Saint Stephen’s Day
Hungarian State Foundation Day. The date is from the canonisation of Stephen I of Hungary.
Stephen (Hungarian: István), who is remembered as the founder of the Hungarian state, was crowned as its first Christian king in 1000 AD. At Christmas, a new independent state of Hungary emerged in Europe. To commemorate him, Hungarians celebrate 20 August primarily as the day of the founding of statehood.
Stephen (c. 975–1038) became the ruler of Hungary after the death of his father, Great Prince Géza in 997. Stephen I the Holy, who sat on the throne, completed the establishment of the Hungarian kingdom.
The Kingdom of Hungary consisted of present-day Hungary, Transylvania (currently in Romania), Slovakia, Ruthenia (currently in Ukraine), Vojvodina (currently in Serbia), Burgenland (currently in Austria), Slavonia, Croatia, Dalmatia (currently in Croatia) and some other smaller territories around the modern Hungarian borders.
In 1028, Stephen I abolished the power of the tribal princes, dividing the country into comitates, or counties, headed by the king-appointed ispáns, or counts. He divided up the country’s lands among subjects and churches, thus creating a feudal system in Hungary.
As king, he also embraced Catholicism and spread it among his people. It was for this that he was declared a saint after his death.
further information
Next:
Related news
The Nordic Pavilion Becomes the First Sámi Pavilion
For the first time, only Sámi artists will be presented in a national pavilion at the Venice Biennale, and for the first time, the Sámi will be recognised as a nation in a pavilion that bears their name.
Estonia's Soomaa region dugout boat culture added to UNESCO protection list
This is Estonia's fifth entry on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list and the first which is described as urgently in need of safeguarding.
Saami National Day
On 6 February 1917, the Saami living in the Nordic countries began their political cross-border cooperation. The day was designated as the Saami National Day in 1992.