Budapest celebrates the founding of Hungary with famous fireworks

Hungary celebrated the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of the state with a fireworks display on St. Stephen's Day in Budapest on Tuesday.

According to local media reports, the pyrotechnic display – including drones, fireworks and voice-over commentary – on the five-kilometer stretch of the Danube bank cost more than 38 million euros.

However, due to rainfall that meteorologists had incorrectly predicted, the St. Stephen's Day celebrations got off to a slow start and the event was delayed by an hour.

“The meteorologists didn't do a good job,” one viewer told Euronews, as many opened their umbrellas to protect themselves from the drizzle.

Another viewer said the Hungarian government could have spent the money better elsewhere, such as in hospitals, but “that doesn’t matter anymore.”

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the Hungarian holiday and reminded the 25-year-old NATO member of its responsibilities to the alliance.

“On this holiday, I hope we can work toward a closer relationship between the United States and Hungary based on democratic values, shared security and prosperity,” he said.

“This is what the deep friendship between our peoples and the rich history between our nations deserve.”

Watch the video in the piece above to learn more.