This year, Hungary will celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the state with a four-day series of events. Due to the long weekend around 20 August, programmes will start from Saturday, as announced by the Government Information Centre in response to a query from Magyar Nemzet. The St Stephen’s Day festivities will welcome visitors at 19 locations with the usual mini-festivals, musical, cultural, and gastronomic programmes.
For years, the St Stephen’s Day series of events has been one of the favourite summer programmes for Hungarian families.
Free festivals, concerts, and other outdoor events provide entertainment and summer experiences for both Budapest residents and Hungarian and foreign visitors to the capital.
This year Budapest residents and tourists visiting the capital will enjoy the most spectacular fireworks display ever. More people will be able to enjoy the play of fire and light than before: instead of the previous 4.3 km, it will be visible for over five kilometres along the Danube, extending all the way to Margaret Island, and this time covering three central city bridges instead of two. The number of pyrotechnic devices, drones, and the volume of light projections will also be greater than last year. Due to these enhancements, the cost of the fireworks display will increase slightly compared to last year.
Hungary’s 20 August celebrations are a significant and multifaceted national holiday commemorating the foundation of the Hungarian state. This day, also known as St Stephen’s Day, honours King Stephen I, who is credited with founding the state and bringing Christianity to Hungary. The festivities span multiple days and feature a wide array of cultural, religious, and entertainment activities, attracting both locals and tourists.
The highlight of the celebrations is the grand fireworks display over the Danube River in Budapest.
This spectacular show is renowned for its scale and artistry, lighting up the night sky and drawing thousands of spectators. In recent years, the display has been extended to cover a longer stretch of the river, including multiple bridges and landmarks.
The Hungarian government plays a crucial role in organizing and funding these celebrations. The events area announced well in advance, ensuring that the festivities are well-coordinated and accessible to the public. In recent years the government has aimed to make the celebrations even more spectacular, with enhanced pyrotechnics, drone shows, and increased participation from various cultural institutions.
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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/Magyar Nemzet
