How is St. Stephen’s Day celebrated in Hungary?

In Hungary, St. Stephen’s Day is celebrated on August 20 to commemorate the transfer of the relics of King Stephen I to Buda and his canonization. While the communist regime once attempted to rebrand the date as Constitution Day, it has since returned to its original significance as a national holiday.1

Celebrations include several official and public rituals:

• Ceremonies: The day features the raising of the Hungarian flag in Kossuth Square, located in front of the parliament building in Budapest.1
• Processions: A central ritual involves carrying the Szent Jobb (the "Holy Right"), a case containing the saint's mummified right hand, in processions through the city streets.1
• Festivities: The public observes the holiday with fireworks and parades.1
• Culinary Traditions: Hungarians celebrate with the presentation of the Cake of Hungary, a specialty selected through an annual contest. This cake is served throughout the country beginning on August 19, with its name often reflecting its unique flavors or the national spirit.1