Hungary celebrated its state foundation day with grand cultural and religious events, capped by one of Europe’s largest firework displays, honoring the legacy of King Saint Stephen, the nation’s first monarch.

The festivities began with the national flag-raising at Kossuth Square and the swearing-in of new military officers, followed by an air parade over the Danube River that drew massive crowds. Visitors also toured Hungary’s Parliament building for free, where the Holy Crown was on display.

A solemn mass at Saint Stephen’s Basilica and the procession of the Holy Right – the mummified hand of Hungary’s first king – highlighted the day’s religious significance. Across Budapest and 19 venues nationwide, Hungarians enjoyed concerts, folk performances, and gastronomy fairs, including the Street of Hungarian Flavours featuring traditional breads and cakes.

President Tamas Sulyok underscored the historical importance of the celebration, calling August 20 “the starting point of a thousand years of Hungarian life” and praising King Stephen’s role in linking Hungary to Europe.

The day concluded with a five-km fireworks show along the Danube, featuring over 45,000 pyrotechnic effects and a synchronized drone performance of Hungarian historical symbols.