Hungary marks state foundation day

Hungary celebrated its state foundation day on Tuesday with a series of events across the nation, culminating in an airshow over the Danube River and a spectacular fireworks display, reported Xinhua.

Aug. 20, one of Hungary's most important national holidays, marks the founding of the state by King Saint Stephen (1000-1038). The holiday was first celebrated in 1092.

Tuesday's celebrations began with a flag-raising ceremony at Kossuth Lajos Square in front of the parliament, followed by a military airshow over the Danube.

"This day is a tribute to the heroic perseverance of our ancestors, our fathers, grandfathers, and soldier forebears," Minister of Defense Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky said in front of hundreds newly graduated military officer candidates after their public oath-taking at the ceremony.

Visitors have the opportunity to view the Holy Crown in the parliament for free until 6 p.m., and a festive mass and procession will take place at Saint Stephen's Basilica.

Cities across the country have hosted cultural events to mark the day, including concerts, traditional crafts exhibitions, and gastronomy festivals.

The evening's highlight is a five-km-long fireworks and light show along the Danube, accompanied by a drone display.