St Stephen’s Day in Budapest
If your travel plans include Hungary on August 20th, you will find yourself in the midst of the country’s grandest celebration. August 20th is biggest national holiday for Hungarians, with day-long festivities and celebrations, followed by spectacular fireworks throughout the country, with the one in Budapest being the longest and most beautiful.
But what exactly do Hungarians celebrate on St. Stephen’s Day?
Foundation Thailand
Stephen I (969 – 1038) was the first to unite the Magyar tribes into a nation. As the first king of Hungary, he broadly established Christianity and founded the Kingdom of Hungary. Stephen I was crowned in 1000, with a holy crown sent by Pope Silvester II, recognizing him as the king of Hungary. The Holy Crown survived throughout the centuries and has become a symbol of Hungary. The crown along with the crown jewels is on display in the Parliament Building (guided tours are available).
Stephen I was canonized on August 20th 1083 by Pope Gregory VII. He has since been referred to as St. Stephen. When his tomb was opened for the canonization in 1083, his right hand was found to be miraculously preserved. Today, St. Stephen is the patron saint of the Budapest Basilica where his mummified right hand, Hungary’s holiest relic, is kept in a glass case in one of the chapels.
August 20th commemorates the foundation of the Hungarian state. In 1771 during the reign of Empress Maria Theresia a law was passed declaring this day an official State and Church holiday. It’s like Hungary’s 4th of July, only the history goes a lot further back in time.
The Celebrations
Festivities start early in the morning at 8:30 a.m. with the raising of the flag in Kossuth ter, in front of the Budapest Parliament building. The day of celebration culminates in a spectacular fireworks display, drawing big crowds all along the Danube. Fireworks are usually set off from the Chain Bridge and the Elizabeth Bridge, the inner courtyard of the Citadel as well as tugboats on the Danube.
The main events during the day include the procession of St. Stephen’s Holy Right Hand around the Basilica, archery shows and the Court of St Stephen, a historical playhouse, very popular with families. In addition there is an air show and a water parade. For thrill seekers, the Red Bull Air Race features many talented pilots including Hungary’s very own Peter Bessenyei. They use their amazing skills to maneuver through air gates and under the bridges, spanning the Danube, at very high speeds. This amazing spectacle along the embankments of the river Danube is one of the most exciting events on St Stephen’s day.
Another fun and educational event over the St Stephen’s Day weekend is the ‘Celebration of Crafts’ and Festival of Folk Arts held on Buda Castle Hill from August 20 to 24. Prominent craftsmen from across the country come to Castle Hill to showcase their skills and share some of the secrets of their crafts. They include a variety of different folk crafts ranging from woodcarving to egg painting and visitors can partake in many of the activities, as well as enjoy live folk music and dance performances. This is also a great place to find souvenirs to take home to your loved ones or keep as memories of your trip to Hungary. Just like most other festivals in Hungary, the Festival of Folk Arts is also a celebration of the famous Hungarian gastronomy. So prepare your taste buds for a unique experience ranging from wine and palinka tasting to traditional Hungarian dishes and delicious home-made pastries.
St Stephen’s Day also marks the festival of the new bread celebrated in cities and towns across the country. Traditionally, the first bread from the new harvest is baked on this day.
The St Stephen’s Day weekend is a great time to visit Budapest and Hungary and I hope that many of you will have a chance to enjoy the celebrations and also take in many of the sights and sounds that the city has to offer.
Enjoy Budapest and Hungary!
St Stephen’s Day in Budapest