St. Stephen’s Day is a national holiday in Hungary, the day of the founding of the Hungarian state. An analogue of Independence Day held in many other countries around the world.
Stephen is the first king of Hungary. He was officially crowned on August 20, 1000. After his death in 1038, he was officially canonized by the Pope and already in the same year the date August 20 became a public holiday for the Hungarians.
On this day, various festive events are held in Budapest and other cities of the country. A festive mass is celebrated in the main cathedral of Budapest St. Stephen’s Basilica. After this, a solemn procession passes through the streets of the city. In the evening, colorful fireworks are launched from Mount Gelert.
On this holiday, it is customary for Hungarians to bake bread (loaf) from the first flour of the year, and then consecrate it in church.
