EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 30TH BUDAPEST PRIDE MARCH
Forrás: Szivárvány Misszió Alapítvány · Eredeti cikk a forrásoldalon
Despite the government’s efforts to stop us, we organized the 30th Budapest Pride Community Festival, held our International Human Rights Conference, and published our fantastic anthology featuring 11 short stories written by amazing authors.
And now, it’s time for the grand finale — the 30th Budapest Pride March, which we are organizing in collaboration with the City of Freedom, Budapest! Are you ready? We’ve gathered all the info you’ll need right here.
Table of Contents for Quick Navigation:
How to get to the starting point?
General Information:
We’ll be waiting for you with open arms on Saturday, June 28, from 2:00 PM at Városháza Park. Whether you arrive on foot, by bike, or by metro — look out for each other! We’ll gather in the square for an hour, then start the march at 3:00 PM, heading along Károly körút, crossing Szabadság híd, and ending at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME).
The speeches begin at 5:00 PM and will be followed by live music and a drag show. The Civil Village will host some of the most active and impactful CSOs from across Hungary. And don’t forget to stop by the Pride Shop, where — in addition to our new anthology — you’ll find this year’s coolest Pride gear!
The celebration continues until 8:00 PM — and the fun doesn’t stop there! The Rainbow Party kicks off at Budapest Park at 10:00 PM.
You can join the march anywhere along the route — starting from Deák Ferenc tér via Károly körút or Dob utca. From Károly körút, we’ll head to Astoria, then continue on Múzeum körút, pass through Kálvin tér, and proceed along Vámház körút all the way to Fővám tér.
As tens of thousands march together in the March of Freedom, we’ll cross Szabadság híd, turn left onto Műegyetem rakpart, and arrive at the university, where our spectacular post-march program will begin — with speeches, performances, and live music!
Our dedicated volunteers will ensure everyone’s safety throughout the event. We hope you’ll stay with us till the end at 8:00 PM — but you’re free to leave whenever you need to.
We’ve also prepared a map to help you easily find the starting point!
Programs
Among the vehicles, you’ll definitely find music that suits your vibe! At the final stop, on the stage of Budapest Pride, Chrismo will get you spinning and slicing through the sound waves!
Besides the Budapest Pride truck, fourteen other vehicles will ensure no one has to march in silence. Háttér Society, followed by the joint truck-bike from Marom / Auróra / Bánkitó / Szabad Terek, will bring tunes that free your mind and soul!
As is tradition, the Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party will make an appearance to entertain us, followed by Refresher Hungary. Then comes the giant rainbow flag of Budapest Pride — and there’s room for lots of you underneath it!
Following the Műhely’s entertainment truck, the Momentum Movement takes the lead — if you’ve liked them in past years, feel free to join them again this time! Other trucks will be launched by: The Fairies (US band), Democratic Coalition and Amnesty International Hungary. Tilos Cultural Foundation (Tilos Rádió), Bianka Lujza and Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) will also join us.
The fun doesn’t stop after 5 PM! That’s when the evening officially kicks off in front of the Budapest University of Technology (BME)!
On stage, Chrismo will keep the music alive. And for this special 30th anniversary of the Budapest Pride March, the iconic duo Lilu and Kristóf Steiner are reuniting as hosts!
We’ll also welcome performances by Nóra Rainer-Micsinyei, actor and comedian, and Emma Rebel and Mia Szösz, fabulous drag queens.
You’ll also hear from inspiring activists who work year-round to build a democratic society: Hella Zsirka, executive of the Háttér Society, and Nikoletta Bogádi, activist of Living Library for Human Rights and Parents for LGBTQ+ People.
Actor and TV host Patrícia Kovács, committed to human rights and equal opportunities, says: “To be a democrat means not to be afraid.” She’ll be there with us too, delivering a speech from the stage!
We’ll also be honored by Andi Angeli, the project coordinator, spokesperson, and longtime organizer of the Budapest Pride March, who has been working with us for 10 years! Give her a warm welcome!
You’ll find tents along the Műegyetem rakpart from aHang – aPontok, Artemisszió Alapítvány, and Bálint Zsidó Közösségi Ház Alapítvány. Civil Kollégium Alapítvány, Élő Könyvtár az Emberi Jogokért, and Fridays for Future Hungary will join them too.
