Virus curfew lifted, but still restrictions at Christmas Mass

The Hungarian government suspended for Christmas Eve a night curfew imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, allowing dozens of people to attend midnight Mass in Budapest on Thursday night.

The nationwide 8 pm to 5 am curfew has been in effect since November 11, mass events have been banned but socially-distanced masses were allowed to take place.

Every year the 'Festive Mass announcing the birth of Jesus' is one of the largest Mass celebrated in the St Stephen's Basilica.

The basilica, which can accommodate 8,000 people, is the largest church of the Hungarian capital.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Hungarian Catholic Church put a limit of 500 on the number of believers attending the special Christmas Mass.

Some people were left outside after being denied entry due to the social distancing regulations.

Inside the basilica, the holy water tanks remained empty, faithful had to wear face masks at all times and they had to stay distanced during the prayer.