Just a few decades ago, between 1945 and 1989, Hungary was under Communist rule, and the August 20 celebrations were used / abused by the Communist regime to demonstrate the power of the Red Rule, the Communist Ideologies, like the successes of the 5 Year Plans, or the peacekeeping power of the Warsaw Pact.
Water Cannons on Danube by Parliament in Communist Budapest Aug 20 Water and Fireworks Parade
The Water Parade on the Danube on August 20 was followed by the night Fireworks. What has not changed though when Hungary became a democratic country, is that hundreds of thousands take part in the Aug 20 celebrations and watch the Fireworks show (some from our Budapest Fireworks Cruise ships).
Communist Budapest Chain Bridge and River Danube on Aug 20 Water Parade
August 20 Danube Water Parade in Budapest in 1977
Five Year Plan Communist Ship on Budapest River Danube August 20 Parade
Hungarian Tricolor Flags and Communist Red in Budapest Aug 20 Danube Parade
Communist Budapest Aug 20 Parade Hungarian Folks Republic
Warsaw Pact Power Demonstration Budapest August 20 Danube Parade
Budapest Fireworks 1978 Elisabeth Bridge Danube Aug 20
Photos originally published on Hungarian old photo project, Fortepan.hu