Hungary is a politically divided country, and it is easy to discover this if you visit the country on any day of the year. The country has three national days, March 15th (commemorating the revolution in 1848), October 23rd (remembering the revolt against Sovjetunion in 1956), and August 20th (celebrating the name-day of Hungarys' first king, Stephen).
In many countries national days unite the people, but in Hungary, both October 23rd and March 15th are more about dividing the country. On those days, the political parties criticize one another and everyone celebrates together with people sharing their opinions. Luckily, August 20th is different, and on this day, the entire country celebrates together. Of course, people from the opposition will say that spending gigantic amounts of money on fireworks is a waste of money. Even though many people agree that it is a waste of money, the country still have a wonderful time every year at 21.00 on August 20th watching the gigantic fireworks as they shine up the sky above the Danube.
The firework at 21.00 is only one of many programs in Budapest on August 20th. The day is packed with concerts, markets, fairs, workshops, and other stuff all around the city. As a result, it really is a day of celebration in which you can find awesome programs, no matter if you are a kid or a pensioner. In 2023, one of hte most popular artists in Hungary named Valmar had a free concert in the City Park, once again showing how this celebration brings out of the best in the nation and unites the people.
If you ever plan to visit Budapest on August 20th, try to find accommodation along the Danube (with a view towards the Danube), and possibly looking directly towards the Elisabeth Bridge and the Chain Bridge. If the accommodation is well placed by the Gellert Hill in Orom utca, or possible a hotel directly by the Danube such as Intercontinental, Marriott, Novotel Danube, Art'Otel, or Four Seasons Hotel Gresham.
Another cool thing on August 20th is the air programs. There are often all sorts of air-shows, including big passenger flights passing by just above the Chain Bridge, and also helicopters, Gripen jets, and other similar flights showing up. This takes place early evening, so if you come early to the fireworks, you will both enjoy a wonderful air-show, and also get a great view during the fireworks in the evening.
Where are they shooting the fireworks from?
They are normally shooting the fireworks from the Danube in the area between the Margaret Bridge and the Elisabeth bridge. They are also shooting fireworks from the Elisabeth bridge and the Chain Bridge, besides boats on the river Danube. In 2023, they also used drones to perform a minor lightshow in the sky showing a cross and the Hungarian crown in the sky.
Where do the programs take place?
They are spread out all throughout the city. There are normally concerts taking place next to the Gellert hotel at a big stage there, then in the City park at various spots, then by the Parliament, along the Danube, next to the Danube on the Buda side in the main road beneath the castle and then also in different parks here and there in Budapest.
When do the programs take place?
I guess the answer is quite clear, on August 20th. The earliest programs start at 9.00 in the morning, typically around the Parliament or the St. Stephen' Basilica, and then the rest are spread around throughout the day until midnight.
You can read more about St. Stephen's Day in Budapest at https://www.hungarybudapestguide.com/events/st-stephens-day/
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