Celebrations, bread consecration and many other events are being held across the country today, on the occasion of the founding of the state, St. Stephen's Day. The National Meteorological Service asks those preparing for events to follow the weather and danger signals.
As part of the central celebration, the St. Stephen's Day festival, which lasts several days, continues in the capital. The operative group responsible for the safe conduct of the national holiday on August 20 will meet continuously this year as well, and will immediately inform the public of any changes to the programs depending on the weather.
According to the plans, the national flag will be raised at Lajos Kossuth Square in front of the Parliament at 8:00 a.m. with a military salute, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Katalin Novák.
This is followed by the inauguration of the military officer candidates, at which Minister of National Defense Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky gives a speech. However, due to the expected unfavorable weather conditions, the experts of the Hungarian Armed Forces decided that the air parade planned for 9 am will not be cancelled.
An open day will be held at the Parliament this year as well.
Those interested can visit the ornamental staircase, the dome hall and the Holy Crown between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Katalin Novák will deliver her ceremonial speech as head of state on August 20 for the first time in Székesfehérvár.
During the day, the Order of St. Stephen will be handed over, and in the afternoon, according to the plans, the celebratory mass and the St. Jobb procession will be held in the St. Stephen's Basilica, according to tradition. According to the plans, the festive programs of the 20th will be closed in the evening with "Europe's biggest fireworks" in the capital, but whether to hold this will be decided during the day depending on the weather forecast.
The operational staff is responsible for the safe conduct of the holiday again this year. The board meets continuously from 7 a.m., monitors the development of the weather situation and, if necessary, decides on the steps necessary to hold outdoor events safely.
In addition, holiday commemorations, holy mass, and bread feasts are planned in many settlements across the country. In Debrecen, they are celebrating this year with the traditional flower carnival.
In addition to a military salute, Hungary's national flag will be raised on August 20, 2022, at Lajos Kossuth Square in front of the Parliament on the August 20 national holiday.
MTI/Tibor Illyés
The National Meteorological Service has repeatedly drawn attention to the fact that thunderstorms across the country may affect the holiday programs on August 20. Therefore, they asked: those who would visit the events should follow the weather and the danger signals. The National Meteorological Service drew attention to the fact that the danger signals are available at the www.met.hu/idojaras/veszelyjelzes/ , and they also recommend the METEORA application.
A series of four-day programs is connected to the celebration of the founding of the state again this year. The detailed program offer and other information can be found on the constantly updated www.szentistvannap.hu website.
August 20 is one of the oldest Hungarian holidays: the day of King Szent István, the day of commemoration of the founding of the Hungarian state and the state's thousand-year continuity. It is also the feast of new bread.
The National Assembly, established after the first free elections in 1990, on March 5, 1991 declared St. Stephen's Day an official state holiday among the national holidays - March 15, August 20, and October 23. The Basic Law, which entered into force on January 1, 2012, also establishes August 20 as a national holiday, the official state holiday of Hungary.
MTI
Photo: MTI/Tibor Illyés
