Budapest celebrates August 20 with drone shows and concerts

Hungary celebrated its state foundation day on August 20 with a wide array of cultural and musical programs across Budapest. The festivities included concerts at Margit Island and the University Quay, featuring both domestic and international artists. A central highlight was the audiovisual show at the Parliament, which utilized light projections, lasers, and a drone show involving approximately 2,000 drones to depict historical themes.

The evening's main spectacle, including a ten-minute fireworks display, experienced a delay of nearly 25 minutes. Some observers attributed this to meteorological conditions and wind concerns. Despite the delay, the M1 television broadcast of the event achieved significant viewership, reaching nearly 490,000 viewers and securing a 16.2% audience share, making it a top performer in its time slot.

In addition to the musical and visual performances, the celebrations included traditional ceremonies, an air show over the Danube, and public access to the Parliament building. The event combined historical commemoration with modern entertainment, such as the 'Disco Square' concept at Kossuth Square.