Successive Orbán administrations have long billed Budapest’s St Stephen’s Day fireworks as the largest in Europe. The current Hungarian government, however, appears to be taking a different view. Plans are underway for a more modest event—shorter, less costly, and designed to reach audiences who have previously been excluded, including residents of child protection institutions.

The 20 August fireworks will go ahead, but may look very different

Amid widespread speculation over the fate of this year’s national celebrations, Ervin Nagy, State Secretary for Culture, delivered a clear message in an interview with RTL Klub: a state-funded fireworks display will take place in Budapest this year. However, it is likely to differ significantly from previous spectacles, with organisers considering a shorter and more economical show than in recent years. Reducing costs is a stated priority.

Mr Nagy suggested that one way to achieve this would be to exclude companies that have previously profited substantially from organising state events. He noted in particular that business interests linked to Gyula Balásy, associated with earlier Orbán governments, would not be involved in this year’s programme, thereby preventing what he described as excessive profit-taking.

Orbán cabinets organised very expensive fireworks

The cost of last year’s celebrations was considerable. The Budapest fireworks alone exceeded 3.6 billion forints, while the full St Stephen’s Day programme amounted to 10.9 billion forints in public spending. In return, more than 45,000 pyrotechnic effects were launched. No official figure has yet been released for this year’s budget, though the government has indicated that expenditure is expected to fall. Last year, fireworks in several provincial locations were cancelled, partly for cost-saving reasons and partly on animal welfare grounds.

Spectacular 20 August fireworks and drone show in Budapest
Photo: FB/Hungarian Government

Nagy also indicated that a shorter display is under consideration, alongside efforts to make the experience accessible to a wider audience. Proposals include staging certain visual elements at alternative venues, such as child protection institutions, or facilitating travel to Budapest for children who have not previously been able to attend the the celebrations.

Government phases out fuel price cap due to price fall

The State Secretary is a member of the 20 August organising committee, giving him direct insight into the planning of this year’s events.

On 20 August, Hungary celebrates the fouding of the state.

Featured image: depositphotos.com