More than 700,000 people watched the traditional St. Stephen's Day fireworks and light show on August 20 in downtown Budapest, the Hungarian Tourism Agency (MTÜ) says.
The unprecedented spectacle included 300 launching points, 40,000 pyrotechnic effects, 14 barges on 65 pontoons, more than 1,000 smart lights, 400 robotic lights, 56 projectors, and 200 kilometres of electric wires. The show also featured a prominent role for drones, which shaped the Holy Cross in the finale. The unique narrative told the story of Hungary in six chapters, with music by composer Norbert Telek and a 150-piece orchestra.
Attracting more visitors than ever before, the St Stephen's Day event will help boost tourism in the capital, generating tens of thousands of business sales, MTÜ argues.
Tens of thousands of people were employed at the events during the long weekend, providing a boost to tourism businesses hit by the crisis - restaurants, hotels, attractions, event organizers, musicians - and creating jobs.
Other events during the weekend included rock concerts on Műegyetem rakpart which drew a total attendance of more than 50,000 people, children's programs at the Vajdahunyad castle, and an air parade.