You’ll be warmly welcomed by Háttér Társaság, Hungarian Animal Rights Corps, Közélet Iskolája, and the Magyar LMBT Szövetség.
The Magyar LMBT+ Medicina Társaság, the Magyar Pszichológiai Társaság LMBTQ+ Pszichológiai Szekció are also preparing exciting programs and the Marom Klub Egyesület / Auróra / Bánkitó fesztivál / Szabad Terek Hálózata certainly won’t disappoint you!
Be sure to visit Menedék – Migránsokat Segítő Egyesület (Menedék Egyesület), Szexpozitív Egyesület, Szülők az LMBTQ+ emberekért, and of course, Transparency International Magyarország as well!
The Budapest Pride March and Community Festival wouldn’t be possible without your help and financial support. Check out our brand new Pride Shop, where you’ll find: our acclaimed short story anthology (with the title“Anyaföld íze a számban” only available in Hungarian), some fabulous clothing, as well as unique, exciting Pride merch and accessories!
Can’t wait for the march? You can donate anytime — it only takes a few clicks, and every bit helps!
At 8:00 PM, the lights on the riverbank will dim eventually, the music will fade, and our official programs will end. But the party is far from over — you’ll have two hours to rest, freshen up, and get ready for the spectacular Rainbow Party, the country’s biggest LGBTQ event!
We’ll continue at Budapest Park from 10:00 PM — and you can stay as long as you’d like!
Rules
The organizers of Budapest Pride are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. But we need your cooperation too! Please make sure to follow the Budapest Pride Code of Conduct. Anyone can join the march — as long as they support the goals and spirit of Budapest Pride, and behave peacefully and non-violently at all times.
Don’t react to any provocation. If something happens, notify a volunteer or organiser immediately.
The Budapest Pride March is a peaceful event. We condemn all forms of violence and do not tolerate fear-mongering behavior. Any escalation only serves the interests of the government and undermines our movement for freedom.
Please note: Our organizers and volunteers reserve the right to deny entry or remove anyone from the march if their presence is deemed to threaten the peaceful and safe execution of the event.
How to get to the starting point?
If you arrive by bike, be prepared – you won’t be alone, so finding a place to lock it may be tricky. Feel free to bring it along, but remember: in the crowd, you can only walk it, not ride it!
Use the BKK route planner to find your best way to Városháza Park. You can get there by: M1, M2, or M3 metro lines or bus 9 and trolley 72. From Astoria, which is served by Metro M2, as well as buses 5, 7, 8, 107, 108E, 110, 112, and 133E
Keep in mind that some routes might be diverted or delayed due to the event. Always check the BKK website or app on Friday night or Saturday morning for updates!
“Counter-protesters”
We work closely with the Fővárosi Rendészeti Igazgatósággal (FÖRI), who ensure these groups are separated from the crowd, and our volunteer security team filters out any such individuals already at the entry points.
The police’s most important duty is to maintain public order and prevent crimes, so they cannot simply stand by if participants of the march are attacked — even if they personally believe the march is unlawful. Anyone who attacks participants of a peaceful assembly is committing a serious crime.
If at any point you feel unsafe or encounter a group trying to provoke, do not engage, do not respond, and alert a steward immediately — you’ll recognize them by their vests.
Legal aid
The government has tried everything in its power to shut down the Budapest Pride March: surveillance, arbitrary laws, and constant attempts to limit our right to assemble.
They threaten those standing up for democracy and LGBTQ+ rights with various fines and legal consequences. But we are not alone.
Human rights organizations have come to our aid, providing guidance and legal resources to support all participants.
Be sure to read the legal guides from the Hungarian Helsinki Committee and the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (TASZ) — especially what to do if you’re stopped by the police. We’ve also prepared a condensed version to make it easier to understand.
Important: If asked, show your ID to the police officers – remain peaceful and cooperative. But if they try to issue you a fine on the spot or later via mail or digital portal, do NOT accept it or sign anything on the scene.
Accepting the fine waives your right to appeal.
Let’s stand up for our rights and reject arbitrary and unjust laws that hinder our freedom. If you need help after the march, visit our website or write to jogsegely@budapestpride.hu. We’re preparing template responses and forms to help you as much as possible.
Let’s meet on June 28 – the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots! Let’s stand up for our rights, and for a democratic, equal Hungary.
We have nowhere to back down. We are strong. We are many. Let’s show we belong here – that we are (home).
