Budapest Pride

Budapest Pride, officially known as the Budapest Pride Film and Cultural Festival, is Hungary's largest annual LGBTQ+ event. It is a vibrant week-long celebration featuring a variety of activities, with the pride march as its pinnacle. This march, known by different names over the years, has been a yearly tradition since 1997 and typically occurs on the first Saturday of July, parading along Andrássy Avenue in the heart of Budapest. Although smaller compared to similar events in Western Europe and the Americas, it still attracts around one to two thousand enthusiastic participants.

However, Budapest Pride has not always proceeded smoothly. The event has faced significant challenges, particularly from radical right-wing demonstrators and hooligans. The 2007 parade was especially concerning, as marchers faced aggression and insufficient police protection. Participants were even attacked after the event concluded. In 2008, there were attempts to ban the parade altogether, but it proceeded amidst heightened tensions and threats of violence from extremist groups, leading to violent clashes, injuries, arrests, and substantial police expenses.

By 2009, the police had improved their measures, keeping protestors farther away from the parade route to prevent disruptions. Despite these efforts, instances of aggression still occurred, including attempts to burst balloons and burn the rainbow flag, a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community.

Budapest Pride is more than just the march. The festival encompasses a rich tapestry of events including film screenings, discussions, exhibitions, theater productions, author readings, picnics, speeches, religious ceremonies, concerts, and parties. Over the years, the festival has garnered both support and opposition, underscoring the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in Hungary.