Hundreds take part in yoga classes on bridge in Budapest

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Yoga instructors hosted classes for more than 600 practitioners Tuesday on Budapest’s Freedom Bridge in an effort to popularize the discipline and practice it in a unique location.

The bridge was temporarily closed for traffic because of renovations in June and has become a trendy hangout place since, playing host to parties and small concerts.

A dozen instructors had simultaneous classes there Tuesday, laying their mats on the tram tracks on the bridge that crosses the Danube River.

Instructor Judit Varga said they chose Freedom Bridge for their activities “because a special location has a special vibe. Since its closure, the bridge has become a community center, a place to make connections.”

Participant Kinga Dory, 25, said the views of Budapest from the bridge gave the classes an added attraction.