Zoltán Kovács, the state secretary for government communications and international relations, said the organizers of St. Stephen’s national holiday programs are responsible for and prepared to ensure people’s safety.
“As in years past, we’re celebrating Hungary’s birthday with a series of large-scale programmes,” Kovács said on social media on Thursday following a meeting of operational staff in charge of the August 20 events. From Friday to Sunday evening, more than 200 free programs at 14 locations will be laid on for people “who want to relax and celebrate” the nation’s founding, he said. Celebrations will start with the raising of the flag at Kossuth Lajos Square, an air show over the Danube, Holy Mass and a procession at Saint Stephen’s Basilica, and events will culminate in a light and fireworks show on Sunday evening at points along the river. Also, President of the Republic Katalin Novak will give a ceremonial speech in Esztergom on the morning of August 20, and she will hand over the Order of St. Stephen of Hungary at the same location in the afternoon. More details are available at https://szentistvannap.hu/.