In a communist economy where all factories and companies were state owned, and all prices state controlled, there was little need for advertising. The advertisements from this era served merely to inform the public.
However, as the 70s turned into the 80s, individual shops and companies began to advertise their products.
Below is a selection of the ads with which all Hungarians were familiar....
However, as the 70s turned into the 80s, individual shops and companies began to advertise their products.
Below is a selection of the ads with which all Hungarians were familiar....
These advertisements merely drew people's attention to the fact that certain shops existed - since there was little or no competition, the ads were, in reality, unnecessary.; prices were never mentioned since they were the same all over the country. There were not very many advertisements around the city and none at all on public transport.
Neon street signsCommunist Budapest's streets were dark. Monuments were only illuminated on special holidays like August 20th or on New Year's Eve. Even what lighting there was, was dim, and the city's streets would have been totally gloomy had it not been for the many neon signs and advertisements which lit them.
Below are some of the many neon signs of 80s Budapest - some of which you can still see today.... |
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