St Stephens Day in Hungary

August 20 is Hungary’s 4th of July. This is a day for sights in Hungary. It is the biggest national holiday in the country. Not to be confused with the biblical Stephen, St Stephen’s day is a remembrance of the first king of Hungary, Stephen I who established the kingdom of Hungary. He was canonized by Pope Gregory VII on 20th August, 1083. Festivities on St. Stephen’s Day go on from morning till night followed by impressive fireworks all over the country. It is certainly a lovely day to be in Hungary. 

St Stephen

 A brief History on St Stephens

Although the year of his birth and the day of his baptism remain unknown, St. Stephen (I) was born around 975 in Esztergom. His name was changed to Stephen from the pagan name, Vajk, which he had before baptism. His father died in the year 997 and Stephen found himself in a situation where he had to fight against his relative, Koppany for his birth right. He defeated Koppany mainly with assistance of foreign knights like Vecelin, Hont and Pazmany. Unfortunately, he succeeded all his children when he died on the 15th of August, 1038. He  was canonized together with one of his sons, Emeric. He was arguably the most loved king in the history of Hungary.

Tourism on St Stephens’s Day

Being one of the biggest if not the biggest national holiday in Hungary which has lasted for a millennium, St Stephen’s day attracts lots of tourists every year. Since August 19 is usually a public holiday for most workers in Budapest, there are always lots of activities that will excite tourists. This yearly event is very popular and it attracts lots of tourist yearly so much that many people now plan their tourist vacation to Hungary to coincide with the St Stephens Day. A lots can still be done however to really maximize the potentials of this colorful event.