Best of Budapest & Hungary

August 20th is the greatest national holiday for Hungarians, celebrated with day-long festivities followed by spectacular fireworks throughout the country.

St. Stephen’s Day commemorates the foundation of the Hungarian state, as Stephen I, the first king of Hungary was canonized on this very day. Festivities in Budapest usually start at 8.30 AM with the raising of the Hungarian flag in Kossuth Square and continue all day long, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the Danube. The main events include the procession of St. Stephen’s Holy Right Hand around the Basilica, the Court of St Stephen, a historical playhouse, a water parade and an air show along the banks of the river Danube.