The post is no longer on the EURO 2020 Twitter page, as they obviously deleted it, but many claim it was real, as proven by the screenshots circulating on social media: UEFA also made the Classic Budapest/Bucharest blunder.
The habit of confusing Bucharest and Budapest dates back a long time. The first, really legendary mix-up was made by Michael Jackson, who in 1992 said from the balcony of the parliament in Bucharest: “It’s great to be here in Budapest!” This was rather funny, and no one was really upset. After all, it was Michael Jackson, who allegedly held one of his best concerts in Bucharest.
The fail was not that funny, however, when Lenny Kravitz held a concert in 2008 in front of 15,000 people believing that he was in Budapest. Then there was Metallica, when James Hetfield, one of the band’s founders, saluted the crowd, saying “Good night, Budapest!” In 1995, Iron Maiden also said in Bucharest, “Hello Budapest!” Ozzy Osbourne did the same.
The mix-up was probably the most painful for the 400 fans of Atletico Bilbao, who traveled all the way to Budapest to support their team in the final of the Europe League of 2011/2012 — which was being held in Bucharest. Moreover, their team lost the game 3-0 to Atlético de Madrid.
The Bucharest-Budapest fail is noted on international rankings as well. According to the British Sunday Times, it occupies fifth place on a list of the most frequently made such mistakes in the world. First place went to people confusing Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Mallorca, with the city of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.
The chocolate candy bar ROM, famous for its commercials, started a campaign in 2013 with the name “Bucharest is not Budapest.” In the commercials, ROM highlights the many memorable moments when foreigners have confused Bucharest with Budapest.
Featured photo: Romania Insider
