Budapest hosts pride parade

Thousands of people gathered in Budapest on Saturday afternoon to march in the 24th colorful and pride parade in the Hungarian capital.

The themes of the speeches delivered before the start of the parade itself were centered on the acceptance of each other and the need to live without fear.

"In the beginning of the 21st century, we have to realize that our society is filled with prejudice, with hopelessness," Dezso Mate, roma-gay activist and sociologist, researcher of the Central European University told the crowd.

"We have to accept one another and also take it for a fact that the concept of family is colorful," he added.

Orsolya Karafiath, a Hungarian poet, said the most important thing was "to be able to live without fear".

A few dozen counter-demonstrators were also present at the parade, but police held them separated from the parade.

They had signs saying "In Hungary the law forbids the propagation of any kind of sexual deviancy" or "Revolt against the modern world: be normal!!".

Under a blazing sun, the loud march started from before the Hungarian parliament's massive Neo-gothic building and passed through main streets of the Hungarian capital until it reached the shore of the Danube.

The march accompanied by the rhythm of many drums was led by people waving large rainbow flags, followed by many smaller rainbow flags and colorful balloons that were also distributed during the event.