BREAKING: Budapest sees its biggest Pride march ever – PHOTOS, VIDEO

The 30th annual Budapest Pride parade drew masses to the heart of the Hungarian capital on Saturday, marking three decades of activism and celebration for the LGBTQ+ community. The event, which began in the early afternoon at Városháza Park, unfolded peacefully despite the presence of some counter-protesters and heightened security measures.

A jubilant and defiant gathering

Participants gathered at Városháza Park under rainbow flags, vibrant banners, and the sound of music, creating a festive and inclusive atmosphere. Organisers emphasised the significance of the anniversary, highlighting both the progress achieved and the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Hungary. The march proceeded along a central route through downtown Budapest, with demonstrators calling for equality, acceptance, and legal protection for sexual minorities.

Political support and notable attendees

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony was among the prominent figures present, expressing solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirming the city’s commitment to diversity and human rights. Several opposition politicians and public figures also joined the parade, underscoring the event’s political and social resonance in the current climate.

“We made history here today,” Viktória Radványi said. According to the president of Budapest Pride, more than 200,000 people took part in the Budapest Pride march.

Counter-protests and security

A visible police presence ensured the safety of participants, with authorities cordoning off the parade route to prevent clashes. Counter-demonstrators, including far-right groups, gathered at designated locations along the route, voicing opposition to the event. Despite some attempts at provocation, no major incidents were reported, and police successfully maintained order throughout the afternoon.

Elizabeth Bridge instead of Liberty Bridge

A notable development at this year’s Budapest Pride was the last-minute change to the parade route. Originally, organisers planned for the march to cross the Szabadság (Liberty) Bridge, continuing a tradition of traversing one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. However, due to a smaller counter-protest organised by the far-right Mi Hazánk party, which blocked the Szabadság Bridge, the route was altered for safety reasons and to avoid direct confrontation.

As a result, the parade crossed the Elizabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd) instead, with marchers making their way across the Danube under a strong police presence. Despite the adjustment, the spirit of the event remained undiminished, and participants continued their celebration and demonstration for equality along the new path.

Budapest mayor Karácsony’s speech

Freedom only exists when everyone’s dignity, faith, conviction and orientation are respected, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony said at the University of Technology and Economics, at the end point of the Budapest Pride march. “Good evening, Pride, good evening, love!” Karácsony greeted participants of the march, saying the clear message of the parade was that “the hateful powers that be have no power over us”.