Budapest’s nocturnal illumination is an attraction in itself. On any given night, Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge and Andrássy út shine brightly to embellish the cityscape after sunset. However, every year for Earth Hour, the lights illuminating major landmarks are turned off for 60 minutes. For 2018, this event takes place on March 24th at 8:30pm. This powerful community-based activity is a global initiative run by WWF to shine a light on climate change with an hour-long power cut. In addition, several planet-friendly activities are being organized, including candlelit dinners at many Budapest hangouts.

This powerful campaign helps connect communities to Earth. On Saturday, from London to Sydney and Tokyo, major cities around the world switch off their non-essential lights as a contribution to Earth Hour, an international initiative organized by WWF. Similarly to previous years, Budapest joins this eco-friendly movement by disconnecting the lights that illuminate the city’s major buildings and landmarks.

If you're in town, you will see edifices at key locations turning dark after 8:30pm, including the city’s UNESCO Heritage settings that incorporate the Danube Banks, the Buda Castle District and Andrássy út. Other monuments participating in this temporary power cut include Parliament, National Museum, Palace of Arts, Vajdahunyad Castle and many more attractions.

This WWF event started out in Australia in 2007 to draw attention to the negative effects induced by climate change. A year later, the activity went international and by 2017, 187 countries applied to join the cause. Last year, more than 12,000 landmarks were turned dark for an hour to save energy.

“Connect to Earth” is the main message behind the 2018 movement that focuses on preserving the biological diversity of our planet. WWF Hungary invites those who want to go green to join the foundation's four-step challenge, symbolized with a Wi-Fi sign. As a first act, the association asks participants to keep their lights turned off for Earth Hour. This is followed by three other feasible assignments, such as not printing documents, buying plastic bottles or using cars for a week.

In addition, several Budapest locales have signed up to Earth Hour by organizing candlelit dinner events. KIOSK, Kőleves, Sophie & Ben, Csendes Létterem, Doblo and Jardinette all belong to these eco-conscious eateries.

Major hotels are also supporting this climate initiative. The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest will turn off exterior lighting and dim or switch off non-essential interior illumination. Candlelight will be used at certain public areas around the building such as restaurants and bars. In-room TV messages will encourage hotel guests to take part by turning off room lights and join the hotel team in the lobby for the observances. Branches of the Danubius Hotel Group will also go dark for an hour during the event.