People with disabilities are at the centre of attention at the 20 August celebrations also this year, Zoltán Kovács said.

The Minister of State for International Communication and Relations highlighted that also this year the series of celebratory events – which everyone is welcome to attend – will last for three days.

On this occasion, too, the 20 August evening fireworks display will be the most spectacular element of the programme. This year, a 1,500-metre-long section extending southward from Garibaldi utca to Elizabeth Bridge will serve as the venue of the fireworks display. The more than 20,000 visual effects will be set off from nine locations. If necessary, the fireworks display can be stopped immediately at a single push of a button, he said.

Mr Kovács recalled that last year they had launched an initiative, the essence of which lies in designating an area for people with disabilities from where they can view the fireworks display under calm and safe circumstances.

Zsolt Nyitrai, the Prime Minister’s appointee for priority social affairs highlighted that the Hungarian government believes it is very important to firmly represent the interests of persons with disabilities – more than 600,000 people in Hungary – at all times. In this area, the principle of “nothing about us, without us” is enforced as a particular priority.

He pointed out that in 2017 they had signed a cooperation agreement with the largest organisations representing the interests of people with disabilities. In this, the government agreed to help people with disabilities to celebrate national holidays – 15 March, 23 October and 20 August – in a dignified manner.

They also asked municipalities to pay attention to the considerations of persons with disabilities. Additionally, the organisations of persons with disabilities, too, took part in the preparations for the central events.

As a result of consultations, on 20 August this year already from 7.00 a.m. low-floor buses will be running between Nyugati tér and Kossuth Lajos tér. People with disabilities will be able to view the evening fireworks display in Kossuth tér, from an area located between the equestrian statue of Gyula Andrássy and the Parliament Building.

On 20 August, Tuesday in the capital the central programmes of the celebration organised under the slogan ‘Happy birthday, Hungary!’ will begin – as is customary – with the hoisting of the national flag and the inauguration of young army officers. In the morning, an air parade will be held near the Parliament Building, the Holy Right Hand procession will take place in the afternoon, and a fireworks display will conclude the day’s events in the evening. Additionally, a Street of Hungarian Flavours, concerts and other programmes will await visitors.

(MTI)