Celebrate The End of The Flood With Debris Art!

After a challenging period of flooding in Budapest, the city is finally celebrating the receding waters of the Danube River. The people of Budapest are coming together this Sunday afternoon to express their gratitude and relief as life along the riverbanks returns to normal.

The festivities, organized by the Budapest Brand and the Valyo – City and River Association, will take place at the Jane Haining embankment, a beloved public space for pedestrians and cyclists. The event aims to thank the tireless efforts of the Budapest municipal workers, including those from the Budapest Sewerage Works, the Budapest Waterworks, the Budapest Transport Center (BKK), the Budapest Transport Company (BKV), the Budapest Parks and Public Spaces (Főkert), the Budapest Public Area Maintenance Company (FKF), and the Budapest Municipal Law Enforcement Directorate, as well as the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to protect the city during the flood.

Starting at 3 pm on 29th of September, the celebration will feature an array of free activities and attractions. One of the highlights is the Driftwood Installation, a collaborative art project where participants can paint pieces of driftwood collected from the Danube during the flood. This creative endeavor serves as a symbolic reminder of the city’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity. Attendees are encouraged to leave their mark on the city by painting messages on the driftwood, creating a collective memory of this challenging time.

In addition to the art installation, the event will feature live music and entertainment. DJ sets will keep the atmosphere lively, while the Magashegyi Underground duo, known for their intimate performances and eclectic repertoire spanning their two-decade career, will provide a more laid-back and introspective musical experience. As the sun sets over the Danube, attendees can enjoy the stunning views of the river and the city skyline, creating a picturesque backdrop for this joyous occasion.

The people of Budapest are also invited to share their personal experiences and photographs from the flood period on social media using the hashtags #arvizbucsuztato, #arvizvege, and #apadaduna, tagging the @budapesttemegen Instagram account. This initiative aims to create a collective photo gallery documenting this momentous event in the city’s history, showcasing the strength and unity of the Budapest community.

As the city comes together to celebrate the end of the flood, the atmosphere along the Jane Haining embankment is one of relief, gratitude, and optimism. The people of Budapest have once again demonstrated their resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity, and this event serves as a testament to the city’s unwavering spirit.

Image source: Római-parti “Kőkert” Land Art in Hungary