State Secretary Zoltán Kovács announced that Hungary’s August 20 national holiday programs concluded safely and with exceptionally high public interest. He reported that the events marking St. Stephen’s Day proceeded without disruptions and drew hundreds of thousands of visitors.
The morning program on Kossuth square included the ceremonial flag-raising and the swearing-in of new officers, followed by an air parade over the capital. Kovács highlighted that tens of thousands attended these central events, with the festivities continuing throughout the day. By evening, several hundred thousand people participated in Budapest’s main programs, including the solemn mass at St. Stephen’s Basilica, the traditional Holy Right procession, and Europe’s largest fireworks and drone show over the Danube.
According to the operational staff responsible for safety, police nationwide secured 365 events without incident. “The St. Stephen’s Day programs took place in an orderly and peaceful manner, with no noteworthy disturbances,” Kovács stated.
He expressed thanks to the organizers, law enforcement, state institutions, performers, exhibitors, and the many visitors whose participation contributed to the successful and safe conclusion of this year’s holiday.