In this case, it’s probably not rude to reveal her age: 1,009 years old, she is. And what’s the great thing about it? Well, while the two other national holidays (March 15th and October 23rd) both commemorate failed revolutions (against the Austrians and Communists respectively), August 20th is the Celebration (yes, with capital C), with no bitter side to it at all. So here’s a little what-to-do guide for you for the b-day bash of Hungary and the celebration of her first ever king, Saint Stephen!
First of all, you should wake up very early and go to Mass; this will be your chance to glimpse ‘The Holy Right’, the mummified right hand of Saint Stephen. (Apparently, it’s the symbol of the opening ceremony) Then, according to all Hungarians asked, you should attempt to eat as many different types of street food as possible whilst walking towards the river (i.e. perec and kürtöskalács). Once at the river, you can watch the air race, (folk) dance away your flip-flops, sing songs from rock operas and while away the sunny day in various events across the city before catching the fireworks in the evening.
The Highlights
August 19
Saint Stephen -The Birth of a State
Historical Gala at 9 p.m.
1055 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos Tér
Budapest FUNZINE MAP I. B3
August 20
The Official Presentation of the Flag of the Hungarian Republic at 8.30 a.m.
1055 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos Tér
Budapest FUNZINE MAP I. B3
Marches of Army Band at 8.45 a.m.
From Oktogon towards Heroes’ Square
Budapest FUNZINE MAP I C5.
The Presentation of the ‘Country’s Cake’ at 1.30 p.m.
1055 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos Tér
Budapest FUNZINE MAP I. B3
Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Alongside the Danube
Whats-its-Name
In 1222, dubbed the ‘celebration of the saint king’, this jolly fête became compulsory by law (oh, what a burden!). First, the 19th century baptized it ‘Harvest Festival’. Later, during commie times, it was named ‘the parade of the new bread’, later ‘the celebration of the constitution’. St. Stephen only got back the recognition not much before 1989.
To Eat or Not to Eat
Definitely, eat! What would a real birthday be without a cake? In the beginning of August, during the ‘Country’s Cake’ competition a group of professionals pick the best yummyness to be made for August 20th. Last year, it was the Szatmár Plum Pálinka Cake, and this year’s winner is… the Pánd Cherry Cake! Get your taste buds at the ready!
Diversity, That’s an Order!
St. Stephen was not only a great king, but also a real good daddy. He left his son, Emeric, a guide to good leadership. Being still quite topical, one of the guidelines warns the young prince: “As a country with one language and one culture is weak and poor, I order you to treasure and treat the newcomers well.” Not bad, not bad at all!