Hungary’s first city once again pays fitting tribute to the memory of the king who founded the Hungarian state in 2025: the Esztergom St Stephen’s Days (Esztergomi Szent István Napok) will take place on 19 and 20 August, with a varied programme, concerts and family events.
Held amid historic surroundings, the two-day series of celebrations combines respect for tradition with a colourful range of contemporary culture. The performers include Acoustic Flow, the Muzsikás ensemble, jazz guitarist Palásti Máté, the band Kávészünet and the L’Artistic Company.
On the evening of 19 August, iconic Hungária hits will ring out: the main stage presents “Csókkirály, a show” (Kiss King – the show), a spectacular musical journey through time starring Feke Pál, Király Viktor, Szulák Andrea, Csonka András and Vastag Csaba. The next day, 20 August, one of the country’s most popular singers, Rúzsa Magdi, gives a concert – her distinctive voice and dynamic performance will bring the festive weekend to a fitting close.
There is plenty for families too: in Erzsébet Park, children are entertained by a giant bubble show, a bouncy castle, face painting, glitter tattoos and traditional wooden folk games. Stage productions add further colour to the programme: the Mesekocsi Theatre performs The Little Rooster’s Diamond Halfpenny (A kiskakas gyémánt félkrajcárja), while Csillangó Meseműhely presents The Abducted Princess (Az elrabolt királykisasszony). The Autentika Művészeti Műhely Foundation’s performance The Life of St Stephen (Szent István élete) can be seen at the Park Mozi, where fairy-tale films and feature films will also be screened over the two days.
On the morning of 20 August, the town’s celebration includes the traditional blessing and breaking of the bread, accompanied by a festive speech by Hernádi Ádám, Mayor of Esztergom. Afterwards, Nomád Nemzedék invites the audience on a special cultural journey entitled Csillagkapu (Star Gate). The production is based on Csoóri Sándor’s collected poems for children, published in 2018 – through motifs of Hungarian folk culture, the world of poetry comes to life in music and dance.
Once again this year, the event is free to attend, and in addition to the big evening concerts, a rich daytime programme awaits visitors. At the craft fair, local and regional makers offer their wares – from unique ceramics and natural cosmetics to special textile products. In the food court, quality food and drink will spoil visitors: BBQ, burgers, special pizzas, local wines and refreshments create a real festival atmosphere.
As part of the St Stephen’s Days, the Esztergom Art Week will be held for the first time this year, from 15 to 20 August, organised by the Esztergom Artists’ Guild (Esztergomi Művészek Céhe). The series aims to showcase the contemporary art forms associated with the city – through exhibitions, art performances, guided tours, workshops and other events. Visitors can meet the artists in person and can even become active participants in the artistic experience.
The Esztergom St Stephen’s Days remain one of the city’s largest community events, both cherishing Esztergom’s historic traditions and offering a break full of experiences at the end of summer. This year, too, the organisers warmly welcome the people of Esztergom and visitors to the city to celebrate together in a truly special setting – with unforgettable experiences.
The detailed programme is available at eszin.visitesztergom.hu, and further information can be found on the Esztergom St Stephen’s Days Facebook page.
Source: visitesztergom.hu
