‘Budapest awaits!’ is the message from the Budapest Festival and Tourism Centre (BFTK) in a beautiful new video aimed at locals as well as Hungarian and foreign tourists. The pandemic and its after-effects have taken their toll on everyone, as well as on many working sectors including culture and tourism. This video aims to inspire hope that together we can revive Budapest’s unique atmosphere, awaiting us all in the city’s streets and squares once this crisis is over.
The video shows our once vibrant and lively city in its current empty state, but the harmonious composition of music, dancing and lights fills the viewer with hope and anticipation. The film focuses on the capital’s iconic sites, once bustling and full of people, but now surreally quiet. Buda Castle, Heroes’ Square and the Széchenyi Baths, its pools empty, are all shown in charming sunset hues.
The interplay between contemporary choreographer János Feledi and cimbalom player Miklós Lukács fills the abandoned city with a particular dynamism and hope that uncertainty should soon be swept away by the friendly urban vibe of Budapest.
Produced by Zoltán ‘Vozo’ Végh, the aim of the BFTK’s short film is to encourage people to come back when they can. Revered tourist spots are revealed and shown in a new light for the whole world to see.
The City of Budapest and BFTK have already communicated their message from the windows of the capital’s empty hotels with the #Light4U! campaign, now reinforced by artists filling the desolate streets of Budapest with life. Budapest awaits us, because we are the ones who make it such a truly unique and uniquely adorable city.
