The most memorable moments of the August 20 celebration – PHOTOS, VIDEOS

Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán

It is official: Hungary organised the biggest and most spectacular State Foundation Day celebration ever.

As DNH wrote on several occasions prior to the event, Hungary prepared to organise a three-day-long, festival-like celebration in honour of the country’s State Foundation Day. The most important National Day of Hungary always receives a program that reflects its importance, but this year, the government majorly upped its game.

Starting with a

spectacular parade on Andrássy Avenue presenting the 1000-year-old history of the Hungarian Nation, followed by the country’s and Europe’s biggest fireworks,

the past three days gave everyone visiting Budapest a truly memorable experience.

The festivities started with a special piece of art and history, showcased on Kossuth Square, right behind the Hungarian Parliament. The legendary “Gold train” of Hungary was built originally in 1938 with the purpose of carrying Hungary’s most important relic, the “Saint Right” (Szent Jobb), King Stephen’s mummified right hand, which created the foundation of the Hungary we know today.

Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán

At the same time, in front of the Parliament, President János Áder officially opened the event. The flag-hoisting and the inauguration of military officers took place in the morning, followed by an air parade.

Hoisting of the Hungarian flag at Kossuth Square – MTI/Zoltán Balogh

Inauguration of the August 20 celebration – PHOTOS

Those who were more interested in Hungarian history and its kings could visit the Parliament and see the Holy Crown of Hungary for free on Friday and Saturday.

source: User:CSvBibra – File:Crown, Sword and Globus Cruciger of Hungary.jpg by User:Schopenhauer, User:Qorilla, CC BY-SA 3.0,

Friday morning debuted the festival-like celebration on Andrássy Avenue with a grand parade Hungary has never seen before on its streets.

It presented the history of the Hungarian Nation from the very beginning, with the help of many people dressed in original clothing, a famous Hungarian folkloric singer, and numerous 4-metre-tall statues that surprised everyone.

Parade on Andrássy Avenue – MTI/Zsolt Czeglédi

The disco-like portrayal of Hungary’s first king, Stephen I, definitely made some jaws drop, together with the metal Turull, Hungary’s national symbol.

source: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt

Street parade – MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt

The two statues seen on the streets prior to the event caused confusion, as they looked somewhat different from how they were presented on Friday.

source : Gábor Kovács – Facebook

source: Péter Szabó Szilvia – Facebook

Friday evening, August 20, brought the usual fireworks Hungarians are used to, with a big twist. The 34-minute-long fireworks included 40 thousand firework rockets, about eight or nine times more than in the previous years. These rockets were launched from both sides of the Danube, between Petőfi Bridge and Margaret Bridge, from 14 barges and 65 points along the river, along the length of 4.3 kilometres. Numerous buildings on the shores were illuminated, in addition to 100 drones that painted the cross on them.

The same day, the newly restored Saint Stephen Hall in the Buda Castle also opened its door to visitors – entry is free until August 31.

MTI/Zsolt Szigetváry

The “Street of Hungarian flavours” was also opened in the Várkert Bazaar, right under the Buda Castle, for this weekend. Apart from other delicacies, the famous bread of Saint Stephen Day, the cake of Hungary, and its sugar-free counterpart were all presented to be tasted.