Freedom Tram in Budapest: A Free October 23 Event at Deák Ferenc Square
Step aboard a historic Budapest tram this October 23 and encounter the memory of 1956 through poetry, theatre and personal stories. Marking the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence, the Freedom Tram will turn a vintage vehicle at Deák Ferenc Square into an intimate cultural venue.
Known in Hungarian as “A Szabadságvágy villamosa,” meaning “the tram of longing for freedom,” this free event offers a distinctive way to connect with Budapest’s past during a day in the city.
Essential Event Details
- Event: Freedom Tram – a commemoration of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution
- Date: October 23, 2026
- Opening hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Location: The tram siding at Deák Ferenc Square, central Budapest
- Admission: Free
- What to expect: Literary performances, diary readings, poetry, audio plays and songs aboard historic tram number 2624
- Important: The tram will remain stationary; this is not a sightseeing ride
- Language: English-language performances or translation have not been announced
Step Inside a Tram That Was Already Running in 1956
The setting is more than a backdrop. Tram number 2624 turns 120 this year and was already carrying passengers in 1956. For this one-day event, it will stand on the siding at Deák Ferenc Square, welcoming visitors aboard for a programme that brings the revolution’s stories into a setting connected to the period.
Rather than taking you through the city, this tram invites you to pause within it. The focus is on spending time inside the historic vehicle and discovering the voices and memories presented there.
History Told Through Diaries, Poetry and Performance
Created with Delta Produkció, the programme draws on contemporary diary entries, poems and other literary works to evoke the events of the revolution. Directed by Renátó Olasz and performed by Kinga Kádár and Balázs Medveczky, the live performances will be complemented by audio plays, songs and prerecorded excerpts.
Best deals of Budapest
Instead of presenting history solely through dates and milestones, the event approaches it through personal accounts and artistic expression. The close surroundings of the vintage tram create an intimate setting for listening and reflecting.
English-language performances or translation have not been announced, so international visitors should keep that in mind. Even without following every spoken passage, the historic vehicle offers a tangible connection to the Budapest of 1956.
A Shared Act of Remembrance in the City Centre
The Freedom Tram is jointly organised by BKK, BKV and the Budapest Cultural Centre, known locally as BMK, as part of the Municipality of Budapest’s commemorative programme.
Around the tram, visitors will also be offered bookmarks and flags courtesy of the Budapest Cultural Centre. Through literature and theatre, the event invites people to engage with the memory of the revolution in a more personal way.
Finding the Freedom Tram
Head to the tram terminus at Deák Ferenc Square and look for historic tram number 2624 on the siding. For maps and navigation, use the square’s Hungarian name, Deák Ferenc tér.
With free admission and visiting hours from morning until early evening, the event can fit into a day exploring central Budapest. It is a chance to step inside a piece of the city’s transport history while taking part in a thoughtful commemoration of 1956.
Related attractions
Related news
Budapest Heritage Trams and Buses: Vintage Rides Until the End of October 2026
Budapest is a city best explored in motion. You can admire the Danube from a river cruise, cross it on foot over the Chain Bridge or travel beneath...
Take a Piece of Budapest’s Transport History Home With You
If you’ve spent any time riding Budapest’s trams, buses, or the quirky cogwheel railway up to the Buda Hills, you’ve probably noticed...