What is Stephen’s Day?

Stephen’s Day or Szent István nap is a public holiday in Hungary, celebrated every year on the 20th of August. It is a commemoration of the first King of Hungary, Saint Stephen I, and marks the foundation of the Hungarian state. This holiday is also known as the ‘Day of the New Bread’ as bread was blessed on this day by the patron Saint Stephen. It is a day filled with festivities, parades, and fireworks as the nation comes together to honor the legacy of their king and the establishment of their state.

Stephen’s Day is an important day in Hungarian culture and is deeply rooted in history. To truly understand the significance of this holiday, let’s take a closer look at its origins and how it is celebrated today.

The holiday dates back to the year 1038 when Stephen was canonized and declared the patron saint of Hungary.

It is a day celebrated not just by Hungarians but also by Hungarian communities around the world.

The holiday falls on the same day as the country’s first Christian king, St. Stephen, was canonized in 1083.

The Hungarian national flag is hoisted on this day, and the streets are decorated with red and white, the colors of the national flag.

Parades and processions are held in cities and towns across the country, with people dressed in traditional costumes and marching to the beat of folk music.

One of the main highlights of the day is the reenactment of the baptism of St. Stephen in the capital city, Budapest, where the church of St. Stephen stands.

Another tradition on this day is the ‘bread march’, where people parade through the streets with bread loaves to be blessed by the priest.

In the evening, a spectacular firework display takes place, lighting up the sky with vibrant colors and bringing the celebrations to an end.

On the eve of Stephen’s Day, there is also a large fair held in the heart of Budapest, where people come to join in the festivities, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and purchase local handicrafts.

The holiday is a time for families to come together and celebrate, with large gatherings and feasts being a significant part of the traditions.

Stephen’s Day is not just a celebration of the past, but also a look towards the future and the values of unity, faith, and courage that Stephen stood for.

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