Budapest Marks 100 Years Since Houdini's Death with Festival and Memorial
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Hungary's capital celebrated the centenary of escape artist Harry Houdini's death with a four-day programme including circus performances, a film festival, and the unveiling of a memorial relief sculpture.
Budapest marked the 100th anniversary of Harry Houdini's death on 31 October 1926 with a major cultural celebration. Houdini, born Erik Weisz in Budapest on 24 March 1874 before emigrating to the United States, is honoured in his birth city through the Houdini House, which operates in Buda Castle to preserve his legacy in a way described as unique in Europe. The four-day centenary programme included circus performances, a film festival, the unveiling of a memorial plaque and relief, and a night-time show at Houdini's birthplace on Csengery Street. George Hardeen, the only living descendant of Houdini — the grandson of Houdini's brother — attended the events, as did magician and Houdini House founder David Merlini and television producer Gay Blackstone, a former president of the Academy of Magical Arts. Csilla Fazekas, deputy mayor of District I, represented the local government at the opening, expressing pride that the Houdini House preserves the legacy of the Hungarian-born illusionist. Houdini's legacy is also fiercely guarded by illusionist David Copperfield at a magic centre in Las Vegas.
