PHOTO report on the 20 August celebrations

On 20 August each year, Hungarians celebrate the birth of the Christian-Hungarian state. That was mainly St. Stephen’s work, who ruled between 997 and 1038. Based on tradition, he was crowned in 1000 with the legendary Holy Crown of Hungary, which the pope sent him.

Though historians already discovered that the holy crown was made only later, St Stephen’s reign was decisive. He defeated his opponents, unified the country, created a public administration, introduced basic laws protecting private property and organized an independent Hungarian Catholic Church.

Hungarians commemorate his reign with festivities each year. This year, the operative board responsible for the celebrations postponed some programs due to the poor weather conditions. But the majority of them were held.

• Read also: Why is 20 August Hungary’s national holiday? Here is what we celebrate

Here are some highlight photos: