Liberty Bridge is again the picnickers’ for four weekends

Mno.hu reports that – as it was in last year – Liberty Bridge will be open for picnickers between June 17 and 18, 24 and 25, August 5 and 6, and 12-13.

Since it is very rare in Hungary and in Budapest to have a successful civil initiation, when BKK announced last year that the bridge will be closed for transport between June 16 and August 28, due to the renovation of tram lines, the first thing that went through everyone’s mind is that traffic would become a nightmare. However, the people of Budapest – and later the tourists – seized the opportunity quickly and made use of the bridge with a series of programmes.

Of course, the idea came up that it should be made a regular thing, but the chief mayor (István Tarlós) of Budapest thought otherwise, or so it seemed up until Friday, when the vice-mayor, Alexandra Szalay-Bobrovniczky made an announcement stating that both in June and August there will be traffic-free periods on the bridge: June 17-18, 24-25, and August 5-6, 12-13. There is a catch: no one is allowed to climb up to the Turul, otherwise, the whole action is off.

Mno.hu made inquiries about the mayor’s change of heart, with the findings that during last year’s arrangements there was a want from the younger generation’s side, and the mayor has already stated that they will investigate the case, so this is a gift for the young people.

There are several reasons why the spontaneity of the movement was successful. First, the location: the bridge is at the foot of Gellért Hill, between Szent Gellért and Fővám squares, so it makes it a central location. Second: the view is beautiful, and the air is always chilly, even if it’s the hottest day of summer. Thirdly, last summer’s events proved that the people of Budapest need an easily accessible public place, where you can meet up, sit down for a picnic, sunbath, or even organise some major events.