Street food on St. Stephen's Day in Budapest, Hungary. St Stephen’s Day Fireworks!

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In Hungary, August 20 is a national holiday - St. Stephen's Day. This day honors the first king of Hungary and its patron saint - St. Stephen I. The holiday is very important for all residents of the country, it is celebrated magnificently. In the official calendar of Hungary, it appeared as a national holiday in 1991.
Stephen I was the first king of Hungary. He was born around 970-975 and from 995 to 997 he was the prince of Nitra, from 997 he became the grand prince, and in 1000 he was proclaimed king of the Kingdom of Hungary. Stephen was the only son of the Grand Duke of Hungary Geza and his wife, Princess Sharolt, and initially bore a name of Turkic origin, and he received a Christian name after baptism. Stephen was not only baptized into Christianity, but also became an ardent follower of it, becoming famous for his piety. In 996, he married the daughter of Duke Henry II of Bavaria, whose name was Giselle and who was also a Christian. Together, Stephen and Giselle made many efforts to spread Christianity in Hungary. Stephen ascended the throne after the death of his father, but he had to fight for power with his cousin Koppany, who was supported by pagans. With the support of several noble families, as well as knights sent to him by his father-in-law, the Duke, Stephen managed to ascend the Hungarian throne. He was crowned by the legate of the Pope on Christmas Day in the year 1000, and the crown for the ceremony was sent to Stephen by the Pope himself. Stephen I gained not only secular but also spiritual power, and was granted the title of Apostolic King. This meant independence for Hungary from both the archbishops of the Holy Roman Empire and the Pope himself, while the Hungarian king was also declared the owner of all church lands on the territory of the country. After his coronation, King Stephen I began to convert the Hungarians to Christianity and ordered the construction of churches throughout the country - at least 1 for every 10 villages. Stephen also completed the construction of the first Christian monastery in Hungary, which had been started under his father, and founded 3 more monasteries. Christianization helped integrate Hungary into the circle of civilized countries, which had a beneficial effect on its international position. King Stephen I ruled very wisely, fairly, he was kind and generous. For the fact that he laid the foundations of an independent Christian state on the territory of Hungary, Stephen I was canonized after his death by order of Pope Gregory VII in 1083. This happened on August 20, which is why St. Stephen's Day began to be celebrated on this date.
St. Stephen became a favorite of the Hungarians, they turned to him with prayers for the protection of their families, their country. Therefore, the day of his memory in Hungary has always enjoyed great respect. And now the celebration of St. Stephen's Day in Hungary is not complete without solemn processions, parades, orchestra performances, colorful fireworks.