Hungary changed the laws and constitution earlier this year, and banned the annual pride celebration with the motivation to "protect children". The Budapest parade therefore did not receive any police permit.
But the enormous rainbow manifestation is reported to have flowed smoothly along the capital's streets.
It went very well, compared to some fears, notes the Swedish Member of Parliament Ulrika Westerlund (Green party), one of several European politicians participating in the parade, to TT.
We only saw a handful of counter-demonstrators. There was one who stood in front of the first car in the parade and tried to stop it, but he was quickly removed by the police.
"Worth it despite the risk"
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has emphasized that legal consequences can await those who participate. The organizers risk one year in prison, but only participating in the parade can result in fines of around 5,000 kronor.
We were a little worried. But we felt that even if we would get fines or if incidents would arise, it was worth participating, says Anna, who participates with friend Vanessa.
It was fantastic to see so many people gather, to see such diversity.
Tibor, with daughter Lusia on his shoulders, describes his participation as a broader protest against Hungary's conservative government.
We want to see our children grow up in a liberal democracy, not in an autocracy.
Arranged by the city hall
The opposition mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, has insisted that no participant should suffer any reprisals since the demonstration – which this time is arranged by the city hall – is a municipal event.
There are too many here for everyone to get fines. Moreover, we are doing nothing illegal, we have every right to be here. We harm no one, we are not naked, we do not swear, we do nothing that is illegal, says Orsi.
The organizers talk about a historic turnout and estimate the participation to be between 180,000 and 200,000.
It has never before been so many participants in the Budapest Pride, says the event's chief organizer Viktoria Radvanyi to the news agency AFP.
Corrected: In an earlier version, an incorrect description of the law changes occurred.
