20th August – Hungary's State Foundation Day

20th August is one of Hungary's oldest and most important national holidays. It commemorates King (Saint) Stephen I, who, according to tradition, was crowned around Christmas of the year 1000 and united the Hungarian tribal alliances into a single, Christian state. His decision to align Hungary with Western Christianity shaped the country's path for centuries. Saint Stephen remains the enduring symbol of Hungarian statehood and continuity.

The celebration dates back to 1083, when King Stephen was canonised by Pope Gregory VII — an event that has been marked every year on 20th August alongside the foundation of the state ever since. The day is also traditionally linked to the Festival of New Bread, a celebration of gratitude for the year's harvest and the fruits of labour.

In Hungary, the day is marked with state ceremonies, a flag-hoisting ceremony, the presentation of state recognitions, and fireworks display over the River Danube in the evening in Budapest.

The Embassy of Hungary in New Delhi warmly greets all our friends on the occasion of 20th August!