20th August – the biggest fireworks for the only happy holiday

Hungary’s history has not really been on the happy side in the last centuries – we like to think, and of course, we can grab out a big amount of historical proof for it. However, the melancholy must be also in our blood, since we chose mainly to commemorate not successful events for our national holidays. It must be added, though, that they were always brave fights against oppressors, with notable politicians, poets or alike leading them.
If we look further back into the past of our country, we had had more joyful and powerful times, like those of our first christian king St Steven (Szt István) around the turn of the year 1000. He is also called the land- and religion founder – so this would explain why we have a Basilica, a holy right fist and a lot more dedicated to this virtuous man. On the 20th August we celebrate the foundation of Hungary, but more precisely the anniversary of St Steven’s canonization (i.e when he was declared a saint).



Now that you know the history, let’s move on to the fun part. This is our only happy national holiday (no work!), so magyars really kick it off this day. Budapest is full with programs, celebration and free concerts. The only day when they take St Steven’s holy fist out of the Basilica and parade around with it in the city.
And last but not least, we have an almost 30 minutes long firework, shot form the riverbank. Let the photos speak for themselves – it is a marvellous event. Go to the riverside already one or two hours before its starting, as it gets very crowded.

You won’t feel bored, as you can admire the Castle Hill and Chain Bridge on the other side, how the light change from daylight to evening.

After take a walk and shower at Szabadág tér’s funky fountain, or head for some more fröccs.

                                                                                 Bakonyi Zsuzsa