PHOTOS, VIDEO: Hungary marks founding of state with spectacular fireworks
Hungary once again celebrated the founding of its state with a spectacular fireworks display in Budapest, commemorating the nation’s integration into Christian Europe—a period during which the Hungarian people managed to preserve their core values, language and traditions. This year’s 20 August celebrations, however, carried a marked dose of contemporary political symbolism.
Europe’s largest fireworks and drone show
According to the government, this year’s 20 August festivities featured the largest fireworks display in Europe, set against the Danube riverfront in Budapest. The spectacle combined a vast arsenal of rockets with a breathtaking drone show, amounting to 45,000 pyrotechnic effects. Launch sites stretched from Margit Bridge to Szabadság Bridge, with fireworks fired from pontoons, barges and the bridges themselves.
The show continued the historical narrative from last year, which concluded with the coronation of King Saint Stephen. According to Origo, the storyline was written by Zsolna Ugron, with music composed by Norbert Elek. The artistic concept was devised by Árpád Iványi and Barnabás Réti, while the visual design of the fireworks was created by the award-winning Anikó Seres.
Direct political reference
The narrative spanned more than 80 turbulent years between Stephen’s coronation and his canonisation in 1083. During this time, Hungary’s fledgling kingdom established its diocesan and county systems, repeatedly faced invasions by German forces, endured several pagan uprisings, weathered succession crises and resisted eastern incursions.
One aspect of the production attracted particular attention in the press. The creators chose to emphasise how, after the death of Stephen’s son and designated heir, Prince Emeric, the Venetian-born Péter Orseolo ultimately offered the kingdom to the Holy Roman Emperor. Given that his name—Péter—is shared by Péter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza Party, the inclusion of this “betraying Péter” was widely interpreted as a pointed political message. Pro-government media have long accused Magyar of attempting to sell out Hungary to Brussels.
Watch the full fireworks show here:
Read also:
- PHOTOS, VIDEO: Spectacular Budapest air show wows visitors
- Festivities kick off in Budapest with spectacular shows, affordable beer, wine, pálinka
Click for more articles concerning our national days.
To read or share this article in Hungarian, click here: Helló Magyar