20 August is one of the oldest holidays in the history of Hungary . It is the day of the State-founder Stephan the Saint (Szent István), the first king of the country (crowned 1001 AD). St. Stephan was the descendant of leader Álmos, who led the settlement of the Magyar tribes in Hungary in 896. As the son of monarch Géza – who supported the Christians – István became the first ruler, who adopted the Christian religion and made it the only one in Hungary . István was also known by his strong reign. He legislated strict laws and enforced them – which wasn't easy in a state habited by such a heavily independent nation. He was also a victorious leader, who scored many victories both inside and outside the country. Under his rule, he made a strong Christian state from the fragmented nation of Hungarian people, both accepted by Europe and the Pope.
45 years after his death, on 20 August 1083 he was sainted. From then, 20 August – which is also known as the day of the new bread in Hungary – became the day of King Stephan the Saint.
In remembrance of him and the birth of the Hungarian state, fireworks are held on 20 August yearly.
