Record-Breaking Budapest Pride Defies Government Ban, Draws Massive Crowds & International Support
Budapest, Hungary – June 29, 2025 – In a powerful display of defiance and solidarity, an estimated 180,000 to 200,000 people participated in Budapest’s Pride parade on Saturday, marking a record turnout for teh event in Hungary [[3]]. The march proceeded despite a government prohibition, with police intervening only to contain a small contingent of far-right counter-protesters [[1]].
Participants carried rainbow umbrellas and signs proclaiming “Freedom and love cannot be prohibited,” demonstrating resilience against increasingly restrictive legislation targeting LGBTQ+ rights under Prime minister Viktor Orbán [[1]]. The European Commission has previously taken issue with Hungary over these limitations.
Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, who organized the event on behalf of the municipality, asserted his legal standing against the ban, stating it cannot be prosecuted under these circumstances. He was joined by Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, who pledged Amsterdam’s continued support for the LGBTQ+ community in Hungary and praised Karácsony’s “steadfastness under high pressure.” [[source]].
The massive turnout underscores growing resistance to Orbán’s policies and a strong demand for LGBTQ+ equality in Hungary
