What Does Hungary Celebrate On 20th August ?

August 20th 2009 - St Stephen's Day - Programs in Budapest

As usual a series of state ceremonies launch the holiday programs in the morning on 20th August to commemorate the Foundation of the Hungarian State. The main venues of the state programs are Kossuth Square in front of the Hungarian Parliament and Heroes' Square.

Besides the state celebrations there'll be a wide range of other programs both in the morning and in the afternoon ensuring wonderul time for the whole family. The celebration starts with the raising of the Hungarian flag on Kossuth Square at 8.30-8.50.

Head for Oktogon where the marching of military bands and majorettes on Andrássy Avenue starts at 8.45.

The Court of St Stephen (Szent istván Király Udvara) at Kossuth Square from 11.00 till 21.00 on 20th August, a historical playhouse will be a fine program for families with kids. In the court you can learn about how ancient Hungarians made their tents and bows.

A spectacular archery show will be performed by the world-famous Lajos Kassai Horeback Archers. By watching the talented horse riders and archers you'll understand why Western Europe feared Hungarians in the IX. century.

On the stage in front of the Parliament building dances from the era of St Stephen will be introduced.

There'll be plenty of food, too: ox, pig and poultry will be roasted on open fire.

Hungary's Birthday Cake 2009 will be introduced in St Stephen's Court between 14.00-15.00. Every year a special birthday cake is prepared to celebrate our country's foundation. The National Guild of Hungarian Confectioners selects the best recipe submitted by confectioners from all over Hungary.

This year the Zila Coffee House - Krisztina Confectionery's recipe for Pándi Sour Cherry Cake won. The cake is made with the fragrant Hungaricum the plum brandy from Szatmár region.

The Court of St Stephen starts at 11.00 and lasts till the Fireworks at 21.00.

The Red Bull Air Race with Hungary's star pilot Péter Bessenyie promises a scenic and thrilling program on the banks of the Danube on 19th-20th August.

The Bread Festival starts at 11.00 on Kossuth Square. Royal Order of Hungarian Bakers. Traditional bread making and baking, folk activities, various musical and dance shows, bread making course provide entertainment for the whole family.

The Wheel Festival, another spectaular show, takes place on Andrásy Avenue between 14.00-18.00 with a whole range of bike programs: There'll be trial competition for both professional and amateur bikers.

You can try riding special vehicles: monocycle, tricycle, minibike and velociped

In the Ability Park you can learn about how the handicapped can manage their everyday lives.

The highlight of the August 20th-St Stephen's Day holiday is the Fireworks on Gellért Hill. The dazzling show can be seen from numerous points in Budapest, and the Danube Bend, especially at the Danube bank in Pest.

This year the Fireworks are enriched with a unique dance show performed by more than 100 dancers on stages set up on the Danube bank simultaneusly with the launching of the fireworks. The festive coreography tells about the major moments of Hungary's foundation closing the performace with the coronation of St Stephen, Hungary's first king.

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August 20th - Historical Background

Stephen (István in Hungarian) was Hungary’s first king and he laid the foundation of the state by converting the nomad and pagan Magyar people (Hungarians) into Christianity.

Until the end of the 10th century the seven Hungarian tribes often attacked and robbed Western European nations. After a major defeat in 955, the Hungarian leaders decided to give up the raids, focus on settling down and found a strong state.
István realized that he can only achieve this by converting Hungarians into the Roman Catholic religion.
He received a crown from Pope Sylvester II and became Hungary’s first king in 1000 AD. The Holy Crown has survived the coming centuries and it is now Hungary's most percious treasure.
You can view the Holy Crown in Budapest Parliament.

King Stephen consolidated his power. He built churches all around the country and invited Catholic priests to help to lay down the foundations of Christianity. István formed new, strict legislations instead of the former pagan rules and took administrative measures to organize the country.

As a result of King Stephen's efforts Hungary became a strong state and a protector of Western Europe during the Medieval Ages.

Read more about Budapest History.

Stephen was canonized on 20th of August in 1083 and became the patron of Hungary.
For the canonization procedure King Stephen’s remains were exhumed. According to the story his right hand was found as fresh as the day he was buried.
The hand was detached and since then everybody can view our first king's mummified right in St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest .

20th August became Hungary’s national day and stayed that way until 1945, when Communist leaders prohibited celebrations due to the religious nature of the holiday.
In 1990 the Hungarian Parliament declared 20th August national holiday again.

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August 20th - Major Events

The main celebration event is the procession of St. Stephen's Holy Right Hand around the Basilica.
Other spectacular events are water and air parade on and above the Danube.
In the countryside this day is also the day of the new bread.
Countrymen sum up their work and celebrate the results by blessing the new bread.

The holiday ends with an impressive firework from the Gellért Hill.
The Danube embankment on the Pest side is full of people by night, everybody wants to get a good viewpoint to take pleasure in the colorful sparkles.

20th August also symbolizes a sort of closing day of summer. People get a bit of rest before the usual working days starting in September. School for the kids begins within 1-2 weeks after the holiday, as well.

Other Summer Events in Budapest
	F1 Hungarian Grand Prix
	Sziget Festival
	Summer on the Chain Bridge
	Festival of Folk Arts
	Wine Village Budapest
	Jewish Summer Festival

Return from 20th August to Events in Budapest or Homegape of Budapest Tourist Guide.