Pride Is An Act Of Defiance As 100,000 March In Budapest
A record-breaking Pride in Budapest sends a powerful message of defiance, unity, and hope.
This Saturday, all eyes were on Hungary and central Budapest as approximately 100,000 people took to the streets for Pride (and an estimated 200,000 attended in total), triple the expected turnout and setting a record for LGBTQ+ demonstrations in the country. What unfolded was one of the most powerful acts of civil resistance against recent government crackdowns on LGBTQ+ rights.
Just three months earlier, a new law was passed that banned events deemed to “promote” homosexuality or gender transition to minors. Organizers now face potential prison sentences of up to one year. Police were given permission to use facial recognition technology to monitor participants and fine those in attendance. Despite this and direct warnings from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán that attendees “will face legal consequences,” they marched on in defiance and pride. Just days before the event, Orbán made a statement that the state would not resort to violence, stating that Hungary remains a “civilized country,” but made clear that legally, there could be consequences. His statement followed a wave of backlash from the rest of the European Union after the new ban passed earlier this year.
In a bold countermove, Budapest Mayor Karácsony designated the Pride march a city-sponsored event. This administrative workaround helped shield organizers from immediate legal penalties, highlighting the difference between Hungary’s national government and the liberal-leaning city of Budapest.
International solidarity added weight to the event. Over 30 foreign embassies—including those of the UK, France, and Germany—expressed support and urged Hungarian authorities to refrain from legal actions.
This year’s turnout marks a staggering rise from previous years: from just over 10,000 participants in 2021 to about 25,000 in 2023, now to the 100,000s in 2025. The increase reflects not only LGBTQ+ support but the broader frustration with Orbán’s overall control of civil liberties.
To everyone’s surprise, the Pride march ended in peaceful celebration, and the streets of Budapest were filled with pride.
Related: Hungary Banned Pride But Budapest Mayor Found A Way
