17/08/2026
Do you know what Hungary celebrates on August 20?
More than a thousand years ago, one ruler made a decision that would change the course of Hungarian history forever.
His name was Saint Stephen, the first King of Hungary.
Stephen recognised that Hungary’s future depended on building a strong, united state and connecting the country to Christian Europe. During his reign, the foundations of the Hungarian Kingdom were established, creating a legacy that continues to shape the country today.
After his death, he was canonised in 1083, and August 20 became a celebration of the founding of the Hungarian state.
That is why Budapest comes alive every year with celebrations, music, lights and thousands of people coming together to celebrate more than a thousand years of Hungarian history. 🇭🇺
And when the sky above the Danube lights up in the evening, we are celebrating more than a spectacular fireworks show — we are celebrating a story that began over a thousand years ago.