St. Patrick’s Day took over Budapest’s Szabadság Square with music, dance and parade – video, photos

Budapest turned green on Sunday, March 22, 2026, as Szabadság tér hosted this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Budapest celebrations, featuring a full day of live music, Irish dance, family programmes and an evening parade through the city centre. The Irish Embassy in Budapest is headed by Ambassador Ragnar Almqvist.

Budapest’s Szabadság Square became the focal point of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities on Sunday, with visitors enjoying a packed programme from late morning until early evening. According to the official event page, the festival ran from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the square serving as both the starting and finishing point of the parade.

The stage programme included a wide mix of performances throughout the day, including Nightingale, Barbara Dance Academy, Central European Irish Dance Academy, The 12 Pins Session Band, Iredance and Folk Roses. Special attractions also featured a GAA football demonstration and a Red Setters dog display, while families could enjoy facepainting, balloon activities, children’s improvisation workshops, table football and other entertainment.

Organisers had announced an important schedule change ahead of the event: due to the number of programmes taking place across Budapest on the same day, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade was moved to 17:00. Before the parade, the crowd was warmed up by a brass band and majorettes from 16:30.

The event once again highlighted the growing popularity of Irish cultural celebrations in the Hungarian capital, bringing together music, dance and community spirit in one of downtown Budapest’s best-known public squares.

The event was organised by the Irish-Hungarian Business Circle, which has played a central role in promoting Irish-Hungarian business, cultural and community ties in Hungary. Among the notable guests was Ambassador Ragnar Almqvist, who currently serves as Ireland’s Ambassador to Hungary. His presence added diplomatic significance to a celebration that was not only festive, but also symbolic of the close and friendly relationship between Ireland and Hungary.

Check out the video below:

If you missed:

• PHOTOS, VIDEO: St Patrick’s Day celebrated in Budapest
• Budapest in green: St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Hungary – Photos, videos