St. Stephen’s Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Saint Stephen

St. Stephen's Day has an extensive and fascinating history. It begins with Stephen, the Grand Prince of the Hungarians, who established the state's foundations.

St. Stephen’s Day is an official national holiday in Hungary, observed on August 20. As the day on which the foundations of the Hungarian state were set, its celebrations are significant. This day is celebrated to honour King Stephen, whose efforts made the establishment of the Hungarian state feasible. The celebrations are highlighted by a massive pyrotechnics display along the Danube River. St. Stephen’s Day is a very sacred occasion for the Hungarian people.

The background of St. Stephen’s Day

St. Stephen’s Day has an extensive and fascinating history. It begins with Stephen, the Grand Prince of the Hungarians, who established the state’s foundations. The Hungarians were at odds with other European nations until the end of the 10th century. In 955 A.D., the Hungarian tribes suffered a significant military defeat, prompting the tribal leaders to abandon raiding and focus on constructing a strong state. Stephen believed that the conversion of Magyars to Christianity could serve as an excellent means of establishing peace and bolstering the state.

In the year 1000 A.D., Stephen received a crown from Pope Sylvester II and was crowned the first King of Hungary. His crown is regarded as a sacred relic and remains among Hungary’s priceless treasures. Stephen passed away on August 15, 1038. On 20 August 1083, he was declared a Catholic saint. Ladislaus I declared August 20 a sacred day in 1092 A.D., when it was first observed. St. Stephen’s Day was celebrated as a church holiday until 1771, when Queen Maria Theresa made it an official national holiday. In 1950, its name was altered to Constitution Day as a result of subsequent amendments. In order to commemorate the founding of the Hungarian state, the Hungarian parliament reinstated it as St. Stephen’s Feast Day. During the process of canonization, it was discovered that King Stephen’s right hand had not decomposed, so it was removed and is now on display at St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest.