Budapest Celebrates August 20th With Festivities For Everyone!

It’s hard to believe, but August 20th is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s time to celebrate Hungary’s birthday in style! And let me tell you, Budapest knows how to throw a party.

From August 17th to 20th, the city will be buzzing with a kaleidoscope of mini festivals that are sure to make this year’s celebration of the foundation of the state an unforgettable experience. Picture this: ten unique events, including the Csárdafesztivál, Panorama Classical, Heroes’ Way, Vigadó Piano, Fairytale Forest, and the Golden Train exhibition, all spread out across Budapest’s most iconic locations.

Let’s start with the Csárdafesztivál, shall we? This four-day extravaganza in the heart of the city is all about traditional Hungarian cuisine and music. We’re talking bread baked in a spectacular oven for St. Stephen’s Day, pig roasts, sausage stuffing, giant pans of steaming lecsó (a Hungarian vegetable stew), and plenty of lively Hungarian tunes. From August 17th to 20th, csárdas (traditional Hungarian taverns) will be serving up mouthwatering dishes, and from Sunday onwards, there will be stage programs featuring folk music, gypsy music, folk dance performances, and table music. And get this – the host of the Csárdafesztivál is none other than Lázár Kovács himself!

But that’s not all, folks. The Vigadó Piano is bringing together the best Hungarian bar pianists, including Gábor Fűzy, László Lakatos Pecek, and Balázs Neumann, for three days of French chansons, classics, American bar music, and Hungarian hits, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Danube and the Buda Castle. And if you’re in the mood for some refreshments, there will be plenty of thematic bars offering a wide selection of cocktails, wines, champagnes, and both domestic and international beers.

Now, let’s talk about the Golden Train exhibition. From August 18th to 20th, you’ll have the chance to see up close the lifelike replicas of the Holy Crown, the scepter, and the Holy Right Hand in the Alkotmány Street. Although the impressive carriage set made in 1938 was destroyed in World War II, it was reconstructed in 2020 to restore its former glory. In addition to viewing the Golden Train, visitors can also attend hourly presentations about our national relics and the history of the Crown Guards.

And if classical music is more your speed, you won’t want to miss the Panorama Classical on Gellért Hill. From August 18th to 20th, you can lounge on comfy beanbags under the cozy light of string lights and take in the stunning panoramic views of Budapest while listening to classical melodies and film music performed by symphonic and jazz orchestras.

But wait, there’s more! History buffs will love the Heroes’ Way program series in the Buda Castle on August 20th, where more than a thousand years of Hungarian statehood will come to life through seven fateful heroic deeds. 150 performers, traditionalists, and actors will present the history of the decisive moments in our history in 10-15 minute scenes, including the stories of King St. Stephen, St. Ladislaus, János Hunyadi, Ottmár Muhr, and the battalion of Lieutenant Ödön Sebő, who were sentenced to death.

And let’s not forget about the little ones! The Fairytale Forest at Vajdahunyad Castle in the City Park will be a magical adventure for families from August 18th to 20th. Kids can meet the giant puppet heroes of the great storyteller István Csukás and peek into King Stephen’s court. There will also be a prince and princess training program, as well as a performance by the Firebirds group presenting fair shows, magician and juggler acts.

But perhaps the most awe-inspiring event of all will be the fireworks display on the evening of August 20th. Dubbed the “Fire and Lights Show,” this spectacular display will feature not only fireworks, but also light painting and drone shows that will illuminate the Parliament building, Gellért Hill, and the National Gallery.

And if you want to explore more of Hungary’s rich culture and heritage during the celebrations, be sure to check out the Promenade of Cities in Alkotmány Street from August 18th to 20th. Here, you can take selfies with your own city’s flag against the backdrop of the Parliament, and learn about all 348 cities of Hungary, as well as the counties, the capital, our country, and the historical cities of Hungary beyond the borders through informational totems.

But the festivities don’t stop there! Fashion and design enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Fashion & Design Festival at Millenáris Park from August 18th to 20th, where the best of Hungarian fashion designers, designers, and applied artists will showcase their work. In addition to contemporary and classical literary performances, there will also be conversations with prominent figures from the music and theater world, as well as screenings of contemporary Hungarian films. And if you’re in the mood for some live music, you can catch performances by Péterfy Bori & Love Band, Kiss Tibi and his band, Hrutka Róbert, Kepes András, Háy János, and Vecsei H. Miklós and his partners performing the timeless songs of Tamás Cseh.

And last but not least, if you’re looking for a laid-back, picnic-style atmosphere with electronic and live music, then the SzabadRét Festival is the place to be on August 19th and 20th. The organizers have created a unique festival vibe in the heart of the city with a chill zone, giant flower and plant decorations, tasty bites, refreshing drinks, and cool DJs like Lotfi Begi, Galactic Jackson, Monkeyneck, Metha, Sobek, and Peter Matko.

So there you have it, folks – a whirlwind tour of all the amazing events and activities happening in Budapest during the August 20th celebrations. Whether you’re into food, music, history, arts and crafts, or just soaking up the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? Most of the programs are completely free to attend!

Of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without some official ceremonies and traditions. On August 20th itself, there will be a ceremonial flag-raising and oath-taking ceremony in Kossuth Square in front of the Parliament, followed by an air parade over the Danube. Later in the day, a solemn mass and the Holy Right Hand procession will take place at St. Stephen’s Basilica. And as the sun sets, the city will be illuminated by a dazzling fireworks display over the Danube, accompanied by light painting on the Parliament building, Gellért Hill, and the National Gallery.

But amidst all the pomp and circumstance, let’s not forget the true meaning of this holiday – to honor the legacy of St. Stephen, the founder of the Hungarian state, and to celebrate the rich history and cultural heritage of this beautiful country. So whether you’re a local or a visitor, young or old, come out and join the festivities, make some new memories, and raise a toast to Hungary’s birthday!