Musical Changing of the Guard Again at Sándor Palace

First the Budapest Garrison Band – which is assigned to the HDF vitéz Szurmay Sándor Budapest Garrison Brigade 32nd National Honvéd Parade Unit – introduced itself to the audience, and later the ceremonial guards of the Honvéd Palace transferred their duties. To the roll of two drums, the palace guards lining up in the square held a dynamic rifle exhibition drill display, which fascinated Hungarian and foreign guests alike.

“It is very spectacular to see these soldiers spinning their weapons", an Italian tourist said. “We are lucky to have scheduled our visit to the castle for today, so we haven’t missed out on this wonderful experience", a French couple told us in praise of the display.

“The musical Changing of the Guard is based on traditions, we are playing traditional military songs and marches", Capt. István Baczkó, the conductor of the Budapest Garrison Band told us. “The changing of the guard begins with alerting the guards with a symbolic bugle call", he added.

Once in every month, from spring to autumn, the interested ones can watch the musical changing of the palace guards coupled with foot drill display outside the Office of the President of the Republic of Hungary.

Photo: Gábor Galovtsik