State Foundation Day
August 20, Wednesday
Historical background
- King Stephen I (reigned c. 1000–1038) unified the Carpathian Basin’s Magyar tribes, established a Christian kingdom, created dioceses, and introduced royal administration and law.
- Stephen was canonized in 1083. In Hungary the feast is tied to the August 20 “translation” (elevation) of his relics.
- Under communist rule (1949–1989), August 20 was recast as Constitution Day for the 1949 socialist constitution, and religious elements were suppressed.
- Since 1989–1991, the day has been restored as State Foundation Day/Saint Stephen’s Day and is one of Hungary’s three main national holidays (with March 15 and October 23).
Key traditions and symbols
- Religious observances: Festive Catholic Masses nationwide; in Budapest, a solemn Mass and the procession of the Holy Right (Szent Jobb), Stephen’s mummified right hand, from St. Stephen’s Basilica.
- State ceremonies: Flag-raising, military honors, and the commissioning oath of new officers of the Hungarian Defence Forces, typically on Kossuth Lajos Square by the Parliament.
- New bread blessing: Celebrates the first bread from the new wheat harvest; a loaf is ceremonially blessed.
- Culinary highlights: Announcement and tasting of the “Cake of Hungary” and the “Sugar-Free Cake of Hungary,” along with the “Bread of the Year.”
- Fireworks: A large synchronized display over the Danube in Budapest after dark, visible from both banks and bridges.
- Folk culture: Craft fairs, folk-dance and music shows; the Festival of Folk Arts at Buda Castle is a major draw.
- Air and river shows: Aerobatic flypasts and water-parade elements on the Danube in some years.
- National symbols: Saint Stephen, the Holy Crown, the tricolor red-white-green, and the Holy Right relic.
Where to experience it
- Budapest:
- Morning state ceremonies at Kossuth Square (Parliament).
- Holy Right procession at St. Stephen’s Basilica.
- Festival of Folk Arts at Buda Castle.
- Evening fireworks along the Danube (popular viewpoints include the embankments, Chain Bridge vicinity, Gellért Hill, and Margaret Bridge/Island).
- Around the country:
- Debrecen: The famous Flower Carnival (Virágkarnevál) with floral floats and performances.
- Székesfehérvár: Medieval heritage programs honoring the former royal seat.
- Lake Balaton towns and most cities host concerts, markets, and their own fireworks.