoring the shift in policy .
Participants described the atmosphere as “liberated,” with many noting the absence of fear that had characterized previous attempts to hold Pride events. “Even if there were a hurricane, I’d still come out in drag,” one marcher told *444.hu* . The event began at the Opera House and concluded at Vérmező Park, where organizers and attendees emphasized the importance of visibility amid political uncertainty. “If the new government doesn’t change anything, we’ll take to the streets again,” one participant warned in a video report .
International observers also highlighted the significance of the march. German newspaper *taz* reported that many participants hoped for expanded rights under the new government, despite the oppressive heat . Czech news outlet *iROZHLAS* noted that last year’s Pride was banned, whereas this year’s event drew over 10,000 people, reflecting a broader European trend of renewed LGBTQ+ activism .
The Budapest Pride’s success follows a pattern of resurgent LGBTQ+ movements across Europe, from Lausanne’s Pride Romande to Barcelona’s historic first march in 1977 . Yet in Hungary, the event’s peaceful execution and massive turnout signal not just a celebration, but a defiant reclaiming of public space after years of state-sponsored homophobia. As one marcher put it, “This is what freedom looks like.”
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