In Budapest, several hundred thousand people admired a fireworks display on the Danube, on the occasion of the commemoration of the founding of the Hungarian state.
It was under a sky lit by traditional fireworks that the people of Budapest celebrated Saint Stephen’s Day on Tuesday, August 20. Hundreds of thousands of participants came to commemorate the founding of the Hungarian state more than 1,000 years ago.
A five-kilometre fireworks display on the Danube
Featuring a grandiose scenography on a five-kilometre stretch of the Danube, the fireworks show included drones, fireworks and voice-over narration.
Despite a one-hour delay in the start of the festivities, due to bad weather forecasts wrongly predicted by meteorologists, the people of Budapest were enthusiastic, simply abandoning their umbrellas and raincoats to watch the spectacle.
A cost of more than 38 million euros
While many participants were won over by the fireworks, others pointed out the cost of the display, which was over 38 million euros.
“The money could have been spent on air conditioning in hospitals, for example,” suggested Gabor, who nevertheless came for the occasion, before adding: “They could have organized a fireworks display for 5 billion forints instead of 15 billion.”
Antony Blinken reminds Hungary of its responsibilities
Across the Atlantic, Antony Blinken hailed the importance of the event for Hungary, while reminding the country, a member of NATO for 25 years, of its responsibilities towards the alliance.
“On this day of celebration, I hope we can work toward a closer U.S.-Hungary relationship rooted in democratic values, shared security, and prosperity.”said the US Secretary of State.