Hooray for Houdini: Budapest celebrates 100th anniversary of escape artist's death
An event honouring the greatest escape artist and most influential magician of all time has brought Harry Houdini's only living descendant, his brother's grandchild, to Budapest. The centenary for the former "King of Shackles" is also being celebrated by a film festival and an artwork.
Budapest is currently hosting a four-day celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the passing of renowned escape artist Harry Houdini. The events include unveiling a memorial plaque, a magic auction, and a night-time show at Houdini's birthplace. The deputy mayor of District I, Csilla Fazekas, expressed pride in Buda Castle housing the Houdini House, which preserves the legacy of this world-famous Hungarian magician.
Guests from around the globe, including Houdini's only living descendant George Hardeen, television producer Gay Blackstone, and world champion magician Péter Gloviczki, have attended the festivities. Houdini, born as Erik Weisz in 1874, immigrated to the United States with his family and began his career as a magician at 17, eventually adopting the stage name Houdini.
His fame grew after meeting impresario Martin Beck, who advised him to focus on escape acts, making him the "Handcuff King." Houdini's death in 1926 remains a mystery, with theories ranging from a punched stomach from students to poisoning by spiritualists.
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