What makes Europe’s most stunning fireworks so special?

The second half of August is a great time to visit Budapest, as it is when one of the Hungarian capital's most important end-of-summer events takes place: St Stephen's Day. The state foundation celebrations will once again feature a wide range of music, gastronomy and cultural events. The highlight of the event each year is the spectacular light and fireworks display, which is unique in Europe and made even more magical by a special drone show. 

20 August is a significant day in Hungarian history, marking both the foundation of the Hungarian state by King St Stephen and its thousand-year history. Crowned in 1000, King Stephen established a unified, centralised Hungarian kingdom, becoming a recognised member of the Western Christian community. As a result, Hungary entered a new era that had a lasting impact on Hungarian history, shaping the country's future and setting the stage for significant developments to come. The reason 20 August is celebrated as a feast day is because Stephen was canonised on this day in 1083.

From 16 to 21 August, Budapest celebrates Hungary's birthday with varied programmes, ranging from gastronomic delights and concerts to cultural and family programmes. Visitors to the capital can enjoy the vibrant festival atmosphere at St Stephen’s Day, as well as a spectacular fireworks display which is the largest in Europe. 

Indulge in Europe’s Most Stunning Fireworks 

Celebrating 20 August with fireworks has become a tradition in Hungary. The first recorded fireworks display on St Stephen's Day took place in the 1830s. This type of celebration has been cancelled several times, especially during difficult periods such as war. Since 1966, fireworks have been held almost every year, except in 2020 when they were cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

On 20 August this year, visitors to Budapest can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display featuring more than forty-five thousand pyrotechnic effects, all synchronised to music and colour. Just as music has different dynamics, the pyrotechnics use small, medium and giant bombs adapted to the music, creating the impression that the fireworks are exploding in time with it. The display draws on elements of Hungarian history, mythology and folk tradition, each of which is paired with a particular colour scheme. The overall effect is mesmerizing. 

This spectacular display can be enjoyed from various locations across the city, with the Danube riverbanks offering the most memorable view. This breathtaking visual experience is further enhanced by light projections on some of Hungary's most iconic buildings. At this time, 56 high-powered projectors transform the surface of the Parliament building into a giant canvas. The laser is a relatively new addition to the show and can be seen from nearly 5 km above the audience. The fireworks culminate in a drone show featuring 1,300 elements. The images displayed by the drones are arranged in a common narrative with the pyrotechnic spectacles and evoke the country's historical and cultural heritage.