March 15 in Budapest, Hungary – National Holiday Highlights

March 15 Events & Best Places to Experience the Holiday

Official Ceremonies – A Traditional Start to the Day

The Hungarian national celebrations begin with ceremonial events honouring the 1848 Hungarian Revolution’s legacy, providing a unique insight into Hungary’s historical traditions and aspirations to become independent from the Austrian rule stifling freedom of press, the free use of Hungarian language, equal rights and more.

Hungarians not only wanted autonomy— our own government, economy, and national policies, but also development: industrialisation was slow, and many felt Austria was draining Hungary’s resources without fair representation. The country still had serfdom, meaning peasants were legally bound to Hungarian and German speaking landlords. Progress was impossible as nobles were exempt from taxes, creating economic imbalance and ongoing frustration building up to the revolutionary moment that came in a sweeping series of events on March 15, 1848. Inspired by the French Revolution (1789) and 1848 uprisings across Europe, Hungarians demanded freedom under no uncertain terms, collecting the demands in 12 points. The 12 Points (the list of demands read on March 15, 1848) called for a constitutional government and equal rights for all citizens. Without the 1848 Revolution, the 1867 Compromise, you would not be able to see many of the beautiful attractions born around 1898 for the millennial celebrations, including the Parliament, the Vajdahunyad Castle, Heroes’s Square, the Millennium Underground Railway, Andrassy Avenue, Liberty Bridge, etc.

• Flag-Raising Ceremony at the Hungarian Parliament building on Kossuth Lajos Square (Morning)
  The Hungarian national flag is raised with military honours in front of the Parliament, accompanied by a guard of honour and a military band. This solemn ceremony sets the tone for the day’s events.
• Hussar Procession to the National Museum: Following the flag-raising, a parade of hussars in traditional 19th-century military uniforms marches through the city toward the Hungarian National Museum, one of the key sites of the revolution. The colourful display of historical costumes and cavalry formations makes this a spectacular sight for visitors. Similarly, you can also see hussars at the Royal Riding Hall on top of the Castle Hill in the Buda Castle District.
• Commemorative Ceremony of the Hungarian Revolution at the Hungarian National Museum
  This historic location, where Sándor Petofi Hungarian poet, thinker and revolutionary key figure (along with Lajos Kossuth) read his National Poem (Nemzeti Dal) in 1848 inspiring the residents of Hungary to fight for their rights such as freedom of press. There will also be official speeches for locals, along with performances, and music. Though the speeches are in Hungarian, the atmosphere and historical significance make it worth experiencing.

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Cultural & Interactive Events – A More Immersive Experience on March 15, Budapest

For visitors looking to engage with Hungarian history and traditions, Budapest offers free cultural programs, live performances, and historical reenactments throughout the city.

• Buda Castle Garden Bazaar & Royal Riding Hall – Family-Friendly Historical Festival
  The Buda Castle Garden Bazaar along with the iconic Royal Riding Hall in the Buda Castle, two of Budapest’s most scenic venues, host an all-day festival featuring hands-on craft workshops, interactive games, historical weapon demonstrations, and live music. Some of the highlights include concerts, crafts and historical displays, which take visitors through the events of the 1848 Hungarian revolution in the Buda Castle District.
• Palace of Arts MUPA Budapest – 20th Anniversary Celebrations
  Coinciding with the national holiday, MUPA Budapest (Palace of Arts) is hosting a special two-day cultural festival featuring folk music, jazz, and contemporary circus performances. This event blends Hungary’s traditional heritage with modern artistic interpretations, offering a unique cultural experience for visitors.

What Stays Open on March 15 in Budapest?

While shops, supermarkets, and most offices are closed, tourists can still explore Budapest as usual.

Museums & Attractions – Most major museums, including the Hungarian National Museum, Castle Museum, St Stephen’s Hall and other Buda Castle exhibitions, remain open with special programs.
Thermal Baths – Famous baths such as Szechenyi Bath, Gellert Spa, and Rudas Bath operate on their regular schedules, providing a relaxing break from sightseeing.
Restaurants & Cafés – Dining options remain available, but reservations are recommended due to higher demand.
Public Transport – Runs on a holiday schedule, with slightly less frequent services but no major disruptions. The Buda Castle District can only be accessed with public transport (no private transports allowed).

Shops & Malls Closed on March 15 in Budapest / Hungary – Supermarkets, major shopping malls, and most retail stores are closed, except for small convenience stores and those at train stations or airports.