State events marked the August 20th national holiday celebrating Hungary’s first Christian king, St. Stephen, today.
The celebrations will honor a more than 1,000-year-old state that protects not only its own identity and culture but also the culture, borders and identity of Europe.
August 20th began with the hoisting of the national flag in front of Parliament and an oath-taking ceremony for 130 new soldiers. The event will be addressed by President János Áder and Defense Minister Tibor Benkő. Their speeches will be followed by an air and water parade put on by the Armed Forces of Hungary.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the tradtional fireworks display to be held along the banks of the River Danube.