August 20th - Hungary's National Holiday

The national flag of Hungary was raised in the presence of President of the Republic Katalin Novák on Saturday morning in front of the Parliament building in Kossuth Lajos Square in Budapest, during the state holiday of 20 August, with military honors.

The flag was raised to the sound of the Hungarian National Anthem by the Hungarian Defense Forces. The event was accompanied by the Central Military Band and the National Cavalry Unit.

The ceremony was also attended by members of the government, representatives of state and military organisations, members of the diplomatic corps and hundreds of visitors.

August 20 is an official state holiday commemorating the founding of the Hungarian state and its founder, King Stephen.

Celebrations, bread-consecration ceremonies and many other events have been organised throughout the country, but could be threatened by thunderstorms. The National Meteorological Service is therefore asking those preparing for these events to follow the weather and the warnings. The planned air parade has been cancelled.