Saint István Day in Hungary — is the country's main public holiday, which is considered the founding day of the Hungarian state. On this day, the first king of Hungary is honored — Stephen I (970-975 — 1038).
The first king of Hungary, Istvan (Stefan) I was officially crowned on August 20, 1000 (r. 1000—1038). Stephen I ruled fairly, generously, wisely and laid the foundations for an independent European-style Christian Hungarian state. At the behest of Pope George, who canonized King Stephen, this day became a holiday in 1038.
Despite the importance of the date for every Hungarian patriot, there have been many periods in the history of the country when celebrations on this day were strictly prohibited. For example, this was the case after the suppression of the «Hungarian Spring» of 1848 by the combined forces of Austria and Russia, as well as when Hungary was one of the socialist countries. St. Stephen's Day became an official public holiday again only in 1991.
Throughout the country, celebrations are very magnificent, with a parade and orchestras. The Esztergom Cardinal celebrates Mass in the Budapest Cathedral (Basilica) of St. Stephen, where the relics of the king's right hand are located. After the mass, a solemn procession carries the shrine with the relics through the city. The celebration ends with an impressive fireworks display on Mount Gellert over the night Danube.
Once upon a time, a harvest festival was celebrated on this day. The folk tradition of celebrating it still exists today. Traditionally, on this day, wreaths of ears of corn are woven in villages, the first bread is baked from the flour of the new harvest, all this is blessed in the church, and then the loaf is solemnly cut and eaten.