BUDAPEST, Hungary — Events to mark the 50th anniversary of Hungary’s popular uprising against communism degenerated into violent riots last night with protesters fighting police and one person succeeding in driving a Soviet-era tank through the streets before being overcome by police.

In a dramatic visual recreation of scenes from 1956 when Red Army tanks tried to quash the revolution, a lone tank moved jerkily down a central Budapest street, surrounded by excited protesters.

As the tank rumbled on, police rushed in and eventually pulled out at least one protester. Ranks of riot police looked on and tear gas lingered in the air after several hours of street battles in which rubber bullets and water cannons were used against around 1,000 protesters who fought back by throwing paving stones, bottles, and planks of wood. By evening, at least 27 people were reported to have been injured, including police officers.

The tank had been on display in one of several open museums dotted across the city, and Hungarians had been invited to clamber onto one of the most potent symbols of the revolution and pose for photographs.

Dignitaries from almost 60 countries — including 19 presidents — had gathered in Hungary to commemorate the uprising in which thousands died fighting for an end to Soviet domination.

Yesterday’s anniversary ceremonies turned sour when the rioters, suspected of belonging to extreme right-wing elements, interrupted speeches, historic film footage, and military music.

The protesters were thought to be the same groups that took part in demonstrations that started last month when the Prime Minister Gyurcsany was caught on tape saying he had lied continuously about the state of the economy in order to win re-election. Their action turned what had been peaceful mass demonstrations into the worst political violence since the events of 1956.

Demonstrators expressed disgust that the socialist prime minister, whose government is seen by many as the successor to the communist regime, was allowed to lead the commemorations in which the national flag was raised and flowers placed at the foot of a stone monument in front of Parliament.

Hungarians have failed to agree that 1956 is an event for the whole nation to remember together. Instead, both right and left have tried to claim it as their own over the years. As a result of the divisions over how the ceremonies should be conducted, many groups, including veteran freedom fighters, staged separate ceremonies.

Hungarian commentators said the riots were embarrassing for a nation that had never been as united as it was during the heady days of the revolution.