August 20th is the National day of Hungary, commemorating King Stephen, the first king of the Hungarians, responsible for founding the Hungarian state and ushering in Catholicism and the protection of Rome. He was canonised and became St. Stephen on August 20th 1083. The celebrations of this date stretch over 2 days and conclude with a bombastic firework display over the Danube River.
Here is the itinerary of the national holiday programs in Budapest:
August 2014 (Tuesday) 19th
10.00-24.00
"Street of Hungarian Flavours" along the Buda embankment
10.00-24.00
Hungarian, gala show at Adam Clark Square
Kolompos concert, Besh o droM and dance house Mókus és a Fabula Rasa, Sándor Csoóri Jr., Fitos Dezső, Richard Kökény, Fitos Dezső Band, Buda Folk Band, 4for Dance, Hungarians and 300 talented young Hungarians from around the world.
23.00-24.00
Ghymes concert
(Wednesday), 20 August 2014
Celebration of Crafts in the Buda Castle. Street of Hungarian Flavours on the Buda embankment throughout the day.
8:30 to 10:00
Raising of the National flag of Hungary
Defence Minister Csaba Hende's speech and the offiicial ceremony at Kossuth Square
Formal speech of the President János Áder
10:00 to 16:00
Parliament Open Day
10:00 to 22:00
Family entertainment program at Clark Adam Square
Live music by: The Hungarian Rhapsody project, Ivan & the Parasol, Ed Phillips and Memphis Petrol, György Ferenczy and Rackajamn, Deák Bill Gyula and his band
10:00 to 22:00
"Street of Hungarian Flavours" along the Danube embankment
15:00
Master's procession and blessing of the bread at the statue of St. Stephen in the Buda Castle
(organized by the People's Art Association of Local Government and the Buda Castle)
17:00
Celebratory Mass and procession of the "Holy Right" (sacred preserved right hand of the Saint himself) concluding at St. Stephen's Basilica
19:00 to 21:00
Petofi Radio event: the "Wish-chain" at the Danube River.
21:00
Celebratory fireworks by the River Danube.