The St. Stephen’s Day celebrations in Budapest will offer both locals and expats hundreds of programmes across 19 locations on both sides of the Danube.

The following is a brief preview of the key events - including related videos - plus cheap food and drink details, all starting with details of the amazing annual fireworks.

46,000 pyrotechnic effects will be launched from Liberty, Elisabeth and Margaret bridges as well as river barges and pontoons during the 30-minute display, said Ferenc Toth, chief executive of NUVU, the company organising the August 20 fireworks show in Budapest.

"This will be one of the world’s biggest fireworks shows, not just because of the pyrotechnics that will be used, but also in terms of the length and area of the display"

Tóth noted that the pyrotechnic effects will be launched from Liberty, Elizabeth, and Margaret Bridges, as well as from nine barges and 65 pontoons along the Danube.

In addition to fireworks, the show will feature light mapping, laser visuals, and a drone performance.

The mega fireworks event is structured in six acts, continuing the historical theme introduced last year.

A synchronised audio broadcast will accompany the display, available along the full 5-kilometre stretch of the riverbank between Petőfi Bridge and Margaret Bridge.

Security and safety are key considerations: All fireworks meet EU safety regulations, and communication systems are digitally encrypted to prevent interference - so the show can be stopped at any moment if necessary.

Many More Highlights Around August 20th



In the lead-up to and during the national holiday, a wide range of events will take place across Budapest, for instance:

• Panorama Classical Concerts – Garden of Philosophers - see details below,

• Szabadrét Festival – Erzsébet Square,

• Festival of Folk Crafts – Buda Castle, from 17 August,

• Hungarian Flavours Street – also from 17 August, featuring tastings of the official St. Stephen’s Day bread, Hungary’s Cake of the Year, and more,

• Magic Grove – City Park, from 19 August,

• Creative Festival – Millenáris Park, from 19 August,

• Family Fun Island – on Margaret Island,

• Cultural Programs – Liberty Square,

• Mándoki Soulmates Concert – Trinity Square, Buda Castle, 21 August, marking the close of the holiday celebrations.

With a blend of tradition, music, food, and family-friendly activities, the long weekend promises to be a highlight of the summer for locals and expats alike.

Detailed program in English available here

Traditional food & special programs at Csárda Festival in downtown Budapest



The Csárda Festival promises Carpathian Basin dishes and traditional programs on this year's St. Stephen's Day, which awaits visitors between August 18 and 20 in Budapest at Vörösmarty Square - where in addition to classic local dishes, folk music, dance and concerts are also on offer.

The eateries participating in the event offer the 'best of traditional Hungarian cuisine', while folk dance groups, orchestras and art formations present the diversity of Hungarian culture on stage for three days.

This year's program will begin on Sunday, August 18, with the Bem Dance Ensemble's program "Dances from the Carpathian Basin", but the Zűrös Banda, the Magyar Banda, and the Gipsy Chamber Orchestra led by Elemér Duka will also take the stage.

The day here will end with a joy dance performance by the Dezső Fitos Company and late-night table music, the announcement says.

On Tuesday, August 19, traditions across the border will also be in focus, with the Debrecen Folk Ensemble and the Romanian Szilágysági Dance Ensemble preparing a joint production, and in the afternoon, the Duna Dance Workshop's performance titled Folk-Contemporary Montage and the Duna Art Ensemble's dance concert titled Szerelemkert will also be shown.

The Szilvásy Gypsy Band and the Göncöl Orchestra will also give concerts, the latter with the participation of Ágnes Enyedi.

On Wednesday August 20, the day of the founding of the state, the Balaton Dance Ensemble and the Tarsoly Orchestra will open the day, followed by children's dance ensembles, the Bulgarian dance house of the Pravo Orchestra, and the jubilee concert of Pál István Szalonna and his Band.

This evening will be closed by the program titled Csárdák - Dialects, which will showcase the dance traditions of different regions.

For More on the performances here see the Event's Facebook page

A press announcement highlights that in addition to the performers, the eateries involved are preparing some surprises: each will offer "unique, characteristic food at affordable prices".

The food selection will include, among others, classic Hungarian dishes, Székely flavors, game dishes, homemade lecsó and charcoal-grilled specialties.

The organisers say they paid special attention to ensuring that people with various food allergies can find suitable dishes, and the catering staff will provide information about gluten- and lactose-free, as well as vegetarian dishes.

Affordable Food & Drink at St. Stephen’s Day Events

This year the St. Stephen's Day events will once again feature a wide selection of discounted food and drinks.

