Hungary is organising Europe’s grandest fireworks show this year on August 20, which will also be one of the largest fireworks extravaganzas in the world. The celebrations mark the founding of the country and the feast of Hungary’s first king St. Stephen of the Arpad house. St. Stephen’s Day is one of the most important events in Hungary in terms of interest and participation numbers. Hundreds of program elements will be held in 19 locations.
World-class elements in the fireworks show
The pyrotechnic extravaganza will run five kilometres from Petofi Bridge north to the southern third of Margaret Island. Crowds will enjoy an almost identical view from either bank of the Danube, and there will also be a light show on the Parliament building. 45,530 separate pyrotechnic effects will be visible, launched from three Danube bridges–Liberty, Elisabeth and Margaret Bridge, requiring 300 kilometres of electric wires. All pyrotechnic devices are EU-certified and comply with the strictest EU safety standards. The fireworks are controlled by a digital computer, which can be stopped in an emergency as utmost care and visitors’ safety will be a priority for the authorities at all times.
Family focused fun
Enticing cuisine will be offered at the Csárda Festival in the city centre on the Pest side. On the Buda side between the Chain Bridge and Dobrentei Square, Hungarian Flavors Street will have the best dishes from the Carpathian Basin with a chance to taste this year’s national bread and national cakes. Many programs will be offered for families, such as the Holy Right Golden Train exhibit on Alkotmany Street.
This year again, the Pannonia ship will be open to the public during the celebration weekend. The Festival of Folk Arts – one of the country’s largest folk crafts festivals – will evoke the atmosphere of the fairs of yesteryear in the Buda Castle district. For those interested in military history, the Heroes’ Way on the Toth Arpad promenade on Buda Castle Hill is recommended. In addition, Millenaris Park will be transformed into an artists’ garden for the weekend, where fashion and design will take centre stage.
Varazsliget is also back this year to offer a wide range of activities for families with children in the City Park (Varosliget), where the little ones can peek into King Stephen’s courtyard and enrol in the Prince and Princess Training School. Visitors to the festivities can purchase food and drinks at reasonable prices at the venues.
Record visitor numbers expected
Stephen’s Day is one of the most important events in Hungary in terms of interest and participation numbers. August 20 is not only the country’s birthday but has grown into a series of festivals and events reflecting the circumstances of the past 14 years. There is every hope that the 2019 attendance record will be broken, as this year’s numbers are expected to surpass the turnout for the last pre-Covid August 20 celebrations. The pull of primarily Budapest and Lake Balaton has resulted in never-seen domestic holidaymakers and foreign tourists visiting Hungary. Those visiting this country enjoy warm hospitality and high quality.
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