Budapest commemorates centenary of escape artist Harry Houdini death

A four-day event has started in Budapest to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini, Euronews reported. The centenary celebrations for the escape artist, who was known as the King of Shackles, have brought his only living descendant to the Hungarian capital. The descendant, who is his brother's grandchild, joined attendees for the opening of the Houdini 100 programme. [1]

Organisers are unveiling a relief in tribute to the Hungarian-born American illusionist, Euronews said. Visitors to the event can also attend circus performances, a film festival, and see artwork created for the anniversary. [1]

Houdini was born as Erik Weisz in Budapest on March 24, 1874, before moving to the United States as a young child. As FTMQ News reported earlier, he died at the age of 52 on October 31, 1926, from peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix. He adopted his stage name in tribute to French magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and achieved international fame for his elaborate escapes, including the Chinese Water Torture Cell. [3][5][6]

Centenary events have also taken place elsewhere, as FTMQ News reported earlier. An escape artist known as Houdini II recently performed a straitjacket escape while hanging 80 feet in the air from a crane near Hollywood's Magic Castle to mark 100 years since Houdini's death. [7]