Fact Check: Budapest Pride is now Hungary's largest LGBTQ event in history!
What We Know
On June 28, 2025, approximately 100,000 people participated in the Budapest Pride march, which organizers claimed was the largest LGBTQ+ Pride event in Hungary's history. This event took place despite a government ban and threats of legal repercussions from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's administration, which had enacted a law in March that prohibited events promoting homosexuality to minors under 18 (source-1, source-2). The march began at Budapest City Hall and proceeded through the city center, crossing the Erzsébet Bridge over the Danube River. Participants expressed their defiance not only against the ban but also against what they viewed as a broader crackdown on democratic rights in Hungary (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that Budapest Pride is now Hungary's largest LGBTQ event is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and NPR both reported on the event, noting the attendance of around 100,000 people and the organizers' assertion that this was the largest Pride event in Hungary's history (source-1, source-2). The New York Times corroborated this by highlighting the significance of the event in the context of Hungary's political climate and the government's attempts to suppress LGBTQ+ rights (source-3).
The reliability of these sources is high; they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The Associated Press, for example, is known for its journalistic integrity and has covered LGBTQ+ issues extensively. The New York Times also has a strong reputation for in-depth reporting on social issues.
However, it is important to note that the claim is not just about attendance numbers but also about the context of defiance against governmental oppression. The event's significance was amplified by the government's attempts to restrict such gatherings, making the turnout a powerful statement against the current political regime (source-4).
Conclusion
The claim that "Budapest Pride is now Hungary's largest LGBTQ event in history" is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that the event attracted around 100,000 participants, making it the largest Pride event in Hungary to date. This event not only marked a milestone in attendance but also served as a significant act of resistance against governmental repression of LGBTQ+ rights.
Sources
- Around 100,000 march in Budapest Pride event in defiance of Hungary's ... NPR
- Around 100,000 march in Budapest Pride in open defiance of Hungary's ... Associated Press
- Budapest Pride Parade Was Bigger Than Ever, Despite Orban's Ban New York Times
- Giant crowd at Pride in Budapest, defying repressive Hungarian law ... Washington Post
