Hundreds of Special Programs Await the Public during August National Holiday

Between August 17 and 20, hundreds of events will be held at 19 venues to celebrate St. Stephen’s Day, announced the State Secretary for International Communication and Relations at a press conference in Budapest.

Zoltán Kovács stressed that August 20 is one of the most important events in the country in terms of interest and participation. It is not simply the celebration of the founding of the state, St. Stephen’s Day and “Hungary’s birthday”, but a festival and a series of events that is also a benchmark for the country’s prestige, he noted. “The operational team responsible for the safe organization of the festival started its work in June, with hundreds of people working to ensure that people can enjoy themselves safely,” the State Secretary said.

The politician also pointed out that tourism growth had “faltered” after 2019, but this year it had finally managed to surpass the figures of the “last year of peace”: never before had so many Hungarians and foreigners spent their holidays in Hungary.

Visitors know exactly what they can expect: hospitality, and high quality,”

he emphasized.

Speaking about the gastronomic offerings, Vajk Szente, ambassador of the St. Stephen’s Day celebrations, said that the Csárdafesztivál (Festival of Taverns) on Vörösmarty Square will feature the best of the best taverns, with chef Zoltán Kovács, as well as folk dance performances and folk music programs.

As in previous years, the Street of Hungarian Flavors will be held between the Chain Bridge and Döbrentei Square, showcasing the gastronomic culture of the Carpathian Basin, with a focus on healing plants, spices, food and drink, and this year’s cake and bread of Hungary.

Those interested in Hungarian fashion, jewellery and design can visit the Fashion and Design Festival in Millenáris Park. Meanwhile, the Festival of Folk Arts will once again be held at Buda Castle.

The center of children’s activities will be in the City Park, with fairy-tale heroes and a prince and princess workshop in Varázsliget.

On Gellért Hill, in the Garden of Philosophers, classical music and jazz will be the main focus, with performances by the Danubia Orchestra, the Hungarian Defense Forces Central Military Band, the Modern Art Orchestra and László Dés.

During the event, stars of the 70s, 80s and 90s will perform, including TNT, Ferenc Demjén, EDDA and the Első Emelet.

In addition, the Szabadrét festival is for electronic music lovers and will feature well-known Hungarian DJs.

Furthermore, August 18, Mandoki Soulmates will give a free concert on Szent István Square.

Ferenc Tóth, managing director of NUVU, the organizer of the fireworks display on August 20, stressed that during this year’s 30-minute show more than 45,000 pyrotechnic effects will be launched from the Liberty, Elisabeth and Margaret bridges, as well as from several other points. This year there will also be light painting, light and laser and drone shows, but what is new this year is that the spectacle area has been extended: from Petőfi Bridge to the lower third of Margaret Island.

This year’s artistic concept was created by Árpád Iványi and Barnabás Réti, the visual design by Anikó Seres, and the musical accompaniment was composed by Norbert Elek to folk songs.

The performance consists of seven acts, connected by a fabulous historical sound play.

Via MTI; Featured image via Facebook/Szent István Nap