August 20 is Hungary's national holiday and official public holiday commemorating the founding of the state and King Stephen I (Saint Stephen), the founder of the state.
King Stephen I (Saint Stephen) established the Christian Hungarian state with his coronation in the year 1000. On this day, we also celebrate the canonization of Saint Stephen, which has been commemorated since 1083. This is because King Ladislaus canonized King Stephen on this day. King Saint Stephen, who had no heir, dedicated the Holy Crown and the country to the Virgin Mary on the day before his death.
We also celebrate the end of the harvest at this time, which is why traditionally a loaf of bread made from the new wheat is baked and blessed for this day. The loaf is tied with a ribbon, then the freshly baked bread is blessed, sliced, and finally the pieces are distributed.
On this day, we commemorate the holiday with numerous events, such as the raising of the Hungarian flag in Budapest, the celebration of crafts, and fireworks in the evening.
Bread made from new wheat at the crafts festival in Buda Castle:
Fireworks in Budapest on August 20:
Figures formed by the coordinated flight of 1300 drones:
