Hungary celebrated more than 1,000 years of independence with a Saint Stephen’s Day fireworks display in Budapest on Tuesday.

Local media reports suggest the pyrotechnics event — spanning drones, fireworks and voice-over narration — cost over €38 million to put on at the five-kilometre stretch of the city’s major waterway, the Danube River.

But rains incorrectly forecasted by meteorologists meant that the Saint Stephen’s Day celebrations were off to a slow start, with the event’s commencement delayed by an hour.

“The meteorologists did not do a top job,” one onlooker told Euronews, as many around him opened umbrellas to shield themselves from the drizzle.

Another punter said that the money could have been better spent elsewhere by the Hungarian government, such as in hospitals, but “it doesn’t matter now”.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended Hungary’s public holiday, but reminded the 25-year-NATO member of its responsibilities to the alliance.

“On this day of celebration, it is my hope that we can work towards a closer relationship between the United States and Hungary, rooted in democratic values, shared security, and prosperity,” he said.

“That is what the deep friendship between our peoples and the rich history between our nations deserves.”

Euronews