Products with the St. Stephen's Day logo can be purchased at the event's official partners at all event locations, well below market prices.

So look out for items marked with the logo of St. Stephen Day - Szent István Nap - to enjoy significantly reduced prices at all official event venues and partner vendors.

The following listed prices already include Hungary’s DRS recycling deposit, where applicable:

Examples of Discounted F&B Prices:

• Szentkirályi Mineral Water (0.5 L): 250 Ft

• Pepsi / Pepsi Zero (0.5 L): 420 Ft

• Borsodi Beer (draft, 0.4 L): 380 Ft

• Borsodi Beer (bottled, 0.5 L): 430 Ft

• Streit-Zágonyi Wine (1 dl): 260 Ft

• Rézangyal Pálinka (4 cl, cherry, Irsai Olivér, or black cherry): 850 Ft

• Pirulo Watermelon-Apple Ice Cream (73 ml): 420 Ft

• Vienna Pretzel (100 g – cheese or seed-topped): 356 Ft

• Cheese Pogácsa (80 g): 275 Ft
   

Classic Local Pop & Rock: Retro Tabán Concert Series in Budapest



Korál, Róbert Szikora and R-GO, Neoton Família and Bikini will also perform at the traditional St. Stephen's Day Retro Tabán concert series between August 16th and 19th.

For four nights, the defining bands of Hungarian pop and rock history will entertain audiences at Tabán - one of the iconic meeting places of Hungarian pop music, according to a press statement sent to MTI.

"Tabán is a symbolic venue for Hungarian pop music, where generations grew up at legendary concerts. This year we are preparing a program that will both recall the great moments of the past and provide an unforgettable experience for the audience of the present," said Szente Vajko, the ambassador of the St. Stephen's Day program series.

For full details on the pop and rock concerts here see Retro Tabán, below is a preview of the highlights.

On August 16, the Korál band will commemorate Balázs Fecó with a concert, and with the addition of guest artists, they will recall the greatest hits of the Hungarian songwriter who died in 2020, including the songs "Maradj velem" and "Homok a szélben". Before this, host Csaba Abaházi's formation, followed by Beatrice, will perform.

On August 17, Róbert Szikora and R-GO will take the stage, followed by Ladánybene 27. and the Roy & Ádám Trio.

The next day, the hits of Back II Black and Tamás Hevesi will be played at Tabán, and then the concert series will continue with a performance by Neoton Família - including the hits "It's Summer", "Over 220" and "Santa Maria".

On August 19, the Takáts Tamás Blues Band and Gyula Deák Bill will also perform, and then the forty-year-old band Bikini will close the festival with an anniversary concert.

Classics, Jazz and More on the Panorama Classical Stage



Classical music, jazz and interactive concert experiences will take center stage on August 16 and 17 in the Philosophers' Garden on Gellért Hill, one of the venues of the St. Stephen's Day event series.

There renowned orchestras such as the Modern Art Orchestra, the Hungarian National Defence Forces Budapest Garrison Orchestra and the Danubia Orchestra will perform on the Panorama Classical stage.

The programs, which take place in a natural green environment, appeal to those interested in classical music, as well as families, young people and those who enjoy lighter genres, reads a press statement sent to MTI.

According to this press announcement, the Panorama Classical brings classical and contemporary music culture closer to all ages in a direct, experience-based format.

On Saturday, August 16, the Hungarian Armed Forces Budapest Garrison Orchestra will perform live, followed by the musicians of the Modern Art Orchestra, who will welcome the audience to play music together.

Children and adults can try out musical instruments in their interactive sessions. One of the special programs of the day is the Mozizene concert, where classical and contemporary film soundtracks can be heard in jazz arrangements with the participation of Franciska Törőcsik.

On Sunday, August 17, the focus will be on percussion instruments, wind instruments and Hungarian melodies. 

The Danubia Percussion Ensemble's playful, interactive children's program will introduce the audience to the world of rhythm instruments, followed by the Wind Orchestra of the Szent István Király Vocational High School performing playful reworkings of well-known pieces. 

That evening,  the Panorama Classical's program will conclude with a concert entitled The Great Hungarian Songbook, which will guide the audience through the world of Hungarian music from folk songs to today's hits, encouraging all participants to sing along.

On both days, children and families can enjoy a craft program with musical instruments, instrument-making, and music-making together.

The exact schedule of the Panorama Classical Stage, and all the programs of St. Stephen's Day can be found on the constantly updated official website. 

More:
szentistvannap.hu

Related:
Festival of Folk Arts, Budapest Castle District, 17 - 20 August

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