Several members of the Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, attended the United States Embassy’s Independence Day reception in Budapest this week, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
The event brought together Hungarian politicians, diplomats and prominent public figures, including inventor Ernő Rubik and chess legend Judit Polgár.
PM Magyar: ‘An honour to represent Hungary’
Sharing photos from the reception on Facebook, Prime Minister Péter Magyar said it had been “an honour to represent Hungary” at the celebration. He added that one of the highlights of the evening was meeting Ernő Rubik and Judit Polgár, joking about his widely shared chess match against the world’s strongest female chess player.
“My crushing defeat in the chess game probably came as no surprise to anyone,” the prime minister wrote with a laughing emoji.
He concluded his post by wishing the United States a happy anniversary and adding: “God bless the United States of America! God bless Hungary!”
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Foreign minister highlights Chain Bridge tribute
Foreign Minister Anita Orbán also attended the reception and shared images from the evening. In her Facebook post, she noted that the event was organised by the US Embassy to celebrate Independence Day and drew attention to the Chain Bridge, which was illuminated in the colours of the American flag for the occasion.
“Did you see the Chain Bridge?” she asked followers, alongside a photo of the landmark lit in red, white and blue.
Rubik’s Cube, Model T Ford and American flavours
Science and Technology Minister Zoltán Tanács also took part in the event, describing it as an opportunity to celebrate the long-standing ties between Hungary and the United States. According to his Facebook post, guests admired an original Ford Model T, watched Prime Minister Magyar play chess against Judit Polgár, saw him solve a Rubik’s Cube, and had the chance to meet Ernő Rubik in person.
Tanács said the evening highlighted that Hungarian-American relations are built not only on shared values but also on shared stories and achievements. Guests also enjoyed classic American-themed food, including hamburgers and other specialities served during the reception.
