Hungary marks 15 March with national ceremony as rival political marches set to dominate Budapest

Hungary commemorated the anniversary of the 1848 Revolution on 15 March, Sunday morning, with a traditional flag-raising ceremony in front of Parliament, while large political demonstrations organised by the government and the opposition were expected to draw tens of thousands across Budapest.

National flag raised at Parliament for 15 March

The national flag was raised with full military honours on Sunday morning in front of the Hungarian Parliament building at Kossuth Square as Hungary marked its 15 March national holiday.

The ceremony took place in the presence of President Tamás Sulyok, while the anthem was played and members of the Hungarian Defence Forces’ ceremonial unit hoisted the flag. The event also featured the central band of the Hungarian Defence Forces and the ceremonial unit of the 32nd Guard Regiment.

15 March commemorates the outbreak of the 1848–49 revolution and war of independence, which laid the foundations for modern parliamentary Hungary. The date became a public holiday for the first time in 1989, and it has been an official national holiday since 1990.

Political demonstrations expected to draw large crowds

Alongside the official commemorations, the national holiday has once again become a focal point for political mobilisation.

Supporters of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are gathering for the so-called “Peace March” (Békemenet), which traditionally supports the government. Participants assemble near the Császár-Komjádi swimming complex before marching along the Danube embankment, crossing Margaret Bridge and heading to Kossuth Square, where Orbán is expected to deliver a speech.

Later in the afternoon, the opposition movement led by Péter Magyar will hold its own demonstration. Participants are scheduled to gather at Deák Square and march to Heroes’ Square, where the leader of the Tisza Party will address supporters.

Estimates suggest tens of thousands could attend

Analysts say the turnout at the opposition march could be substantial. According to estimates by the political analysis group Vox Populi, participation could range between 70,000 and 90,000 under a cautious scenario, while the most likely estimate suggests between 100,000 and 140,000 attendees. Under particularly strong mobilisation, the crowd could reach 175,000 to 200,000 people.

The final size of the gatherings may be assessed using mobile network data analysed by the Hungarian Tourism Agency, HVG reports.

Hungary is approaching elections in roughly a month; Sunday’s demonstrations are seen as the final major show of political strength by the country’s two largest political camps.

If you missed it:

• 15 March in Budapest: events, speeches and transport changes for visitors