The Mayflowers’ Dance at Budapest – Update!

Hey there, have you heard about the incredible natural phenomenon happening in Budapest right now? The Danube river is literally “blooming” with mayflies, and it’s quite a sight to behold!

So, what exactly is going on? Well, these little creatures, known as the Danube mayfly or “dunavirág” in Hungarian, have started to emerge from the river in massive numbers. We’re talking millions of them, all performing an incredible aerial dance above the water.

Now, you might be wondering why this is such a big deal. The thing is, the presence of these mayflies is a fantastic indicator of the Danube’s water quality. Just a few decades ago, they were thought to be extinct in this part of the river due to pollution and poor food availability. But in recent years, thanks to improved sewage treatment and healthier water conditions, the mayflies have made a stunning comeback.

In fact, their resurgence has been so remarkable that the city has even installed special light barriers on the Árpád Bridge to protect them from traffic. These blue-violet lights help keep the mayflies close to the water’s surface, preventing them from accidentally laying their eggs on the bridge’s asphalt instead of in the river.

The Danube mayfly’s mass emergence typically lasts for about two weeks, starting in the early evening hours and continuing until around early September. It’s a truly mesmerizing spectacle, and more and more people are coming out to witness their nuptial dance each year.

So, if you find yourself in Budapest during this time, be sure to head down to the Danube and check out this incredible natural wonder. It’s a testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of protecting our waterways. Who knows, maybe you’ll even spot a few mayflies performing their mesmerizing dance above the river’s surface!

Update!

It seems that the mayflowers are indeed having a ball and they extended the party to Szentendre! Check out the video of this magnificent scene!

Image source: Budapest Közút Zrt.