Half of Budapest’s downtown will be closed for another week, fireworks will be held on Saturday

As OMSZ suggested, the fireworks on 20 August were cancelled. However, it will be held a week later, this Saturday, 27 August at 9 p.m. Therefore, the traffic restrictions will remain in effect for another week and a half in Budapest. 

OMSZ suggested postponing the fireworks

On 20 August, the main spectacle of Hungary’s national holiday had to be postponed. Due to the bad weather, OMSZ suggested to the government that the fireworks should be cancelled. At noon, the operative board discussed the matter at their sitting and decided to call off the main event. However, the weather forecast did not come true and the government fired the meteorological service leaders. The original forecast of the OMSZ was a 75-80 percent probability for a rainstorm by 9 pm on 20 August. But they said there was a 20-25 percent chance for no rain. Based on the data, the operative board postponed the fireworks for this Saturday in Budapest. However, there was no rain. The chairwoman, Dr Kornélia Radics, and the professional vice-chair, Gyula Horváth, of the Hungarian Meteorological Service (OMSZ) had to resign with immediate effect.

Read alsoWhy is 20 August Hungary’s national holiday? Here is what we celebrate

Fireworks will be held on 27 August

As the net cost of the fireworks is HUF 1.3 billion (EUR 3,175,937.46), the government did not want to cancel the spectacular show altogether. Now the fireworks will be held on 27 August at 9 p.m.- writes hvg.hu. According to Telex, there was no procession either. Instead, they held a musical prayer hour. Moreover, the mass scheduled for 5 p.m. in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica was held in the church, but they broadcasted it on projectors.

If someone cannot attend the event, they can still enjoy the “Game of Fire and Light”. Duna will broadcast the fireworks live from the location. – reports hirado.hu.

Traffic restrictions will remain in effect for another week

As everything was already prepared for the big show, the launch sites and fireworks will remain at the launch points for another week. This also affects Budapest’s traffic to some extent. – said Gabriella Vass, group coordinator of BKK Info. According to Pénzcentrum, the Buda Lower Quay will be open, but the other restrictions will remain in effect. Therefore, motorists should expect restrictions in the area of the Buda Castle District including Dísz Square, Szentáromság Square and Kapistzrán Square. In addition, the bus lane and sidewalks on the Erzsébet Bridge on the side leading to Buda, as well as the Szabadság Bridge have been closed to pedestrian traffic.

Read alsoPHOTO report on the 20 August celebrations

Source: hvg.hu, Telex, Pénzcentrum, hirado.hu