Massive crowds and an unprecedented election atmosphere: How Fidesz and the Tisza Party commemorated 23 October in Budapest

In addition to its historical significance, this year’s October 23 national holiday in Budapest was marked by major political demonstrations and parallel rallies by the government and opposition forces. In the morning, Fidesz held its traditional Peace March, while in the afternoon, the Tisza Party’s National March filled the streets. Both parties commemorated the heroes of the 1956 revolution — each in their own way — while also promoting their political messages.

Peace March, Fidesz style: Peace, Brussels, and fighter jets

This year’s Peace March was again led by pro-government commentator Zsolt Bayer. The march started from Elvis Presley Square, and soon the Margit Bridge was packed with participants. Upon reaching Kossuth Square, the crowd witnessed an impressive military salute as three Gripen fighter jets flew twice over the square.

The commemorative programme opened with TV personality Philip Rákay, and behind the stage stood Fidesz’s key influencers. In his speech, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called for peace and criticised Brussels, stressing the importance of dialogue “even with deceived Hungarians,” according to Telex.

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Tisza Party’s National March: Revolution, election, change

At half past two in the afternoon, as Viktor Orbán’s speech was still ongoing, Péter Magyar led the Tisza Party’s National March. Despite the rain, crowds marched from Heroes’ Square to Deák Square, filling Andrássy Avenue.

During his hour-long speech, Magyar expressed confidence in his party’s electoral prospects:

“The Tisza Party will win this election — not just a little, but by a lot!”

His address emphasised shared national values, a humane Hungary, and a connection to the spirit of the 1956 revolution. Magyar also outlined specific promises: cutting taxes, raising pensions, restoring the independence of public media, reaffirming Hungary’s EU and NATO membership, introducing a wealth tax on billionaires, opening the communist-era agent files, enacting a national reconciliation law, and establishing a National Asset Recovery Office.

He also announced the launch of a new nationwide tour on 5 November, titled “Road to Victory!”

A Reddit user photographed the huge crowd participating in Péter Magyar’s National March from a Ryanair plane that was just arriving:

Fentről is szép látszik 😉 Hősök tere pár perccel ezelőtt
byu/poborai inhungary

The legacy of 1956: Unity or division?

Both events paid tribute to the heroes and ideals of the 1956 revolution. The Tisza Party’s key message was a call to action — that freedom begins where fear ends. Péter Magyar told the crowd:

“We are not spectators but the protagonists and shapers of change. (…) Today, we are not Fidesz supporters or Tisza supporters — we are Hungarians.”

At the Peace March, Fidesz-affiliated speakers reminded participants of the importance of peace. Despite political divides, both sides invoked common themes: national unity, freedom, and the right of the Hungarian people to make independent decisions.

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Other parties and commemoration

The Mi Hazánk Movement held its own ceremony in Corvin köz, where party leader László Toroczkai spoke out against oppression and globalisation. The event concluded with renditions of Szózat and the Szekler Anthem. Independent MP Ákos Hadházy paid tribute in Hatvanpuszta, while Democratic Coalition politician Klára Dobrev commemorated the 1956 heroes at the house of Imre Nagy.

Featured image: Facebook/Péter Magyar